POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) gene mutation is associated with weight gain, increased appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flatcoated Retrievers.
POMC is a gene that is crucial in the system controlling appetite. The mutation in this gene causes the dog to have an increased appetite and to feel hungry even if they have already eaten.
Affected dogs have an increased appetite and are persistently hungry which results in overeating and obesity. For each copy of the mutation, a dog will be on average 1.9kg heavier than those dogs without the POMC mutation.
DNA testing is available.
Clear: the dog does not carry the mutation in the POMC gene. This means they will not suffer from the hunger associated with the POMC mutation.
One Copy: the dog does have the mutation, this makes them more interested in food than dogs without this mutation. This effect is not as marked as dogs with two copies of this mutation. The increased hunger and interest in food can lead to obesity.
Two Copies: the dog does have the mutation, this makes them more interested in food than dogs without this mutation. The increased hunger and interest in food can lead to obesity.