What is Health Testing?
Health tests are a process in which your veterinarian go through procedures such as x-rays, auscultation, EKG, blood work, and DNA tests among other things to determine if your dam or sire have any health concerns.
What Ailments do Vets Test For?
Each breed has a different set of common health issues. For instance, Bernese Mountain Dogs require the following:
- AKC DNA Profile
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Exam (ophthalmologist evaluation)
- Cardiac Evaluation (not required by AKC but recommended)
- Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test (not required by AKC)
Optional Tests:
- Von Willebrand (vWD) DNA Test (Not required by AKC)
- Thyroid Test (Not required by AKC)
- Histiocytic Sarcoma pre-test DNA test (Not required by AKC)
An Australian Cattle Dog would have different requirements due to breed-specific health problems such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA Test
- Congenital Deafness
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Patellar Luxation (optional)
- Cardiac Eval (optional)
- PennHip (optional)
When Are Tests Performed?
It depends what test is being performed. Before the dog is 2 years of age, hip and elbow test will NOT be accepted by the AKC and some veterinarians may refuse to perform them until that time. Dogs have very cartilaginous bones when young and it takes time for them to harden. Once fully formed, the vet is able to see more clearly if there are any concerns or not in the dogs joints/tissue. DNA tests, eye, cardiac, and thyroid can be ran at any age and will be accepted if submitted properly.
Females dogs also:
- May not be in heat
- May not be pregnant
- May not have had a litter within the last 12 weeks prior to exam
Does this guarantee health of future puppies?:
Health testing is not a guarantee against genetic defects, but it does provide incredibly helpful information when breeding to be able to make wise mating pairs or whether to breed a dog at all. For instance, we have females that are carriers for DM (degenerative myelopathy). They can pass on that trait but it will not become an ailment unless it has two sets of genes: i.e., one set from mom and one set from dad. Our Male is not a carrier so it is safe to pair them. Healthy dogs are the best dogs a breeder can ask for.
Additionally:
Testing can range in prices. Many dysplasia exams in our local area range from $300-$600 dollars seeing as the dog is put under anesthesia and it is a VERY uncomfortable process for the animal. Eye exam must be performed by a specialist and usually are around $100. Thyroid tests may be ran by a vet $50-$100. Cardiac exams typically require ECG/EKG’s and are performed by specialists $300+. DNA kits for optional health screening $200 +/-. AKC DNA Test $50. Each breeding animal must go through this process. Every breed is different. Every area has different pricing and payment options. Some vets won’t perform tests. Other specialists require a recommendation before seeing an animal. This process takes a lot of time, patience, and finances.
Access to Testing:
A secondary option that can prove to be affordable is to take a well mannered dog to a Dog Show. A quick Google search will result in finding when/where you can find one. At some shows there are doctors who are performing discounted OFA tests or health screenings. Check the requirements before attending with your pet to be sure they allow dogs who are not showing and to verify you do not need prior appointments!
AKC LINKS:
Shaw Hollow Point Berners 