Comments on: WHAT HEALTH TESTING DO YOU DO ON YOUR DOGS BEFORE YOU BREED?

By: Joe R

Joe R — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:27 +0000

First i test whether the dog has any communicable diseases, such as rabies e. t. c.

By: gobble gobble

gobble gobble — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:05:43 +0000

There is an entire list of DNA health and trait tests along with the breeds that are eligible here. . . http://www. vetdnacenter. com/

By: Sheri

Sheri — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:36:52 +0000

With all the breeders on here, I’m surprised more aren’t answering this question!
I don’t know about health testing, and it’s nice to see what tests should be done

By: Dazzling

Dazzling — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:34:55 +0000

Boxer Testings
Doppler Echocardiogram Test ——————————-
An ultrasound of the heart that detects abnormal flow velocities and allows for the diagnosis and quantification of the severity of Aortic Stenosis.
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24 hour Holter Monitor Test EKG (Electrocardiogram) ———–
Tests for the presence of PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions). This test screens for Boxer Arrythmic Cardiomyopathy, and should be repeated yearly
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OFA Hips (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Inc):—————-
An X-ray of the pelvic joint to screen for hip dysplasia
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PennHip (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program): —-
An X-ray of the pelvic joint to screen for hip dysplasia
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OFA Thyroid: A blood test to detect autoimmune thyroiditis
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CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation)————————-
Testing screens for heritable eye diseases
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DM – Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Testing ————————
The test clearly identifies if a dog is normal or is a carrier for DM
Dm (Degenerative Myelpopathy is similar to multiple sclerosis in people. It affects the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord.
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The testing is done to ensure that you do not breed an undesirable trait or illness and pass it onto any litters. Ensuring that all litters of potential pet and show quality puppies have the best outlook for their future.

By: Rogue Bulles

Rogue Bulles — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:25:54 +0000

APBT and Rottweiler Health Testing:
I do not breed but I do have some knowledge to assist me when buying outside of a rescue. It also helps me keep breeders reputable. The following health testing is not specific to just APBT’s or Rottweilers as most diseases are not exclusive to just one specific breed.
True health-testing is in depth and seeks to identify carriers of crippling and increasingly common genetic diseases that are affecting our purebred dogs. Health-testing is a tool to help breed away diseases from the dogs that are carrying them.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers tests for hips, elbows, patellas (kneecaps), cardiac, thyroid, eyes, hearing, shoulders, some skin diseases, and a hip disorder commonly affecting small dogs. They also offer DNA testing. PennHip is another organization that offers hip testing, utilizing different methods than the OFA.
Hips are probably the top concern then cardiac, elbows and patellas are also important to a working breed and the remaining as above noted above.
The working drive and pain threshold is so high in this breed that afflicted dogs may work their hearts out without ever giving any indicator that they are unsound.
The APBT ranks 27th out of 142 breeds for hip dysplasia. 22. 2% of our breed is dysplastic, versus only 4. 8% excellent. That number is up more than 7% since 1990. (The AmStaff’s percentage of hip dysplasia dropped 9% during that same period. )
The APBT ranks 15th out of 82 breeds for elbow dysplasia. 14% of tested dogs are dysplastic.
Rottweiler Health Testing: (Same as above with the following)
A reputable breeder will have the hips and elbows of all breeding stock x-rayed and read by a recognized specialist. They will have paperwork to prove it.
They will also have certificates that their breeding animals do not have Entropian or Ectropian and that they have full and complete dentition with a scissor bite.
As with any species, hereditary conditions do occur in some lines. Potential purchasers should question breeders about any history of hereditary disease in their lines.
If over fed and /or under exercised Rottweiler’s are one of the breeds most prone to obesity. Some of the consequences of obesity can be very serious: arthritis, breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart failure, reproductive problems, skin disease, reduce resistance to disease and overheating caused by the thick jacket of fat under the skin
Ego, reputable breeders do health testing to “Better the Breed”!