[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

I've found that this can be a really difficult subject to get breeders to talk about publically. You may have better luck talking to breeders in private about it. Here is a thread I started a few months ago that got pretty good responses. It might help you out http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...ghlight=health

I can tell you of things I am aware of that can be used to screen your dogs and what I would look into if I was considering breeding.

A very careful and thorough physical exam by vet
Complete Blood Panel
Bile Acid Test
Urinalysis (?)
Brucellosis Test (every time before breeding)

Patella and hips cleared & certified by OFA
http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html
http://www.offa.org/hipinfo.html
http://www.offa.org/leggperthinfo.html

Eyes checked & cleared & certified by CERF
http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

Heart checked & cleared & certified by OFA
http://www.offa.org/cardiacinfo.html

Thyroid checked & cleared & certified by OFA
http://www.offa.org/thyinfo.html

Ears checked & cleared & certified by OFA
http://www.offa.org/deafinfo.html
(personally, I think this probably isn't needed for our breed..)

You also want to do research into the pedigrees of the male and female to check for any genetic defects/diseases to identify if the dogs could be a carrier or not.

Hope that helps

What a nice summary of the available certifications....it's nice to have it all together in one place for reference.