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Originally Posted by magicgenie  Several places I've read this test is inaccurate, appears to have been abandoned by many. I'm not seeing the point of the 16 weeks BAT if the picture can change at 6 months. I agree with repeating the test to confirm the original result, but what next? Protein C sounded like a godsend until people started saying it was unreliable. How much testing in too much on a completely healthy looking animal with all other blood values normal? Also, is the unfortunate puppy with the elevated BAT no longer saleable, to be given away as defective goods? Please don't pounce as I know some of you will find the question unspeakably mercenary, but it's an honest one. Do some normal ones have high BATs or are they ALL considered sick? |
How much testing is too much? Each of us will have a different barometer on how we measure that answer.
I'm a very conservative person, who believes that forwarned is forarmed. As such I would go with Protein C, then scintography, see what those results show. If pup has a suspected liver shunt, and or MVD, the earlier you begin to treat for same, the better impact you will have on the overall long term health of the puppy.
With high post BAT, I would keep that pup past 6mths of age, retest, see what the answer is, but in all good conscience if I were to let that puppy go, it would be with full discloser to prospective owner and it would be placed either free or charge or at the most cost of spay and neuter.
In terms of LP physical examination is fine to determine existence of LP, but I would want XRAY and it evaluated by a specialist. I'd want to know the exact degree of LP, if there are any other anomalies on the articulating surfaces, ie the femoral condyles, the tibial plateau, the fibular In Yorkies that are not being shown or bred, I would do at 18 months the Xray, but earlier of course for the physical exam. With a detailed analysis of structural integrity and congruity, a better exercise program can be designed for this pup.
In pet dogs CERF would in my opinion only be done if there is clinical evidence of blindness. then referral to opthmalogist to determine causation, and results sent to breeder.