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Originally Posted by linz06  I always thought I was lucky to have such a healthy little dog with no signs of any issues. She was the picture of health, until she slipped a disc and became paralyzed from probably genetic invertebral disc disease (IVDD). Vet bills were enormous and her breeder didn't offer any support, except to offer me a 7 year old retired breeding female to "compensate" for my "loss"  If I buy another yorkie from a breeder, I will be sure to do WAY more research than I did this time. I want to see bloodlines and testing. They can't predict IVDD but there are many other genetic conditions that can be tested for.
I am so sorry for your sick little guy. I know a lot of people here have been through the same things so you've come to the right place for support! |
Just for clarity; there is only "one" genetic condition that can now be tested for not just for Yorkies but for all breeds and that is Hyperuricosuria gene. If both genes are present the dog will have bladder stones. ONe takes a buccal swab and sends it into the Univ of Davis for testing about $65, and you do this before you breed.
There are many tests prior to breeding that can rule out if your breeding pair has this disease, and these tests should be done. How-ever it doesn't guarantee a recessive gene(s) for a particular disease is present or not. The best the best breeders can do is a) insure their breeding pair does not have condition a/b/c/ and b) throughly check the horizontal and vertical pedigree for any health concerns.