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Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel  Sheldon sure is cute.
I notice you said earlier that the breeder does genetic testing, and you were going to have it done as well. I'm curious about what kind of genetic testing they did and what you are going to have done.
Genetic testing can be reliably used to prove parentage and to identify the breed (with sometimes questionable results), but what else can be proven by genetic testing? With liver shunt, LP, legg calve perthes, etc. while they are known to be genetic, the genes that cause these ailments have not been identified.
So the breeder's claim to do genetic testing -- what exactly did that prove health-wise WRT her pups? The only benefit I can see is if she needed to prove parentage, but I don't think any health claims can be made based on what is known at this point, and I think you would be wasting your money to have Sheldon genetically tested.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they have isolated/identified the genes that cause these major ailments. |
You are correct in that for the major diseases you mentioned there are no genetic tests, only health screenings can be done and should be done so that you know that your breeding pair are clear of these diseases at the time of mating. There is a genetic test for CDA Color Dilution Alopecia, and one for Hyperuricosuria(which Yorkies are not predominately affected by), and I think PRA - how-ever you would still need the eye exams to rule out cataracts and other inheritable eye disease.