What tests should be done prior to breeding?
 

I have done search after search on the web and all I can find is what health issues they can have. But what I really need to know is what tests to do.

I know an acid bile test is 1, and CERF, and OFA on knees. and that is pretty much all I know.

I have 2 females I am raising now to eventually breed (I have 2 others, 1 to tiny at 4 years and the other I have no heritage on so will be spayed).

I have been breeding for many years but this will be my first time breeding yorkies so I am trying to learn as much I can. I used to breed cocker spaniels, and english springer spaniels. So health tests done for them of course are different. and of course my cockapoos.

Once I start breeding yorkies I will no longer breed the cockapoos (2nd and 3rd generation is what I breed)..

When we bought Kizzie we had planned to eventually breed her but she ended up only being 3 pounds. I had her spayed when she finally hit 2 pounds at 10 months. She is 4 now. But we fell in love with the breed and I have an 8 month old now and a 4 month old. No boy yet but I plan to get a male.

Not to many breeders I run across doing any testing on their dogs. I have learned a lot since buying Gracie and Pennie. Pennie was a VERYYYY sick puppy I had to force feed her for 5 weeks and she just was not gaining. I spent $1,000.00 on vet visits and tests and in the end it was what I thought it might be all along, giardia!

As soon as we started the liver juice we saw improvement within 1 day. with a a couple of days of the meds we saw her do a complete 180 and now she is 4 months old and 3 pounds..LOL.. she has ver sparse hair now though because of lack of nutrition, but she is healthy and her coat will be gorgeous one day soon;)

Anyhow, I would appreciate it very much if anyone can give me some advice on tests, or links, etc.. all comments welcome except attacks please.:p

Thanks

Have eyes tested; PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a problem
Ears Tested
Heart
Temperament Tests
STD Tests
Brucellosis Test

Keep in mind testing will give you peace of mind that your dog is clear, however, it does not guarantee that they are not carriers of genetic hereditary problems.....

Another disease that is being researched Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). Genetic links are just being researched

My replies in red above..
Thanks:thumbs up

Hearing Loss


STD & Brucellosis are two different things. Your girl can have an infection that can be transferred to the male and vice a versa. Test your girl just as she's coming into Season, that way she can be treated for an infection (not always) prior to breeding.

What kind of STD's do dogs get? I have never heard of this before so I am confused. Especially if they have never bred before how can they get an STD?

Infections can be picked up if they haven't been bred. Just by the structure of their anaotomy, when peeing, especially if they are in Season. Just best to test prior to breeding. Omitting this test can cause you to lose a litter.

Ok, thank you. But what are the STD's they can get?

Maybe STD is the wrong term.....what you are testing for is anytype of infection.

Well I have looked on several web sites and the only ones I see are
1.canine transmissible venereal tumor, a very rare example of what's known as a parasitic cancer

2. Herpes

3. canine brucellosis

I am surprised nobody is answering this subject.

I am sorry that I don't have any wisdom to offer you, but I am happy you started this thread! It is very informative!

thank you. I think it is a very important subject as well when either breeding, or buying a dog.

Hearing Loss = so a regular hearing test?

Thyroid ?? yes no

Cataracts is there some test for that one?

I know about PRA

Do you first screen for Pra ABOUT one year then annually thereafter?

Cataracts are at times a fact of life as a dog ages. There is no tests.

PRA is a hereditary problem. The dog has it or it doesn't.

Remember not all breeders tests their dogs, just those that are cautious.

I think the reason for nobody else answering is because Mary has been. She is great with a lot of great advice :)
I am sure that there are others watching and learning