Congenital diseases Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows anything about testing for congenital diseases in a pup. I heard you can test for liver shunts, but are they pretty accurate and has anyone had this done? I'm wondering if I shoul have my puppy tested before the 1 year guarantee is up. Unfortunately I got a pup from a bad breeder and want to make sure he's healthy. Thank you!! |
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They draw one blood sample and then they feed them a High protein food and wait at least two hours and them draw another blood sample and send it off. It is a very easy test to do. Results should take about 3-5 day's. |
Does this test being done now when he's four months old, Can it prove that he will or will not have liver shunt for the entirety of his life? Or if he tests negative is there a possibility he might develop it later? |
Unfortunately No. The test if normal does NOT guarantee that will be no Liver problems in his future. How-ever it is still a good $60 odd dollar test to do. It can indicate early problems (like an extra hepatic shunt) and this would point the way for more testing to be done. I believe it to be wise to do, and 4 months old is a great time to test! |
I know that you only asked about Liver Shunt, but if you are concerned with how healthy your puppy is because you believe that they came from a bad breeder then I would: 1. First talk with my vet and explain my concerns, and also explain your health warranty only lasts for one year, and you truly want to make sure this puppy is healthy. 2. Ask the vet after his examination of this puppy ( when you brought the puppy in for a full exam); is he satisfied with the following: a) There are no heart murmur sounds b) Lungs and breathing rate are all within normal parameters c) Knees - No sign of loose knees? Or does this dog have Luxating Patella and if so what Grade would he say it is at? d) No hernias evident on palpation? e) If a male - 2 testicles have dropped f) Beyond the knees are all other boney structures normal? Hips, elbows, ankles, etc. No obvious distortions at any joint? g) Is his bite normal? No over or underbite? There is also something called Leggs Calves Perthes disease. Or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This is located in the rear legs. The symptoms of such usually in a small breed do not show up until 7-8 months old. If you notice limping or altered gait at 6+ months old immediately bring into your vet. An Xray view of the hips can easily determine if LCP is present. |
Thank you! You're so knowledgeable about this! You have three babies...I'm jealous! I want another. 😩 |
You are very welcome. The other thing I highly recommend is get pet insurance now! Prior to any diagnosing of any condition. Presumably he has already passed his first vet check. And you can simply call up Insurance companies, select the one that covers genetic diseases, (and don't share that you feel you got him from a bad breeder please), the deductible etc that is right for you. I would do this now, usually companies have a 30day waiting period, I would wait the 30 days then immediately go into my vet to have blood work and BATS testing done, and ask all the other things I told you about. |
Before you have any genetic testing done you should look into pet insurance. The insurance does not cover preexisting conditions but it would cover things that are not known. Since you are saying he's from a bad breeder I'd totally look into getting some insurance in case of future unknown issues. |
Just a reminder, we often use the term genetic testing, and what we really mean is health testing or screening. For the Yorkie there are truly few genetic tests available, CDA for example, and other Color tests, but not for the big health concerns of Yorkies, like Luxating Patella, Liver Shunt or MVD, cataracts and PRA, kidney disease, allergies, etc.... One day hopefully there will be true genetic tests, but until then we have health screenings and knowing the health concerns of the line(s) you are breeding. |
That makes sense. Thank you. I guess pray for the best. |
For sure pray for the best, and get insurance just in case :-) |
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