what health testing should be done before breeding?

[crazydoglade]

A friend has a 1 year old female she would like to breed. While we've convinced her to wait another 6months to a year we haven't been able to talk her into testing. What are the recommended health screenings for both sire and dam. Her argument is that both are health, the female is 5+ lbs and the male is 4 lbs there should be minimal risks. I'm certainly not a breeder but also want whats best for this little girl. Any info to insure the safest breeding would be much appreciated since she is determined to go thru with this.

[MyFairLacy]

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America requires that Patellas and Eyes be checked in order to meet minimal health requirements for the breed club. Patellas can be checked by a regular vet, but eyes must be dilated and checked by a board certified eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has forms for patellas and eyes that you can print off and send in if you want to get them entered in the health database.

In addition to patellas and eyes, I would recommend a physical checkup and bloodwork (cbc and blood chem panel) and a bile acid test.

You can also have hips tested and OFA certified. Forms are on the OFA website linked above.

You also need to have both sire and dam tested for brucellosis before breeding. This is a sexually transmitted disease (and it is possible to have even if they haven't been bred before), and it can render the male or female sterile if contracted.

[crazydoglade]

Thanks for the advice. I told her I would take some of the puppies if she couldn't find appropriate homes so I am concerned as to what I' getting myself into. How important is it to know the health history of the past parents(grandparents)? Are many of these diseases/conditions hereditary?

[carmen in nj]

besides all that above, this are MUST have tests for any breed that is going to be bred..
There are several tests you can have your veterinarian perform. Please plan to take your dog in for tests at least one to two months ahead of time because some of the tests and x-rays can take 4-6 weeks to get results. Here are some that I would recommend*.

Hips and Elbows Test: Your dog should have his/her hips tested and certified. This is important since hip dysplasia is a genetic condition. In the U.S. your dog can be tested and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Inc.) certified when he/she reaches at least 2 years of age. Other countries have similar programs. Your veterinarian can check your dog's elbows at the same time. If you notice your dog limping regularly, or if his/her leg seems to be locked straight (a symptom of patellar luxation), please do not breed your dog.
Eye Test: The bad news - There are many genetic eye problems. The good news - most of these can be checked in ONE exam. A few things your dog's veterinary opthamologist will check for are cataracts, progressive degenerative retinas, ectropion, entropion, distichiasis, and other eye abnormalities. Some veterinarians recommend this test be performed annually as long as the dog is being used for breeding. Then it’s up to you and your vet to decide how often to perform the CERF exam.
Heart Test: Like the eye exam, it is recommended to have this test done yearly.
Brucellosis Test: This is a VERY NECESSARY test, even if you are having your bitch artificially inseminated. This is a very nasty disease. It can cause sterility, and in some cases can cause a litter of puppies to be aborted or die shortly after birth. An infected dog can pass the disease through intercourse, urine and feces. It is transmissible to humans and can infect an entire kennel. Please require this test before mating. The signs of this disease are not prominent or easily noticed.

[Lovetodream88]

Besides testing dogs should also be an excellent example of the breed or not bred. You also need to know there lines to know that no one if the history has cases of LP and other genetic illness. Also I suggest she go look at some shelters and see how many homeless dogs there are before she chooses breeding. The only exceptable reason to breed is to better the breed.

[crazydoglade]

I agree, but some people want to do things their way. I work with a small rescue, 30-40 dogs.Right now we have probably a dozen purebreeds. All 3 of mineare rescues. Honey, you're preachin to the choir.

[gemy]

Beyond the tests already listed I would add: A specific thyroid panel to test for thyroid disease.

Also a pelvic exam for the female, might as well know if she has a good chance of free whelping or not.


And to the OP - if these tests are not done, I'd say pass on any offspring.

Why promote Byber? If she is not willing to do things the "right" and most healthful way, then for me I would not be supporting this breeder.

[crazydoglade]

No supporting. Just trying to minimize the damage.