Health Test Questions (OFA etc.)

[Cheetah]

I know that Shippo's parents were both health tested and passed, but I also know that doesn't guarantee thing 100% as far as his own health. Can anyone tell me at what age I should have him tested for things?

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by Cheetah

I know that Shippo's parents were both health tested and passed, but I also know that doesn't guarantee thing 100% as far as his own health. Can anyone tell me at what age I should have him tested for things?

Cheetah,

What kind of things are you thinking about? Cody is a couple of months older than Shippo; he has been to the vet, and gotten his vaccinations; been checked over at his 1 year exam, but that is about it.

[Cheetah]

I'm thinking hips, eyes, back, etc.

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by Cheetah

I'm thinking hips, eyes, back, etc.

Cheetah,

Your talking about the same type of tests that the breeder would do before breeding? I dont' know money wise how much those tests cost, it's not something I plan on doing with Cody. I don't know of others who normally do that with a dog they don't plan on breeding, unless there are some type of problems you are concerned about.

Are you still thinking about taking Shippo in for an examination?

[fido]

Not really my area of knowledge, but here are some links we bookmarked when we were looking for our Buddy that might be helpful:

hips, etc--OFA: OFA: Fees

eyes--CERF: CERF - CERF Information (Brochure)

vonWillebrand Disease testing: GGPWCF - von Willebrand's Disease

thyroid testing: SiriusDog.com - Thyroid Testing In Dogs

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Cheetah

I know that Shippo's parents were both health tested and passed, but I also know that doesn't guarantee thing 100% as far as his own health. Can anyone tell me at what age I should have him tested for things?

Hips can't be OFA certified until age 2. Eyes can be done anytime after 8 weeks of age. Be sure to use an ACVO vet. It's the CERF test you want.

IMO, unless you are going to breed your dog you don't need to do all the tests. If a dog hasn't had a problem with bleeding during surgery or having nails clipped then he probably doesn't have vWD. (The test costs about $100 if you can find an on going clinic. More if not.)

It'll cost at least $100 for a hip x ray. Eye exam is much cheaper.

And well, no need for the fluffy test unless you're going to breed and even then it's not a necessity.

Peggy

[Cheetah]

Originally Posted by corgimom

Cheetah,

Your talking about the same type of tests that the breeder would do before breeding? I dont' know money wise how much those tests cost, it's not something I plan on doing with Cody. I don't know of others who normally do that with a dog they don't plan on breeding, unless there are some type of problems you are concerned about.

Are you still thinking about taking Shippo in for an examination?

When I can afford it, I want to make sure his hips and back are sound and healthy, basically. That's all.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Cheetah

When I can afford it, I want to make sure his hips and back are sound and healthy, basically. That's all.

There aren't any tests for the back. X rays won't show a disk problem unless it's very bad and he'd have symptoms if it were. (Such as weakness in his rear legs.)

If you do his hips be sure to send them to the OFA. Most vets can't read corgi hips accurately.

Peggy

[Cheetah]

I was planning on OFA. >^^;<

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Cheetah

I was planning on OFA. >^^;<

You can have his eyes done anytime.

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

Cheetah - I'll buy a fun drawing of Taylor off you if you want to use one of your many talents.