Health Testing - a powerful tool for improved genetic health
Health testing is the crucial factor that separates responsible breeders from unethical breeders.
[read how to identify backyard breeders and puppy farms]
Dogs are often advertised as “health tested”, but this can be misleading, if you know where to look.
Every breed and mix is predisposed to their own set of diseases. Therefore, the tests your dog needs prior to breeding depends upon their breed(s).
Testing before breeding is the standard of care. These tests are tools to prevent problems. There is absolutely no excuse not to utilize these tools. If someone is breeding two dogs without doing tests appropriate for their breed, they are only creating puppies to sell.
“Health-testing” refers to recommended breed-specific tests carried out on the parents – before breeding.
Completing health testing evaluates a dog’s health in the present and allows predictions to be made about their health in the future. These health problems are unapparent to the average person and can only be detected with the appropriate screening. Testing enables earlier diagnosis and intervention, and can help track potential problems and provide solutions before the problems worsen. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog will never get sick. Health testing is a form of risk reduction that your puppy will suffer from these conditions. Occasionally, a genetic disease appears without warning. However, most common genetic diseases are predictable.
Health testing is not a secret, and it is nothing to be defensive about:
Passing off “DNA testing”, “Vet Clearance”, “Embark,” “Pawprint Genetics” as doing proper health testing to the unsuspecting buyer is not acceptable and is a misrepresentation of pre-breeding health clearances. Intentionally omitting health screening or withholding health screening results escapes responsibility.
What Health Tests Does My Dog Need?
All dogs – purebred or mixed – are prone to specific abnormalities genetic in nature. Therefore, the tests your dog needs prior to breeding depends upon their breed.
To figure out exactly which tests your dog would need, check the lists at:
Health testing on both parents per the national breed club or OFA recommendations are to be completed before breeding.
Check that the breeder has done all of the available health screening on the parents of your puppy and ask to see the relevant documentation to prove that both parents of your puppy are healthy and fit to breed. If a breeder has not carried out all the available health tests, ask them to explain why. Breeding responsibly requires a deep understanding of genetics, temperament, canine husbandry, breed standards, breed history, medical tests, and more. Having had all of the relevant health tests that are appropriate for the breed reduces or avoids the risk of passing health problems on to the next generation of dogs.
The Importance of Checking Documentation
Statements of testing by the breeder or on a breeder website are not sufficient to document health test status. Dogs are often advertised as “health tested”, but this can be misleading, if you know where to look. Health test results are public records and accessible in a database. When it comes to dog breeding, it is not difficult for anyone to market themselves as a responsible breeder.
- Identify what breed-relevant genetic conditions your puppy may be a carrier of or at risk for
- Cross-check records in the public database
You can easily crosscheck records, which are readily available on the OFA Databases and CHIC DNA Repository. They are partnered with participating parent clubs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in each specific recognized breed.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) registers and manages the database of results, related breed statistics, provides data to researchers, and recommends the tests and labs where all of the various tests (Hip Scoring and Hip Evaluations, Elbow Grading, Knee Grading, Thyroid Clearance, Cardiac Clearance, Eye Clearance and DNA Testing) can be carried out.
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Studies demonstrate the importance of health testing for dogs in preventing and managing various health conditions, identifying inherited diseases, and promoting responsible dog breeding practices. Science emphasizes the importance of using health testing to ensure that dogs are healthy and free of genetic or inherited health conditions.
“Evaluation of a Hip Dysplasia Control Program in a Large Dog Breed Population” published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, this study found that health screening for hip dysplasia in dogs resulted in a significant reduction in the prevalence of the condition over time. The study concluded that routine health screening can help to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in different dog breeds.
Genetic testing can help to identify inherited diseases in dogs and inform breeding decisions.
Health testing is an essential component of responsible dog breeding. The study emphasized the importance of using health testing to ensure that dogs are healthy and free of genetic or inherited health conditions.
Health testing tools are available, and the information is well established. Health testing can help breeders, pet owners, and researchers. Dog owners are the engine that drives the pet breeding industry. If the public demands dogs from health tested breeding stock, the market will change to favour health conscious breeders and the frequency of devastating genetic diseases can be significantly decreased, if not eliminated. The tools are available, and the information is well established. With a focus on producing healthy, well-socialized puppies that conform to the breed standard, responsible breeders pave the way for the next generation of sound canines.
Synergistically Yours,
Danielle
Sheepdog Riggs, Forever in Our hearts
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