Health Testing
Here are some health tests that are available for testing Shetland sheepdogs, crossbreeds and other herding breeds. Tests denoted with * are of greatest importance to OUR breeding program. Each Health test will be broken down into 3 foci
1) The science: what is the test, whats it testing, how is it inherited, is the actual LITERATURE strong enough to indicate disease prenetrance with identification of mutations, is it a marker (assessing a risk) or identifying a gene
2) The relevance: whats the prevalence, does it actually matter
We hope to provide links of research and reference
1) The science: what is the test, whats it testing, how is it inherited, is the actual LITERATURE strong enough to indicate disease prenetrance with identification of mutations, is it a marker (assessing a risk) or identifying a gene
2) The relevance: whats the prevalence, does it actually matter
We hope to provide links of research and reference
*** Hips - There have been incidences of poor hip conformation in shelties over the years. Emerging literature indicates hip dysplasia is a POLYGENETIC trait, with environmental infludence. At the ' " seminar by ___ and ___ , it was indicated that there will never be a genetic test to determine hip dysplasia, Testing for large breed and small breed dogs with prevelance to hip dysplasia, should be certified by radiologists from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to be free of hip dysplasia before breeding.
*** Thyroid - Many breeders are not testing for thyroid disease in our wonderful breed. There has been an increased incidence in shelties today (please view statistics on the OFA website). Thyroid issues have been closely related to poor coat quality, weight issues, seizures, and fertility. Several breeders do not test their dogs. Although we do not submit our results to the Orthopedic foundation For animals, We do run thyroid pannels on out dogs, 2-3 times in their lifespan.
***VWD - Is a
DM - A test that also has questionable validity and of objective importance. Although some of our dogs are tested for this, the genotypic results do not corrrelate 100% with symptoms.This disease is reported to occur late in life (when the animal is 10-15 years of age) and only confirmed nacroscopy. In our opinion, and in the opinion of several canine geneticists, the prevalence is low in shelties, and is not a useful tool genetic result to phenotype.
Dermatomyosistis (DMS)- This is a Fairly new diagnostic test. Dms . We have tested some of our dogs, and did partake in studies regarding dms. Those with current science based education, should read the literature prior to dicifering the validity of this test. I know very FEW sheltie breeders that have sat down and read the scientific literature about this test.
MDR1 - A list of drugs that can effect dogs that are mutant/mutant or mutant/normal for MDR1
http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/problem-drugs
CEA
PRA
Lanced canines.
Overall Vitality
Breeding for health and longevity is a primary goal for us, our dogs and our breeding program for the betterment, promotion and preservation of our breed. Thus, we may focus less on tests that are less relevent, or diseases that are easily managed, and focus on greater concerns such as how this disease would affect the animals quality of life. This is another reason why you want to buy from a reputable breeder becasue many puppy farmers dont care if the sire or dam have skin allergies, if they can walk run or play, if they have dry, coats, poor skin, weeping eyes.
When we refer to vitality, we refer to a generic overall thrival of the animal. We would not purposely breed a dog that has skin issues, allergies, is contantly itching, has chronic anal gland issues, constipation or loose stools.
****Puppy farmers doesn't care what the sire or dam have, nor will it be apparent when you get a puppy, it will show up later in life. They dont care if the parents have 3 legs, skin issues (dry skin, constant itching, dull sparse unhelathy coats, dental abnormalities, eyes that constantly tear, can hardly walk, may have a genetic disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, endocrine gland disorders like cushings and addisons,
*** Thyroid - Many breeders are not testing for thyroid disease in our wonderful breed. There has been an increased incidence in shelties today (please view statistics on the OFA website). Thyroid issues have been closely related to poor coat quality, weight issues, seizures, and fertility. Several breeders do not test their dogs. Although we do not submit our results to the Orthopedic foundation For animals, We do run thyroid pannels on out dogs, 2-3 times in their lifespan.
***VWD - Is a
DM - A test that also has questionable validity and of objective importance. Although some of our dogs are tested for this, the genotypic results do not corrrelate 100% with symptoms.This disease is reported to occur late in life (when the animal is 10-15 years of age) and only confirmed nacroscopy. In our opinion, and in the opinion of several canine geneticists, the prevalence is low in shelties, and is not a useful tool genetic result to phenotype.
Dermatomyosistis (DMS)- This is a Fairly new diagnostic test. Dms . We have tested some of our dogs, and did partake in studies regarding dms. Those with current science based education, should read the literature prior to dicifering the validity of this test. I know very FEW sheltie breeders that have sat down and read the scientific literature about this test.
MDR1 - A list of drugs that can effect dogs that are mutant/mutant or mutant/normal for MDR1
http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/problem-drugs
CEA
PRA
Lanced canines.
Overall Vitality
Breeding for health and longevity is a primary goal for us, our dogs and our breeding program for the betterment, promotion and preservation of our breed. Thus, we may focus less on tests that are less relevent, or diseases that are easily managed, and focus on greater concerns such as how this disease would affect the animals quality of life. This is another reason why you want to buy from a reputable breeder becasue many puppy farmers dont care if the sire or dam have skin allergies, if they can walk run or play, if they have dry, coats, poor skin, weeping eyes.
When we refer to vitality, we refer to a generic overall thrival of the animal. We would not purposely breed a dog that has skin issues, allergies, is contantly itching, has chronic anal gland issues, constipation or loose stools.
****Puppy farmers doesn't care what the sire or dam have, nor will it be apparent when you get a puppy, it will show up later in life. They dont care if the parents have 3 legs, skin issues (dry skin, constant itching, dull sparse unhelathy coats, dental abnormalities, eyes that constantly tear, can hardly walk, may have a genetic disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, endocrine gland disorders like cushings and addisons,
