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. 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.
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
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 disases that are easiliy managed, and focus on greater concerns such as screening for thyroid disease.
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.
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
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 disases that are easiliy managed, and focus on greater concerns such as screening for thyroid disease.