Essential Health Testing
Since the domestication of dogs, ethical breeders have been striving to produce better dogs every generation that are fit for purpose (capable of fulfilling the role they bred for). In the modern era, this goal encompasses breeding dogs with sound structure and temperament close to the breed standard, but also improved health and performance.
NZ CH Rahkantra Jailhouse Rock NTD undergoing x-rays for hip scoring.
Hip Dysplasia - What is it?
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Canine hip dysplasia is a common degenerative joint disease seen in dogs. Dysplasia results in the abnormal development of the hip joint in a young dog brought on by laxity of the muscles, connective tissues and ligaments that should support the joint. This condition can be severe, leading to euthanasia. Testing involves...
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X-rays & scoring of any potential parents on relevant schemes before a litter is bred.
The breeder of your choice can confirm they are hip scoring and explain the results further when looking at a potential puppy from their litter.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
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Is a group of hereditary retinal diseases found in dogs. There are several types which occur however almost all forms of PRA lead to complete blindness.
There are currently two ways of testing for PRA via
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DNA Testing
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Yearly eye examinations by a qualified Ophthalmologist
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A dog ophthalmologist is a veterinary specialist who works exlusively with with dogs or other companion animals on disease of the eyes.
We have a working relationship with Craig Irving with Eyevet Services since 2003.
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Genetic Diversity Testing - What is it?
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Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the makeup of a species and can be attributed to the health and long-term survival of any given breed.
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Genetic Diversity Testing is available to breeders for assessing the diversity and inbreeding of individual dogs as well as the overall breed. It is a useful tool for planning possible mating's and ensuring that the parents are as unrelated as possible at a genetic level to the current gene pool of dogs.
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Breeders who use Genetic Diversity testing receive a certificate which imparts a wealth of information including showing how outcrossed or inbred a dog might be.
They can make test mating's and predict the genetic makeup of any future litters to try to ensure the health and longevity of each puppy.
5 Pannel Testing
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Breeders have available to them a range of DNA test. Full Breed Profiles (FBPs) are breed specific genetic screens for diseases & traits that are relevant to each breed. Customised panels select from over 240 genetic tests that have been scientifically published for the breed listed.
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This type of testing is offered through several different facilities. We use UC Davis in the States, Orivet in Australia or Massey University for DNA testing of our Swedish Vallhunds.
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