Healthy Choices
A healthy dog requires ethical breeding practices, regular training and exercise, and a quality diet. Health testing is done at regular intervals throughout the dog's life. Training continues throughout the life of the dog and exercise is provided on a daily basis. A home prepared raw diet ensures that my dogs are receiving the best nutrition that I can provide.
Some diseases and disorders can be prevented by selective breeding. Years of research have pinpointed genetic markers that cause specific mutations and disorders. Genetic testing is available for some disorders and on-going research aims to improve the accuracy of results and reveal genetic markers that have not yet been identified.
When choosing a breeder, it is important to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the health concerns of their breed and that they are actively working to minimize health risks by completing both genetic and ongoing health testing.
I choose Embark for genetic testing because they include a variety of tests for breed specific and general genetic conditions and update results as new genetic markers are discovered. They also support breed specific projects, such as the Doberman Diversity Project. For purebred dogs, choose the Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kit.
Some diseases and disorders can be prevented by selective breeding. Years of research have pinpointed genetic markers that cause specific mutations and disorders. Genetic testing is available for some disorders and on-going research aims to improve the accuracy of results and reveal genetic markers that have not yet been identified.
When choosing a breeder, it is important to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the health concerns of their breed and that they are actively working to minimize health risks by completing both genetic and ongoing health testing.
I choose Embark for genetic testing because they include a variety of tests for breed specific and general genetic conditions and update results as new genetic markers are discovered. They also support breed specific projects, such as the Doberman Diversity Project. For purebred dogs, choose the Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kit.
Health & Genetic Testing
Health testing is not just for breeding stock!! All dogs are at risk of illness, regardless of whether they are a companion dog, working dog, show or sport dog, or a breeding dog. Regular health testing will identify concerns earlier, making them easier to treat and improving the long-term outlook for your pet. This is why all my dogs are health tested throughout their lives, regardless of the activities they are involved in.
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (DCM)
Tests available include an Echocardiogram performed by a board certified cardiologist and a 24-hour Holter monitor (ECG), which can be done at home. Echocardiogram is the best way to identify DCM. Genetic markers also exist (DCM1/PDK4 and DCM2/TTN), but they provide an incomplete prediction. Continued research aims to identify additional markers and provide a more complete picture. Environmental factors, such as diet, also affect the risk of DCM.
Tests available include an Echocardiogram performed by a board certified cardiologist and a 24-hour Holter monitor (ECG), which can be done at home. Echocardiogram is the best way to identify DCM. Genetic markers also exist (DCM1/PDK4 and DCM2/TTN), but they provide an incomplete prediction. Continued research aims to identify additional markers and provide a more complete picture. Environmental factors, such as diet, also affect the risk of DCM.
VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE
Genetic testing is done by analyzing DNA from a cheek swab. Swabbing can be done at home or by a veterinarian and mailed to a lab for testing. Genetic testing is not necessary when both parents are clear.
Genetic testing is done by analyzing DNA from a cheek swab. Swabbing can be done at home or by a veterinarian and mailed to a lab for testing. Genetic testing is not necessary when both parents are clear.
DINGS (VESTIBULAR DISEASE)
Genetic testing is done by analyzing DNA from a cheek swab. Swabbing can be done at home or by a veterinarian and mailed to a lab for testing. Genetic testing is not necessary when both parents are clear.
Genetic testing is done by analyzing DNA from a cheek swab. Swabbing can be done at home or by a veterinarian and mailed to a lab for testing. Genetic testing is not necessary when both parents are clear.
THYROID FUNCTION
Testing is done by having a blood serum sample analyzed in a lab. There are several complexities of tests available. We recommend a full panel (T4, free T4, T4/FT4 ratio, T3, free T3, TSH, and TgAA) to establish a baseline at about 2 years of age, repeated every 2 years or if clinical symptoms present. Thyroid function can change at any point in a dog's life and, therefore, needs to be monitored regularly.
Testing is done by having a blood serum sample analyzed in a lab. There are several complexities of tests available. We recommend a full panel (T4, free T4, T4/FT4 ratio, T3, free T3, TSH, and TgAA) to establish a baseline at about 2 years of age, repeated every 2 years or if clinical symptoms present. Thyroid function can change at any point in a dog's life and, therefore, needs to be monitored regularly.
LIVER & KIDNEY FUNCTION
Testing is done by analyzing a blood sample. Most veterinary clinics will be able to complete this analysis in house within 20 minutes. We recommend a full panel (Idexx Chem17 w/ CBC & Electrolytes). Blood panels should be completed regularly to identify any irregularities in organ function as early as possible.
Testing is done by analyzing a blood sample. Most veterinary clinics will be able to complete this analysis in house within 20 minutes. We recommend a full panel (Idexx Chem17 w/ CBC & Electrolytes). Blood panels should be completed regularly to identify any irregularities in organ function as early as possible.
HIPS & ELBOWS
Testing is done by taking an x-ray of the hips while the dog is laying on their back and the dog's elbows when they are laying on their side. X-rays are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for examination and grading.
Testing is done by taking an x-ray of the hips while the dog is laying on their back and the dog's elbows when they are laying on their side. X-rays are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for examination and grading.