Health Tests
There are several health tests available to Weimaraner & Cocker Spaniel owners & breeders, not all are requirements of the KC's Accredited Breeder Scheme but are certainly worth investing in.
Bonnies tests are complete for her breed but Ayla due to age is still having her tests completed.
The Weimaraner is limited to Hip Scoring for KC breeding purposes but there are other tests available, like the Vetsign Cardio Screen which can provide information on heart conditions like DCM (Dilated CardioMyopathy) as well as an indication of fitness of your dog, Coat Length Test to determine if your dog is a carrier of the long hair gene, yearly eye tests although not necessary in this breed it doesn't hurt to have a regular test carried out, DNA Profiling useful if your dog is ever stolen & for confirmation if there is ever an issue over parentage of a puppy etc. As other tests appear Bonnie will have them added. Bonnies results have all been excellent her heart test result were under 100 (clear of any heart problems), her hips nice and even at 4:4, eye test clear, DNA Profiled, Microchipped & Pet Passported.
There are other tests in addition to the above available for the Cocker Spaniel the KC requirement is an eye test including Gonioscopy, Hip Scoring & DNA test for PRA. To date Ayla has been Eye tested, Optigen tested for PRA (DNA) Normal, DNA profiled & registered with the KC, Pet Passported, Microchipped, she will be Hip Scored later this year.
Some of the tests have a time element to them like Hip Scoring whilst others can be done shortly after the dog has been weaned & sent to its new home like DNA profiling & Optigen testing. Some are yearly like the basic eye test carried out at many of the gamefairs whilst others are a one of procedure.
Whether you own a pet dog that will not be bred from or are a breeder these test can be carried. All the information helps to expand the knowledge of the breed & will therefore in the long run benefit the breed as a whole.
Hip Scoring
A simple xray that is taken either under GA or Sedation at your vets & sent to the BVA for analysis where it will be scored on both left & right sides to provide basic information on the state of the dogs hips with regard to Hip Dysplasia, which can be crippling to both young & old dogs alike if affected. I have my dogs Hip Scored when the bone structure of the dog has reached maturity rather than before the bones have set which provides a false reading as the dog is still growing & bone structure changing. You will often find dogs that have a 0:0 score have been tested very young. The KC has a list of each breeds average hip score, finding a litter from parents with low scores is a good consideration prior to buying a pup. Hips have a hereditary & environmental factor to their development, over exercise of a young pup can wear the joints away & hereditary factors can start you off with a dog that is already at a disadvantage. Hip Scores should be even on both side if possible but this is only a snap shot view & no guarantee that later in life Hip Dysplasia will not occur.
DNA profiling, Optigen Testing, Vetsign Cardio Screening, Coat Length & Colour testing can be done by a simple blood sample taken at your vets & sent to the appropriate laboratory. Profiling, Coat Length & Colour testing can also be done using a simple swab test which I find preferable as its non-invasive of no discomfort to the dog & can easily be done in the comfort of your own home.
