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How do I have my Labrador tested?

2.3K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  crock  
#1 ·
For genetic problems, hip displasia and such. What all do you test a labrador for?? How can I get this done, and how much would it cost? I would like to know what i'm in for with this girl, genetic problems and such...

Thanks for any help!
 
#2 ·
How old is your dog?
What are you intending to do with her?
What do you know about her parentage and the health history of the dogs in her pedigree?
The tests you would/wouldn't want to do will depend in good part on the above. For example, the substantial cost of x-rays for hip, elbow issues is not necessary for a dog that is not intended for heavy working use or breeding. The tests really have little preventative value for the average pet dog and are geared more towards determining suitability for level of work or as a breeding animal.
Ultimately, for a dog intended primarily for pet living, there is no need.
 
#3 ·
Alot of the dogs on her papers have some health cert numbers by their names. I want to know what all I would test her for if we wanted to breed her later own in the future. She has turned out to be a swell blood trailing dog.
 
#5 ·
time always tells, i feel very lucky, bubba has been a super active dog his whole life, i try very hard to keep him away from asphalt and concrete, i am so afraid of anything happening to his joints and hips.. i never want to see him slow down... i know that day with come, but obviously i will try to postpone it as long as possible
 
#6 ·
How old is she? Have you discussed your desire to breed her, with the breeder you got her from? They should be able to give you all the info you need in regards to the testing that is recommended, how to then make a decision based on the results and offer up support. It's certainly not cheap, talk to the breeder, people at your kennel club and your vet.:)

Some of the testing you would need would be: OFA evaluation for both Hip & Elbow Dysplasia, CERF Evaluation for eye clearance and the optional Centronuclear Myopathy - DNA based CNM test~results registered with the OFA

Here is a really good site re: recommended testing:

Canine Health Information Center: CHIC Breeds
 
#7 ·
ACC, Mischief's post should be very helpful- those are good tests to use to screen breeding stock. Here are some more links that may help:

The AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever (-> Library/Links --> For Breeders ---> Information Center and Information Sources) and (-> Breeders --> Breeding Your Labrador) Now, if only the site was functioning! :ponder:You might contact the club and a) let them know links are working and b) ask them to email you the information on these pages directly to you.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (Read about the list of disease on the left-hand menu.)
Also: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (You can search for health records of any dogs that had been tested in your dog's pedigree.)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (Statistics and Data about diseases in different breeds.)

You might also consider putting a working title on your dog; you can see how your dog really stacks up against others in the breed. AKC has field dog competitions (if the links are working, you may be able to read about them on the first link above).