Dog Health Checks ?

[T]

Last night we found out that Charlie-Spud's dam (real mummy!) died last week of a tumor. We're talking to the breeder tomorrow for more details. Charlie was from her first litter and we recall she was approx a year and something old, so that would of put her at about 3 yrs old.

We realise this can happen to any dog, any time of life etc. just like humans, and there is very little one can do as out of our control, but can't stop wondering if there's anything we can do to keep a check & double check on Charlie! any precautionary check-ups or measures may help right !?!  :?                    

[PennyB]

You can do your best by checking for lumps and bumps and taking them to the vets for yearly checks and if you suspect anything regardless of how minor you think it is.

Wilf was 5 months old when I found a ballbearing size lump on his ear but I took him to the vets straight away and so he monitored from then on. Glad I did as it turned out to be quite serious. He's doing well now but every time I get worried about something my vets see me straight away.

Any monitoring procedures like X-rays or scans would mean the dog has to be sedated or put under anaesthetic and with that comes added risks.

The best thing also is if you are insured so that if there is a problem you can have all the diagnostic tests needed plus referrals to specialists. But then even if I hadn't been insured I would've paid for all that treatment Wilf had before Christmas.