What Tests?

[chickrockguitar]

Hey All,

I was just wondering what are the common tests that are done for a male that you may wish to Stud?
I've read about a lot of them, but I don't really know what ones these days that are more important than others and what ones potentual Bitch owners look for?

Thanks,
-Alex

[Jane S]

Here are the tests most often recommended for Cockers :-

Current clear eye test certificate including gonioscopy (test for predisposition to Glaucoma)
DNA test for prcd_PRA
DNA test for FN (kidney disease)
Hip Scoring

There is some question whether FN occurs in Working lines but all the other conditions tested for have been found in show and working lines.

[chickrockguitar]

Thanks for that. Any idea on the prices for each of those?

Also, does the eye test have a name?

[Jane S]

The BVA web site has costs and info on eye testing & hip scoring (but you have to add on what your own vet charges to x ray the hips which involves an anaesthetic or sedation). The costs for DNA testing for PRA via Optigen can be found HERE although you can get a discount on these quoted prices if you submit samples as part of a 20/20 clinic.

[chickrockguitar]

Okay, thanks very much! 

[chickrockguitar]

Sorry if this is a stupid question,

But to arrange these tests for Marlee (obviously not all at once), what would I need to ask my vet? I thought about phoning them and asking how much they cost for each. Is there a particular order to do them in or does age come into it at all?

Thanks for your time.
-Alex

[Jane S]

For eye testing, you'll need to make an appointment with one of the KC/BVA opthalmologists, not your usual vet. On the BVA website mentioned above, you can find a PDF file with a list of all the eye testing vets as well as the info on prices etc. Eye testing is done annually from 12 months old.

Hip scoring can be done from 12 months old - your vet should be able to do the x-rays (more info on the scheme is also on the BVA site).

Your vet can also take the blood samples/cheek swabs for the DNA tests but not all vets have experience of these tests so you may have to direct yours to the relevant websites (Optigen or Antagene) so they can read up about it all first. DNA tests can be done at any time.

[chickrockguitar]

Thanks very much for that!

[Toni-UK]

when i naively asked a breeder if all puppies had the eye test,she said no it would be too expensive as it costs £700 per test,just looked at the bva link and the prices.the breeder was either fobbing me off or mistaken?
rubys dad is one of her dogs 

[Cob-Web]

when i naively asked a breeder if all puppies had the eye test,she said no it would be too expensive as it costs £700 per test,just looked at the bva link and the prices.the breeder was either fobbing me off or mistaken?
rubys dad is one of her dogs 

Pups aren't usually tested, are they? 

[Jane S]

Puppies can be litter screened for congenital eye problems - we've done it a few times and it doesn't cost much at all (under £40). I expect Toni means the usual clinical eye tests for adult dogs - it's not unusual for breeders who don't test to make excuses like it costs too much (they don't expect anyone to check the cost perhaps!)

[tiamaria]

Puppies can be litter screened for congenital eye problems - we've done it a few times and it doesn't cost much at all (under £40). I expect Toni means the usual clinical eye tests for adult dogs - it's not unusual for breeders who don't test to make excuses like it costs too much (they don't expect anyone to check the cost perhaps!)

Can i just ask what these congenital eye tests are!? 

[Jane S]

Can i just ask what these congenital eye tests are!? 

Pups would be examined to see if their eyes showed any conditions they might have been born with (congenital means "born with") eg cataracts or PPM (persistent pupillary membrane). It's not essential for Cockers - just something we've done out of interest.

[tiamaria]

ahhh thanks!