GSD health tests

[leekman]

Hello im after some advice and guidance into getting my 7 month old German Shepherd boy KC health screened . This is my first GSD and we bought him as a pet only but are considering to work him as he is so clever. I understand that Hip & Elbow must be Xrayed by a vet at earliest 12month of age. I understand that he must be DNA DM tested how and when im not sure is it at any age or is there a age when best taken. Other tests ive read about MRDI, HUU, and any others that should be done to my GSD boy. Also does these DNA tests have to be done by vet or can you do it online as i understand that results must be forwarded onto KC . Any guidance would be most helpful as im green to this and asking for the best and cheapest way to get my boy health screened . Thank you Paul

 

[ApolloStorm]

If you are only planning on working him (and not breeding) then Hips/Elbows and DM are all I would test for. As these are what will impact his working ability and soundness in the long term. Also depends on what sort of work you were planning on doing? As scent work and tracking is a very low impact work- whereas working up through the IPO levels will demand more of him. Whatever you do keep impacts and tight turns to a minimum until he is 18 months.
If you were planning on breeding at any stage I would also get:
Hereditary Cataracts, PRA
Haemophilia A - though this is in contention as many German line dogs supposedly do not suffer from this
Pituitary Dwarfism

In terms of MDR-1 (I assume this is what you mean!) any dog can have this and is not a particular breed problem- Though you will find out shortly if your dog is MDR1 affected as likely will have a reaction to vacs.
HUU is also not a problem I have ever heard of in GSD, and is not on the Breed Recommendations.

This link should be of help to you regarding getting dog tested- http://www.gsdleague.co.uk/gsd-health/4573433131

 

[CorvusCorax]

I'd suggest doing HD/ED under German SV scheme. Slightly more expensive but recognised worldwide (BVA only recognised in handful of countries) and if he makes it in IPO and goes for big competitions, it's safer.
It also includes a DNA card which ties the dog to the score and is recorded on a worldwide database.
JMO, good luck.

 

[leekman]

Thank you Apollostorm much appreciated and gives me what i was looking for thank you again. Paul

 

[leekman]

Thank you CorvusCorax i will defiantly look into this SV scheme. Were would i start at for this SV scheme to register a Vet ? thank you. Paul

 

[leekman]

I have found the Sv Scheme information i was after ere http://www.gsdleague.co.uk/gsd-health/4573433131 .Thank you again.

 

[CorvusCorax]

To add, if you click the above link posted by ApolloStorm, go to the part that says:

****** NEW A STAMP SCHEME INFORMATION ***** Find out what it means and what you need to do

As you can see, it is a lot more comprehensive than the BVA scheme.