I don't mean to ask ignorant questions but tell me about prebreeding health checks?

Molly'sMama

Molly'sMama

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Hi all

It is a possibility in the future we will breed from our golden cocker bitch but I know that getting hip scores,eye scores etc is essential - Being responsible is very important to us! :) We want healthy happy puppies that will go to good homes. But we havent done this before...

...How much is it likely to cost? What do you have checked? Eyes,hips, what else? What happens in procedure?

Her father was completely vet-checked (hip scored and everything) her mother hip scored.The potential mate is hip scored, optigen tested,and clear for glaucoma

Thank you!
 
Health checks are vitally important prior to breeding with your dog. They reduce the chances of inherited conditions being passed on to puppies. Please note "reduce to risk" not eliminate. Even with parents with the best of results puppies with inherited conditions may occur. However doing the tests proves that as a breeder you have done your best to produce healthy stock. Different tests are recommended for different breeds. Hip scores are always a good idea and can only be done after the dog is 12 months old. It will cost anything from £150 upwards. They are performed under general anaesthetic or sedation by a vet. It is a good idea to find a vet that does a lot of hip scoring as positioning can make a difference to the score and always score mid way in the bitches heat cycle as hormones can affect the tightness of muscles and ligaments. Elbows can be scored at the same time as hips. The x-rays are sent to the kennel club/BVA and you may wait a few weeks for the scores to arrive (I waited 9 weeks for Lily's) The late Malcolm Willis recommended that breeding stock should have a total score for both hips to be less than 15 but this may depend on your breeds average.
Eye testing depends on your breed, I think Cocker Spaniels are tested for Glaucoma and CPRA (Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Eye testing is only performed by vets that are "eye panelists", they usually hold sessions at shows or seminars. It may be a good idea to contact your breed club to see if eye testing sessions are being held locally. For eye tests you get the results then and there. The glaucoma test is a once in a lifetime test but other eye tests are taken annually. For Cocker Spaniels there is also a DNA test for Familial Nephropathy, I am sorry I dont know any further details regarding this one but the breed club should be able to tell you more.
As you can seeing breeding a litter is not an easy or cheap thing to do, however it is very rewarding to know you have done your very best for your bundles of fun.
Good Luck
 
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