color questions

[danisgoat]

Here is a link with some information from the OFA:
http://www.offa.org/hipprelim.html

 

[Lightplum]

ty danisgoat...much appreciated!I do want to get the testing done.For hips ,what is a good age to get it done?

you can get a premilamary ofa hip done at any age before 2, however for it to be considered clear it must be done again after 2 to be certified. this is the sitehttp://www.offa.org/index.html

 

[Smudge]

I understand that. I was just trying to be helpful, because knowing the genetics is VERY important when you are breeding, especially with merles. And you did mention breeding, so yes, off it went These days people who are looking for companion animals do not necessarily look for champions, but rather for healthy pets.

You should make sure that your dogs are not carriers of CEA and PRA (not as common), as well as hypothyroidism. Hip x-rays are also a plus.

For thyroid testing....I use Dr. Jean Dodds Hemopet: http://www.hemopet.org/services.html
I LOVE Dr. Jean Dodds. I follow her philosophies and when you get the results she interprets everything for you very clearly.

For CEA....there is a lab in NY http://www.optigen.com/

These are in the US. I am not sure about Canada's labs or if you can send blood to the US for testing.

Your vet should have that information for you though. Most vets are familiar with genetic testing, and have labs that they use (at least the vets around here are). Maybe if your vet isn't familiar, you may want to research out another vet that can give you some more information.

Just my 2 cents

Even if you have no intention of breeding your dog, will they allow you to do these tests on your dog anyway? What do the tests determine? Is it something that a dog owner should do, or is it only useful for breeders?

 

[danisgoat]

Even if you have no intention of breeding your dog, will they allow you to do these tests on your dog anyway? What do the tests determine? Is it something that a dog owner should do, or is it only useful for breeders?

You can get the tests done on any dog. It is useful for breeders because if your dog has any of the predispositions for these diseases, then you wouldn't breed. You do not want to pass along the genes for the diseases. In regards to a family pet.....I wouldn't bother unless they show any of the symptoms.