Testing puppies prior to new homes

[Dianab28]

I'm curious what tests others are doing on babies before they go to their new homes beyond the standard "health check" by the vet? I've noticed if I don't specifically ask for things with my vet they don't do it and wanted to have a checklist to give her when pups are seen.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Dianab28

I'm curious what tests others are doing on babies before they go to their new homes beyond the standard "health check" by the vet? I've noticed if I don't specifically ask for things with my vet they don't do it and wanted to have a checklist to give her when pups are seen.

Initial check on Bile Acids at 16 weeks, again at 6 months.

Blood Test/CBC
Hips, Knees x-rayed. OFA is not valid until 2 years of age.
Temperament tests.
Eyes and Ears examined.

[YorkieRose]

If you sell a puppy at 12 weeks, there really isn't much you can do besides a ..general health check to listen for a sound heart, worms/parasites, obvious eye problems, such as a dry eye etc...knees can be checked, healthy skin and free of parasites.

I got a call yesterday from a buyer who just lost her male..he lived for 18 yrs..and in good health...that was the best line I produced, took time to get it right..almost all have made it to 14 to 16 yrs..we should all be so blessed.

[smepperson]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Initial check on Bile Acids at 16 weeks, again at 6 months.

Blood Test/CBC
Hips, Knees x-rayed. OFA is not valid until 2 years of age.
Temperament tests.
Eyes and Ears examined.

Hi ~ Can you expound upon the age for each of these tests? My vet tells me that it is too early for these - Teddi was born August 2, 2010 - will be 19 wks. next Monday.

Thank you so much for your help.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by smepperson

Hi ~ Can you expound upon the age for each of these tests? My vet tells me that it is too early for these - Teddi was born August 2, 2010 - will be 19 wks. next Monday.

Thank you so much for your help.

He should have had his first bile acid tests at 16 weeks. Check out the YTCA.org Health Foundation Page for Dr. Center's Protocol. It informs you of ages and how the test should be performed.

The above test is the most important and should be done on all yorkies.

CBC/Blood Tests can be done now.

OFA & CERF are more readily obtained on dogs that are to be used for show/breeding and at the appropiate age.

Temperament test are usually performed by the breeder to help them access a dogs personality and appropriate home.

[smepperson]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

He should have had his first bile acid tests at 16 weeks. Check out the YTCA.org Health Foundation Page for Dr. Center's Protocol. It informs you of ages and how the test should be performed.

The above test is the most important and should be done on all yorkies.

CBC/Blood Tests can be done now.

OFA & CERF are more readily obtained on dogs that are to be used for show/breeding and at the appropiate age.

Temperament test are usually performed by the breeder to help them access a dogs personality and appropriate home.

Thank you so much for this information! I actually printed out the info on the YTCA site pertaining to CHIC and I think my vet knows beyond a shadow of a doubt now that I am a neurotic Mom. It's jsut that after our journey through CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) with Gizmo I suppose we are even more paranoid than we were before. Just trying to catch anything we should before it rears it's ugly head. It was so heartbreaking to go through that 7 mos. of rollercoaster with of course the inevitable outcome.

I love your posts for the wealth of information and experience. Thank you again. Will be phoning the vet today to make Teddi an appointment!

[smepperson]

I just found this on the YTCA Foundaton website. Does this mean the the bile acid tests have false positives/negatives? What is the indication here? If anyone has any additional info I would really appreciate it!

* In virtually all porto-systemic shunts there will be a significant rise in the bile acid levels over normal. The use of bile acids in screening clinically normal dogs for liver shunts is not currently being advised due to the variation of normal bile acid levels in Yorkshire Terriers, and other breeds as well.

Link: Health Issues

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by smepperson

I just found this on the YTCA Foundaton website. Does this mean the the bile acid tests have false positives/negatives? What is the indication here? If anyone has any additional info I would really appreciate it!

* In virtually all porto-systemic shunts there will be a significant rise in the bile acid levels over normal. The use of bile acids in screening clinically normal dogs for liver shunts is not currently being advised due to the variation of normal bile acid levels in Yorkshire Terriers, and other breeds as well.

Link: Health Issues

It is my understanding that yes, you can get false positives. Usually during the puppy stage, when so many things are going on with said pup. And of course as Dr Center's states, the importance on equipment and how the blood is drawn.

However, I'm a bit perplexed on the last statement of not conducting bile acids if a dog is not showing clinical signs of LS.....whereas, Dr Center has always stressed all Yorkies be tested......Gonna check on clarification.

It is my understanding that yes, you can get false positives. Usually during the puppy stage, when so many things are going on with said pup. And of course as Dr Center's states, the importance on equipment and how the blood is drawn.

However, I'm a bit perplexed on the last statement of not conducting bile acids if a dog is not showing clinical signs of LS.....whereas, Dr Center has always stressed all Yorkies be tested......Gonna check on clarification

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

It is my understanding that yes, you can get false positives. Usually during the puppy stage, when so many things are going on with said pup. And of course as Dr Center's states, the importance on equipment and how the blood is drawn.

However, I'm a bit perplexed on the last statement of not conducting bile acids if a dog is not showing clinical signs of LS.....whereas, Dr Center has always stressed all Yorkies be tested......Gonna check on clarification

Let us know if you find out anything. That is an odd statement.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Let us know if you find out anything. That is an odd statement.

Working with Donna/Brooklynn as we speak.....it's a confusing statement.....in my opinion Bile Acid Testing is at this time the only thing we have to minimize this dreaded disease.

[Mardelin]

Health Ongoing Studies

Here's the most recent potocol from Dr. Centers and the one that should be followed.

The other statement is put out by the Health Foundation.

[cally930]

But if most breeders sell off their puppies at 12 weeks - isn't the bile acid test and the OFA testing, then useless. The OP was (correct me if I'm wrong) asking what tests should be done prior to puppies going to their new homes.

[cally930]

And what exactly is a Temperament test?

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by cally930

But if most breeders sell off their puppies at 12 weeks - isn't the bile acid test and the OFA testing, then useless. The OP was (correct me if I'm wrong) asking what tests should be done prior to puppies going to their new homes.

The "minimum" age is 12 weeks per YTCA code of conduct.

If breeders are placing pups at 12 weeks of age, then in my opinion, it is up to the breeder to make prior arrangements for bile acid testing. And then there are breeders who are now holding back their pups until 16 weeks. Another advantage to this is to insure that the pup has their full compliment (minus rabies) of vaccinations.

OFA's are not valid until 2 years of age and should be done on breeding/show dogs.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by cally930

And what exactly is a Temperament test?

ATTS - American Temperament Test Society, Inc. - About Temperament

There are several other things that breeder should be doing to insure pups socialization.