I think for any breed of dog, it is important that the basics are looked at. By basics I mean heart and lung function, conformation (hip scoring, elbows etc.), eyes, liver and renal function.

Just because for instance heart problems are not thought to be an issue in certain breeds, doesn't mean that they are not in the breed and heritable too. Once they are all through a breed then it may be too late to salvage it easily whereas removing a few dogs at the outset when it was realised that their hearts on scanning were dodgy may save a lot of hassle.

I agree some specific DNA testing or more specific tests eg MRI, may be a waste of time in some breeds, but the basics as I have outlined above I think should be standard testing in all breeding dogs.

JMO

__________________
Lauren

Don't Shop Adopt! - Stop Puppy Farming

Battery Farmed Dogs Campaign (Puppy Farming)

Weimaraner:

Hip Scoring (breed average 12 an improvement of 1 point in recent years)

Desirable:

BVA Eye Test
Lond Hair Coat Test DNA
Heart Testing (blood test)

These are the known issues of the Weimaraner some are very rare. The eye conditions can be removed by testing breeding stock although the breed does not fall under the BVA scheme. Heart testing is now mandatory for members of the Dutch Club, thyroid panels are carried out in the states.

__________________________________________________ _______________
GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS (GDV, Commonly known as ‘BLOAT')
This is a life-threatening condition, which requires emergency treatment and there is an incidence of it in this breed. Ask your vet to tell you how to recognise it. The WCGB recommend that you feed your dog, when adult, twice a day in order not to overload the stomach. Pre-soak dry food before feeding. Don't feed immediately before or after exercising. Don't allow your dog to drink large quantities of water just before, during or just after exercising (small quantities are OK).

HIP DYSPLASIA
Ill fitting hip joints, not life threatening but causes extreme discomfort in affected dogs. The WCGB encourages members to X-ray breeding stock and submit plates to BVA/KC scheme to obtain a hip score.

EPILEPSY
Convulsions or fits are not common in this breed and can be controlled with medication.

A consortium of researchers from the Universities of Missouri, Minnesota, the Ohio State University and the Animal Health Trust in Great Britain are working together to discover the mutations responsible for hereditary epilespy in many breeds

INTERSEXUALITY
This is where both sets of sexual organs are present in the same animal. The condition is rare in this breed but cases have been noted. Requires corrective operation.

PANCREATIC INSUFFICENCY
This is caused by the lack of enzymes normally produced by the pancreas. Not common in the Weimaraner but a low incidence has been reported. Can be treated with medication.

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY
A condition affecting the heart muscle. Not common but a low incidence reported. Supportive treatment only.

SYRINGOMYELIA
This is a chronic progressive disease affecting the spinal cord. Rare in this breed but cases have been noted. No known treatment.

ECTROPIAN
Lower eyelid turns outwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.

ENTROPIAN
Eyelids turn inwards. Not common but cases noted. Corrective surgery necessary.

DISTRICHIASIS
Extra eyelashes growing inwards. Should be removed. Low incidence noted.

JUVENILE PYODERMA
Pustular skin condition with associated lymphadentis seen in puppies & young adults. Not common in the Weimaraner but cases noted. Requires treatment with medication.

___________Taken from the WCGB Website Health Page__________________

In addition I would add the following to that list:

Mast Cell Tumors
A form of cancer seen commonly in some breeds of dog. Diagnosis made by analysis of asperated cells. Early detection is advisable as these can spread.

Meningitis
Very rare but some cases noted. Usually occurs in pups from 6mths of age. Very Important that you seek medical treatment ASAP a this can result in death. Diagnosis is gained through analysis of spinal fluid treatment using a long term course of steroids. Not all types of Meningitis are treatable - Steroid Responsive is the most common noted. Signs include stiff neck that can resemble slipped disc.

Cushings Disease
Over production of cortisol can be the result of tumors in the adrenal or petuitary systems. Common signs are: pot bellied, significant hair loss, frequent urination (sometimes incontinant), ravenous appetite, lethargy, muscle wastage, excessive panting. Diagnosis by repeated blood tests (ACTH stimulation test & low-dose dexamethasone suppression test).

Uniquely in the Weimaraner it is worth noting that the grey coat turns orange and is very dry and course to the touch. Prostate issues can also have an effect on coat colour.

Prostate Tumors
Seen rarely but noted usually in dogs of 5yrs +. Signs include difficulty urinating, behavioural changes. As a pet owner if you trace the line of the shaft you will feel an uneven raise/lump in the skin the majority of this tumor is usually a little like an iceberg so more beneath the surface than can be seen on top. Check regularly. Easily resolved by operation to remove it.

__________________
These are my own personal views and opinions they do not represent the WCGB.

How about Chihuahuas? Are there essential tests for the breed?

Link to Health tests for the Chihuahuas

Chihuahua Health Problems

Hope this helps Sue xx

Dobermann

Hip scoring
Elbow grading
DNA Testing (vWb)
Eye testing
Wobblers syndrome testing

There is no genetic test for Wobbler's Syndrome. The only way the disease can be diagnosed is through MRI/CAT scans if I remember correctly.

The dna test is for vWD (von Willebrand's Disease), though dogs can be clear by parentage without having the test performed.

Dobermanns should be tested for Hips, Elbows (not as important or as widely used), vWD, PHPv, Full blood work/Thyroid, DCM (Holter/Echo/DNA Genetic Marker). The blood work will show if there are elevated levels of leukocytes/white blood cells suggesting something may be wrong. The blood works should also detail liver/endocrine issues as the breed is highly prone to Copper Toxicosis/Chronic Active Hepatitis. This goes without saying testing for brucellosis and other doggie sti's.

These are not smart people. Smart people don't let dogs in heat outside, by themselves, ever. Even in a fence. They know male dogs will do what they can to get the female. It's likely the puppies have different fathers, but they only caught this one.

Take her to the vet ASAP. It is possible that she has developed a medical condition that is causing her behavior. Get rid of the pinch collar. It is probably making the situation worse.

what question / person are U replying to?

a QUOTE from the original-post helps make a trail for understanding.

how does a pinch-collar AKA prong-collar come up on a thread re health-screens prior to breeding?
is this post on the wrong thread?

__________________
terry pride, APDT-Aus, apdt#1827, CVA, TDF
*wolves R wolves, dogs R dogs, + primates R us.*
tmp, sept-2007

what question / person are U replying to?
a QUOTE from the original-post helps make a trail for understanding.

please QUOTE the relevant post, so that we can understand how U conclude that the litter is multi-sire?
thanks so much. [this thread is about tests before breeding - i don't know of any litters on it.]

__________________
terry pride, APDT-Aus, apdt#1827, CVA, TDF
*wolves R wolves, dogs R dogs, + primates R us.*
tmp, sept-2007