How to screen breeding dogs for OCD: Is there a reliable genetic test?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately there is no test to check for "cancer genes" in dogs. I'm very sorry to hear that Ollie's sibling recently passed from cancer. While some cancers can be genetic in origin, Ollie is not necessarily at increased risk of developing the same cancer that his brother did. That being said, it is always recommended that dogs have at least annual exams performed by your veterinarian, and as they get older, have bloodwork performed to check for any underlying organ issues. There is no blood test for cancer, but it can help us determine if certain organs are not functioning as they should. It will be important for you to monitor for any unusual clinical signs that may suggest Ollie is becoming sick - such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, etc. As long as he is continuing to act normally at home, I would not be concerned!

Poor Isaac! Generally ocd surgery is quite succesful and would be expected to provide a return to near normal mobility. Most birth and growth defects tend to surface by 9-12months so it is likely he has been through the worst of it so far. If however you believe he is suffering and his character is being affected by pain and discomfort which is not responding to medication then euthanasia is indeed an option to relieve him of discomfort

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oakley. You will want OFA certification of his joints done to start. This needs to happen after two years of age. X-rays are taken under anesthesia and then the films are evaluated by a board certified radiologist. Typically you will need an evaluation by a cardiologist and ophthalmologist as well. You can reference the AKC website though as they will list all the requirements per breed. Great job being a responsible breeder!

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to but I am guessing DM (degenerative myelopathy). Is that correct? Yes, there is DNA testing available to see which dogs carry the gene for this disease. If two dogs bred together that both have this autosomal recessive gene then the chance of the offspring developing the disease is 1 in 4. Some dogs carry the gene but never develop symptoms. All animals should ideally be tested prior to purchase and breeding. The problem is that most breeders do not do the testing. If you buy another GSD you should only buy from a breeder that has done the testing. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.

Unfortunately hip dysplasia is genetic, and it is something that is common in Golden Retrievers. It is never recommended to breed a dog with hip dysplasia due to the genetic component of the disease. In it's most severe form, it can cause crippling lameness and severe arthritis. If you want to breed Toby, you need to get him hip scored by a vet, and only dogs with very low scores should be bred. I hope this helps!

I presume you mean they do NOT screen for the conditions? I would be very cautious about buying such a pup when there is an opportunity is there to purchase from screened parents - why are these breeders not screening their breeding lines? It may be as simple as never having experienced any of them in these lines but without proof there is little else to go on. Remember that no screening test is 100% proof that the condition could not arise in an individual but it does reduce the likelihood. I would also urge you to consider adopting a pup or young adult unless you intend showing or breeding pedigree lines - there are many many dogs in need of good, responsible homes!

I'm not sure I completely understand your question but I will do my best to answer it. In any breeding situation, the best thing one can do healthwise is verify as much as reasonably possible. Ways to do this are to obtain x-rays to verify the health of the hips and elbows. In the case of a Doberman in particular, an echocardiogram to check for any signs of heart disease or defects is paramount. Another Doberman specific test would be to check for von Willebrand's disease, which is a disorder that reduces clotting abilities. Having Gowri's eyes examined by an ophthalmologist for CERF certification is also valuable in breeds that are known for genetic predisposition for ophthalmic disease. If you were asking about what blood tests to get to verify status in the heat cycle, obtaining progesterone levels can be valuable. Obtaining vaginal cytology (vet looks under a microscope at the type of cells) is often the best method to determine readiness for a successful breeding. The discharge you noted may or may not be normal, but in the absence of any other clinical signs of illness I would not be terribly concerned. Hope this answers your question.