What do I test my puppy for?
| When we got our poodles we wanted the very best for them. We had dreams to breed our dogs and have the very best pups. Which meant testing our Sire and Dam. Well, we thought no sweat. So we have them tested, no big deal. Boy oh boy did we find out differently. There is a lot that we didn't know. Our goal with this page is to help educate you as we educate our selves. Please keep in mind that we are learning and this page is a work in progress. I hope we can save at least one person from spending countless hours behind a computer doing research. |
| First You should always take your puppy to a Veterinarian as soon as you get them. This assures you that your puppy is in good health BEFORE you get attached. This also establishes an office visit with your Vet. |
Now what is testing and what should I have done?
Hip dysplasia can be a problem in Standard Poodles. This leads to a very painful life for your Poodle. But,
We can help! Before you breed your dog you should have them tested for hip dysplasia. If your dog has bad
hips you should spay or neuter them. Do not breed them! By breeding a dog with bad hips you are only
adding to the problem instead of helping Standard Poodles live happy, pain free lives.
What does the test consists of?
It is a simple X-ray of your dogs hips. Most dogs will have to be put under for this procedure. It is VERY
important to call around to find a vet that has done the X-rays before. Ask questions, make sure the Vet
knows what he is doing. Make sure you view the X-Rays before you except them. If the x-rays do not look
good to you, Do not take them! Ask for them to be re- done. The position of the dog in the X-Ray is VERY
important!! A great resource that I have found is: http://www.leerburg.com/pdf/hipplacementforxrays.pdf .
This link has a lot of great info and I highly suggest that you read it before getting your dogs checked.
What is the cost of the test?
The cost will differ with each vet. In my area of East Texas the price ran from $120.00 to $250.00. Beware of
cheap prices however. Before you take your dog to the cheapest in town make sure they know what they are
doing. You will be out more money in the long run if you have to take them to get redone.
At what age do I get them tested?
You can get your puppy tested as early as 4 months. This is called prelim testing. You can not get them
permanently tested until they are 2 years of age.
Does the Vet certify my dogs hips?
No the vet does not certify your dogs hip. You have to send the x-rays off to be evaluated by the OFA,
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The OFA Vet will examine your x-ray and give your dogs hips a rating.
How do I contact the OFA?
The OFA can be contacted at (573) 442-0418 or by visiting their web site at www.offa.org
We can help! Before you breed your dog you should have them tested for hip dysplasia. If your dog has bad
hips you should spay or neuter them. Do not breed them! By breeding a dog with bad hips you are only
adding to the problem instead of helping Standard Poodles live happy, pain free lives.
What does the test consists of?
It is a simple X-ray of your dogs hips. Most dogs will have to be put under for this procedure. It is VERY
important to call around to find a vet that has done the X-rays before. Ask questions, make sure the Vet
knows what he is doing. Make sure you view the X-Rays before you except them. If the x-rays do not look
good to you, Do not take them! Ask for them to be re- done. The position of the dog in the X-Ray is VERY
important!! A great resource that I have found is: http://www.leerburg.com/pdf/hipplacementforxrays.pdf .
This link has a lot of great info and I highly suggest that you read it before getting your dogs checked.
What is the cost of the test?
The cost will differ with each vet. In my area of East Texas the price ran from $120.00 to $250.00. Beware of
cheap prices however. Before you take your dog to the cheapest in town make sure they know what they are
doing. You will be out more money in the long run if you have to take them to get redone.
At what age do I get them tested?
You can get your puppy tested as early as 4 months. This is called prelim testing. You can not get them
permanently tested until they are 2 years of age.
Does the Vet certify my dogs hips?
No the vet does not certify your dogs hip. You have to send the x-rays off to be evaluated by the OFA,
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The OFA Vet will examine your x-ray and give your dogs hips a rating.
How do I contact the OFA?
The OFA can be contacted at (573) 442-0418 or by visiting their web site at www.offa.org
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| ~Tyroid |