Why do we get them DNA tested?
This ensures that all litters are coming from healthy, purebred adults that won't pass on any hereditary diseases to their puppies.
 Please read below to about what available DNA tests we do on our parents.  

BREED RELEVANT CONDITIONS WE TEST OUR PARENTS FOR 

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Resource: https://embarkvet.com/products/dog-health/

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Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A) – Brain and Spinal Cord – Neurologic

     The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities.

Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease, CDDY/IVDD, Type 1 IVDD (FGF4 retrogene – CFA12 – Skeletal

     

Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a back/spine issue that refers to a health condition affecting the discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. With Type I IVDD, affected dogs can have a disc event where it ruptures or herniates towards the spinal cord. This pressure on the spinal cord causes neurologic signs which can range from a wobbly gait to impairment of movement. Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) refers to the relative proportion between a dog’s legs and body, wherein the legs are shorter and the body longer. There are multiple different variants that can cause a markedly chondrodystrophic appearance as observed in Dachshunds and Corgis. However, this particular variant is the only one known to also increase the risk for IVDD.

 

Congenital Dyshormonogenic Hypothyroidism with Goiter (SLC5A5, Shih Tzu Variant) – Hormones, Endocrine

  Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) is attributed to abnormal development (dysgenesis) of the thyroid gland (e.g. agenesis, hypoplasia, and ectopia) or in rare cases by improper thyroid hormone synthesis, also called dyshormonogenesis (CDH). Inactivating mutations in the SLC5A5 gene produce an iodide transport defect which may be associated with goiters.

 

Prekallikrein Deficiency (KLKB1 Exon 8) – Blood Hematologic

     Prekallikrein is an enzyme necessary for the activation of certain clotting proteins. Fortunately, this is a benign blood disorder and is not associated with increased bleeding tendencies.

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COMMON CONDITIONS THAT ARE NOT LIFE THREATENING 

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Stenotic Nares

This condition is congenital or present at birth and inherited.  Stenotic nares are easily diagnosed because you can visually see that the openings of the nostrils are pinched shut, or side open allowing air to easily enter. Pinched nares that are stenotic and closed, will cause sniffling, sneezing, snoring, snorting, grunting, and clear nasal discharge.

Most cases of stenotic nares are just noisy breathing and snorting and do not require surgery and they will often grow out of it after teething and once their end is full size.

If the opening is just slightly narrowed, other measures may be helpful.

• Mild exercise with a proper diet to maintain optimal weight

• Avoid high heat or humidity

• Use a harness instead of a collar

• Use a water bottle instead of a bowl

Signs of stenotic nares that are bad enough may require routine surgery to be permanently fixed

• Unable to exercise for very long

• Blue or Pale colored gums

• Fainting

• Lethargy

If the opening in the nostrils is too tiny,  the vet may suggest surgery to improve the airflow through the nostrils.

The procedure involves removing a small wedge-shaped piece of the nose tissue.  Many vets will recommend that this surgery be postponed until the dog can be neutered or spayed and the nares are done at the same time at about the age of 6 months.

 

Umbilical Hernia

     Hernias can occur in any breed. Hernia also occurs in people. Hernias are little bumps easily seen on the stomach of the puppy usually near the umbilical cord is attached to the puppy’s stomach.  It may be a large bulge or a small bulge. It is simply a tear in the stomach lining where the stomach contents bulge through the tear. These are very common in all breeds and are repaired by your veterinarian at the same time they are spayed or neutered. In rare cases, intestines can slip through the hole and the intestine can become twisted. Just making sure your little puppy is eating and drinking normally is a great way to keep an eye on it. Your veterinarian will be able to look at it at your first puppy check and make plans to stitch it shut while they perform a routine spay/neuter.

 

Allergies

Allergies affect many small breeds including the Shih Tzu. More often the allergy will be food-based. This is easily corrected by trying new foods and using the process of elimination. Other allergies could be to certain products like shampoos, pollen, dust, and even grass. For tougher cases, we recommend testing your dog for allergies. This can be done at your local veterinary office.

Ear Infections

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Resource: https://embarkvet.com/products/dog-health/

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