I was at Bath CH show yesterday and had a very interesting conversation with a few toy group exhibitors in various breeds. The conversation was regarding health tests. It worries me that many breeds do not have any recommendations or instructions of health testing. Does these breeds mean they are perfectly healthy and no need for tests? NO! It means it hasn't been highlighted! I was speaking to a lady in Pomeranians whos mother breeds Chihuahuas. She said Patella luxation is a problem in both breeds, and many do not do test and find out too late. I thought it would be interesting your views. Do you think there should be more health tests? If so what is the way forward? I've listed the toy group health tests from KC. Affenpinscher Breed Club - Patella testing - Recommended Cavalier King Charles Spaniel BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme - Accredited Breeders Must Breed Club - Heart testing (mitral valve dysplasia) - Recommended Breed Club - Syringomyelia advice - Recommended English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) Breed Club - Patella luxation - Recommended BAER testing (deafness) - Recommended Papillon BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme - Recommended Breed Club - slipping patella - Recommended Australian Silky Terrier Bichon Frise Bolognese Chihuahua (Long Coat) Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) Chinese Crested Griffon Bruxellois Havanese Italian Greyhound Japanese Chin King Charles Spaniel Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) Maltese Miniature Pinscher Pekingese Pomeranian Pug Yorkshire Terrier There are not currently any veterinary screening schemes or DNA tests for disease relevant to this breed under the Accredited Breeder Scheme, however you should still ask breeders and refer to breed clubs about health issues in the breed. - I do realise it isn't just the toy group however the conversation yesterday was regarding the toy group.
If breed clubs contact the KC with a recommendation for a specific health test for a specific breed, the KC will include that recommendation on the ABS for that breed.
the KC doesnt require any health tests for my breed (chinese cresteds) however most of us do it on our own backs, and most will test for at least glaucoma, PRA and PLL.
