Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Judith Andre on February 5, 2015 at 12:56am

I, personally would not want to know if my dog was "at risk" for DM since there is nothing to be done if they are.  I believe the majority of Pems check "at risk", but relatively few actually get it and it usually doesn't show until a relatively old age. I would save my money having genetic testing done since you aren't breeding her and just enjoy.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by susan on February 5, 2015 at 9:52am

I agree.  I wouldn't want to know either.  I prefer to live blissfully ignorant and just deal with what comes.  At least on that matter ;)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on February 5, 2015 at 10:58pm

Agree with the others.  Medical tests in non breeding stock only make sense if the dog is showing signs of illness, for diagnostic purposes. Save your money and don't bandage your head before it's broken....  On the good side, mixed breeds are less likely to have the genetic problems of a purebred dog.  Relax and enjoy your new friend!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vicky Hay on February 6, 2015 at 9:35am

Why? What good is it going to do? Well, other than to enrich a vet and a lab?

I'm with other commenters: Life's short; eternity's long. Enjoy what we've got while we have it, and don't borrow trouble. ;-)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on February 6, 2015 at 11:33am

I agree with the others, if you're not breeding then why worry...I figure that if it happens then deal with it...IMO.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth on February 6, 2015 at 9:43pm

I will join the chorus that says don't worry.  Over half of Corgis test positive for DM, yet only 1 or 2% ever get it.  Moreover, there has been at least one "carrier" and one "clear" by DNA dog in the ongoing DM studies who DID get DM.  So testing negative can't even guarantee you with 100% certainty that the dog won't get DM (though it's incredibly rare).

After years of my dogs being totally completely healthy, I now practically need a spreadsheet to keep track of their meds.  For one they deal with recurring bouts of C Perfringens infections (picked up from nibbling something out of the grass), and so we keep rounds of different antibiotics on hand for relapses and they get probiotics daily.  For two, Maddie had seizures even though not a single dog in her family tree ever had seizures in their lives.  For whatever reason (probably a tumble down the stairs) she also has fairly significant arthritis in her spine that leaves her back end a bit weak and uncoordinated, and so as well as the antibiotics and seizure meds she takes an NSAID regularly.  And the probiotics.  And the Glucosamine.  And pumpkin.  

At meal time, my dogs practically rattle from the pill bottles.  I think my vet's office recognizes my voice on the phone.  It's to the point they just refill scripts based on what I tell them and don't even need me to bring in a dog (though they still get annual and bi-annual physicals).

And so, again, don't bother to test unless you have breeding stock.  Enjoy her now, deal with any problems that may arise if they arise, and don't worry about it until then.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vicky Hay on February 7, 2015 at 9:50am

"my dogs practically rattle from the pill bottles"  LOLOL!! Ain't it the truth!

The Late Great German Shepherd was like that toward the end. That poor beast: whatever could go wrong with a GerShep did go wrong with her. On the other hand, she lived to the age of 13...when I got her, the breeder and the vet estimated her life expectancy at 9 to 11 years.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Starry on February 6, 2015 at 11:46pm

Okay, thanks for the input. I guess I'll just do my best to take care of whatever happens when it happens. Though I must say I am still curious what her DNA test results would be and about what an ophthalmologist would find if they looked in her eyes but perhaps I best save my money to buy her things that are beneficial to her in the here and now.

And on the subject of health I am happy to report that two weeks ago I got her a thorough wellness exam at the vet (blood tests, xrays, the whole nine yards.) and besides some orthopedic abnormalities that are not currently causing problems (and may never if I keep her fit and trim), her health is great. Yay! I wanted to get her checked out because if she had any problems I wanted to catch them early and treat them when they are easiest to treat but having nothing that needs treatment is just fine with me. :D

Also she had horrible tartar on her teeth and I got the vet to do a dental on her and now they're sparkling white! I brush her teeth every day and they gave me a special paste to help dissolve tartar so maybe I can keep them like this for a long time. That dental cleaning was expensive and if simple tooth brushing can help me avoid them, I am all for it xD Also she likes getting her teeth brushed. She loves the taste of her doggie toothpaste and her gel!

I have her on pet insurance now too! Just signed up yesterday. Hopefully when/if something happens down the road, it will be a covered condition. This company covers treatment for a lot of diseases (even hereditary stuff like hip dysplasia) but no company can cover everything. Also, like all pet insurance, you pay up front and just hope they reimburse you, but hopefully I'll be able to keep enough available credit on my credit cards to be able to pay when/if something happens.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jane on February 7, 2015 at 12:58pm

Here's the link for the DM test. It's $65 and a cheek swab I believe.

http://www.offa.org/dnatesting/dm.html

• ▶ Reply