Category: Responsible Breeders

Health Screenings and Genetic Testing for Diseases in the Labrador Retriever

2/13/2017

Like humans, our canine companions are equally at risk for inheriting a wide range of diseases and genetic disorders and the Labrador Retriever is no exception. While we cannot control everything in nature, it is the goal of every responsible breeder to take steps to eliminate these diseases. The first step in this process includes completing regular health screenings and genetic testing to ensure that they are not passing on diseases to future generations.

The following list describes the genetic diseases noted to be the most inheritable amongst the Labrador Retriever breed:

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints fail to develop normally, which results in a gradual deterioration and can, in severe cases, lead to the loss of function in the hip joints. It is an inherited disorder commonly seen in larger breeds, including the Labrador Retriever. While it is a genetic disorder, it can be influenced by environmental factors including obesity, exercise, and nutrition. Radiographs are used to screen for this disorder and a grade of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, and Severe are assigned by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Elbow Dysplasia: An inherited disease of the elbow which may not be recognized for a long period of time. Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia include lameness, changes in the gait, and decreased range of motion in the elbow. While genetic, environmental factors including weight gain and level of exercise can influence its progression. Radiographs are used to screen for this disorder and are noted as either Normal or assigned a grade of I, II, III when diagnosed as abnormal Elbow Dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): PRA is a genetic disorder that causes cells in the retina to degenerate and eventually die over time. In most cases, this will cause the dog to go blind as there is no treatment or cure for affected dogs. Signs typically can be recognized in early adolescence. There is a genetic test that is available for the Labrador Retriever, which should be completed before breeding, to ensure the disorder is not passed on to future generations. It is recommended that an annual CERF eye exam be conducted to ensure that any breeding Labradors remain clear of this disease, along with other retinal diseases.

CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy): CNM is a serious form of muscular myopathy that affects the Labrador Retriever. First signs of the disease are seen in puppies 2-5 months of age. Symptoms include: loss of muscle tone and control, exercise intolerance, and awkward gait. There is a genetic test available for the Labrador Retriever, which should be completed before breeding to ensure the disease is not passed on to future generations. There is no cure or treatment for this genetic disorder.

EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse): EIC is an inherited disease that causes exercise intolerance and possible collapse in an otherwise healthy Labrador. Affected Labradors are generally normal at rest and can typically tolerate mild to moderate amounts of exercise; however, may become uncoordinated and even collapse with longer periods of strenuous exercise. Symptoms of the disease may show as early as 5 months of age or as late as 5 years of age. There is a genetic test available for the Labrador Retriever, which should be completed before breeding to ensure the disease is not passed on to future generations. There is no cure or treatment for this genetic disorder.

Cardiac Exams: Congenital Heart disease is thought to be a genetically inherited in canines and signs are can be present at birth and develop over time. It is recommended that all breeding Labradors undergo an annual cardiac exam using either auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) or an echocardiogram (visual exam of the heart and valves).

When searching for our Labrador puppy, ask the breeder what genetic tests and health screenings have been completed on both parents of the litter. The breeder should happily provide you with proof of these examinations and be willing to show you the OFA certificates. Furthermore, you can find detailed information about the health screenings completed on the parents, their siblings, and their offspring by visiting www.ofa.org. Be leery of any breeder that is unwilling or unable to provide you with proof of these examinations and genetic tests.

0 Comments

Finding and Selecting a Responsible Breeder

2/6/2017

0 Comments

Now that you have done your research on the Labrador Retriever breed and decided that you are ready to adopt a puppy, you will need to determine whether you are interested in rescuing a dog or working with a breeder of purebred Labradors. If you decide that you want to work with a breeder, it is imperative that you do your research to ensure that you choose a responsible and ethical breeder.

Here are some tips to help guide you in your examination:

First, you must decide what traits you are looking for in a Labrador. Do you want a dog that is a simple, everyday companion for the family, or are you more interested in a working dog, bred for hunting or sport? In addition, Labradors can be used for rescue work, therapy, and of course, competing in the show ring. Once you decide what characteristics you are looking for in your Labrador, you can refine your search to breeders who focus on refining these specific traits in their dogs.
There are several sources you can refer to in your search for a responsible breeder. These include:
- The AKC Marketplace
- The official AKC Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever, www.thelabradorclub.com
- AKC dog shows and trials
- To find a breeder near you, you can search www.breeders.net
Once you have identified one or more appealing breeders, your next step will be to contact them. Don't be discouraged if a breeder isn't immediately responsive; however, do be selective and choose a breeder who you believe is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable.
Once you have determined that the chemistry between you and a breeder works, you should visit the breeder's home or kennel, preferably before the puppy is born, in order to meet at least one of the parents. Not only is this an opportunity to witness what the future holds for your puppy in terms of temperament and appearance, but also will provide you with additional time to ask the breeder further questions.
Making a visit to the breeder’s kennel or home also gives you a chance to observe the breeder and the environment where the dogs and puppies are raised. Signs of a responsible breeder are:
- The environment is clean, both inside and outside
- There is plenty of space for the dogs to engage in healthy exercise and activity
- All dogs and puppies are clean, well fed, and healthy (shiny coat, clear eyes, and clean hindquarters are good examples of well-cared for dogs)
- Dogs and puppies should be lively and outgoing rather than lethargic, skittish, or scared
- Watch how the breeder interacts with the dogs and puppies - do they show a genuine kindness and caring for them? Do the dogs shy away from the breeder?
- The breeder will be able to show you all the documents pertaining to the breeding including health and genetic screenings for both the dam and the sire, pedigrees for both parents, proof of American Kennel Club (AKC) registration, and will also be forthright in acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the breed and the steps taken to avoid them when breeding. Be sure to request copies of the the OFA and CERF certificates before agreeing to adopt a puppy from a breeder.
If after your visit you determine that this is the breeder you want to adopt your puppy from, then as a responsible breeder, she will most likely want to ensure that she is sending her puppies to a good home. To determine this, she may ask you a series of questions that you should be prepared to answer such as, but not limited to:
- The living conditions - will your puppy be living inside or outside, and how will you insure your home and yard is puppy-proof?
- Do you have a veterinarian?
- What other pets do you have at home?
- Have you ever been a Labrador parent in the past?
- How much time are you willing to commit to raising, training, and playing with your puppy?
Once you and the breeder have established a comfortable report between one another, the breeder will provide a contract that details the health guarantee, appropriate conditions of care, and specifics about what happens if you are unable to care for or keep the puppy. Furthermore, responsible breeders will not consider sending their puppies to their new homes until they are at least eight weeks old.
When it comes time to bring home your puppy, a responsible breeder will have a packet of information for you that contains important information about caring for your puppy, vaccination records for you to share with your veterinarian, microchip identification information, and the appropriate documents such as the dog’s pedigree and the application form to register your puppy with the AKC.

Adopting a puppy is a significant commitment emotionally, physically, and financially. I encourage you to spend the time and energy, now, doing a thorough search for a responsible breeder who not only cares about the integrity of the breed standard, but also about the health and happiness of the dogs and puppies they are raising. Please contact us to learn how you can bring an Ashling Place Labrador puppy home.

Check in next week to learn about the importance of testing for genetic diseases.

0 Comments

Health Screenings and Genetic Testing for Diseases in the Labrador Retriever

Finding and Selecting a Responsible Breeder

Archives

Categories

Services

Company

Support