Proactive Screening and Testing for Better Health Outcomes
Why wait for issues to become serious problems? By detecting conditions early, we can provide timely intervention and improve your pet’s overall health and quality of life. We offer screening for various genetic diseases, as well as hip dysplasia evaluations for breeding purposes.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is a canine version of hemophilia, and it’s important you know if your dog has this condition before an emergency arises. Since it is genetic, many owners aren’t aware their pet has the disease until a minor injury occurs or their pet has surgery and there’s significant blood loss. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition than others, including:
- German shepherds
- German shorthair/wirehair pointers
- Chesapeake Bay retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- Pembroke Welsh corgis
- Poodles
- Scottish/Manchester terriers
- Shetland sheepdogs
If you have one of these at-risk breeds, we highly recommend testing your dog for VWD to ensure proper precautions can be taken in case of an emergency.
Renal Dysplasia
Renal dysplasia is a genetic disease that prevents normal kidney development, often causing illness in affected dogs before their first birthday. Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are among the breeds most affected by this incurable condition. Some dogs may be carriers without showing symptoms, potentially passing the disease to their offspring. We strongly advise testing high-risk dogs for renal dysplasia before breeding.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when a young dog’s hip joint becomes loose or unstable, leading to cartilage deterioration and the development of arthritis or degenerative joint disease if left untreated. Symptoms may include:
- Reluctance to get up or exercise
- Problems climbing stairs
- Walking with a “hop”
- Limping/lameness, especially after exercise
We can identify developing hip dysplasia and provide guidance on proper exercise and management as your dog ages. Early diagnosis is key to maintaining your dog’s mobility and quality of life.
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certification
We offer OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification, which involves X-raying your dog’s hips for hip dysplasia and submitting the results to the OFA for evaluation by board-certified radiologists. This certification, widely used by canine breeders, requires specific positioning under general anesthesia to ensure accurate assessment.
PennHIP Method
The PennHIP method allows for hip dysplasia evaluation as early as 16 weeks of age, much earlier than OFA certification. This method involves obtaining X-rays of your dog’s hips in three different positions under general anesthesia. PennHIP is particularly useful for assessing breeding candidates at a younger age or evaluating dogs involved in athletic competitions. Our experienced team can assist with both PennHIP and OFA certifications, as well as provide guidance on hip dysplasia risk assessment and treatment options if necessary.
If you have questions about these screening tests or would like to schedule an appointment for your pet, please call All Creatures Veterinary Services at (706) 283-2761. We’re here to help you proactively manage your pet’s health for a happier, healthier life.