Genetic Testing for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Genetic testing is a valuable tool for Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeders and owners.
It can help to identify a dog’s risk of developing a number of genetic diseases and take steps to prevent or manage them.
All Eska Creek dogs are tested before any breeding decisions are made.
Why do Breeders do Genetic Testing?
- To help breeders make informed breeding decisions
- To help breeders avoid passing on defects
- To help breeders identify carriers of defects
- To identify health problems that may appear later in life
Benefits of Genetic Testing
There are a number of benefits to genetic testing for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Early detection: Genetic testing can help you identify your dog’s risk of developing a disease early on. This can give you time to take steps to prevent or manage the disease.
- Prevention: In some cases, genetic testing can help you identify your dog’s risk of developing a disease so that you can take steps to prevent it. For example, if your dog is at risk for hip dysplasia, you can start early on with joint supplements and exercise to help keep his joints healthy.
- Management: In other cases, genetic testing can help you identify your dog’s risk of developing a disease so that you can manage it. For example, if your dog is at risk for degenerative myelopathy, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that will help slow the progression of the disease.
How do I get Genetic Testing?
There are a several ways to get canine genetic testing.
- You can take your dog to a veterinarian or animal hospital that offers canine genetic testing. The veterinarian will collect a sample of your dog’s DNA, and they will send it to a lab for analysis.
- You can order a kit from a company that specializes in canine genetic testing, such as Pawprints/NeoGen or Gensol. These kits will typically come with instructions on how to collect a sample of your dog’s DNA, and they will send your sample to a lab for analysis.
Once your dog’s DNA has been analyzed, you will receive a report that will show you the results of the test. The report will typically include information about your dog’s breed, ancestry, and genetic health risks.
Canine genetic testing can be a valuable tool for dog breeders and owners. It can help you learn more about your dog’s breed and ancestry, and it can also help you identify potential genetic health risks. If you are considering canine genetic testing, it is important to choose a company or veterinarian that is reputable and has a good track record.
What Tests do I need for my Chesapeake?
The American Chesapeake Club Board of Directors, and ACC Health Committee strongly recommends that all breeding stock be free of
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in addition to all hereditary eye diseases
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Ectodermal Dysplasia – Skin Fragility Syndrome (ED)
In addition to the tests recommended by the parent club, some breeders test for Thyroid, and Dwarfism, long coat, and other factors.
If you have reason to be concerned(other dogs in the pedigree are carriers or are affected) about other possible issues, find out if testing is available.
There are breed databases that record health information for individual dogs, ask your breeder for health testing information or links.
