Early Detection • Research • Know the Symptoms • Regular Health Testing • Donate •
Early Detection • Research • Know the Symptoms • Regular Health Testing • Donate •
Bouviers tend to be healthy but as with all breeds, they need periodic health checks and testing. Health testing on all dogs is a vital practice of paramount importance. It is crucial for prevention, early detection and timely treatment for any illness they may have. It can also prevent them from being used in breeding programs. Health testing can enhance the over all wellbeing and extend the lifespan of your dog as well as the breed.
The ABdFC and the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) recommends the following routine testing on all Bouviers: Recommended Testing
Health Tests
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The hip exam involves obtaining radiographs (X-rays) of the dog’s hips at or after they are 2 years of age. This is usually when the dog has reached full skeletal maturity. It is done to evaluate for hip dysplasia, an inherited disease. The OFA classifies hips as: Excellent, Good, Fair (all within normal limits), and Borderline. If dysplasia is present, it will be classified as Mild, Moderate, or Severe.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
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The elbow exam involves obtaining radiographs (X-rays) of the elbows in dogs who are 2 years old. A dog is thought to have reached full skeletal maturity then. It is done to evaluate for elbow dysplasia. This is a general term used to identify an inherited disease in the elbow.
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This heart exam includes auscultation of the heart to identify murmurs that may suggest the presence of heart a number of heart conditions including the inherited condition subaortic stenosis (SAS) found in Bouviers. An Echocardiogram done by a cardiologist is recommended to follow this exam in dogs 12 months or older.
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The eye exam is done to evaluate for inherited eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. It requires a visit to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and can be done once the dog’s eyes are open. Early identification of eye problems and establishing a relationship with an phthalmologist is very important in case of future emergencies. Eye exams should be repeated annually to establish your dog’s baseline eye health, and monitor for changes with each visit.
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Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism (low thyroid) in dogs. This disease is inherited and is found in Bouviers. The age of onset varies but tends to occur in dogs 2 to 5 years of age. Dogs may have normal thyroid levels for years, only to become hypothyroid at a later date.
Testing is recommended every year or two to be certain thyroid levels remain normal.