Health Testing and Requirements

Health Screening

 

Part of my love of the Australian Labradoodle is linked to the fact that these dogs are well known for being a particularly healthy breed. This is in part due to the fact that they have not been bred with the desire to exaggerate specific traits for the show-ring, and breeders consistently work to keep the COI (coefficient of inbreeding) percentages between pairings as low as possible. It is also due to the extensive health testing that all reputable breeders adhere to.

 

I am no different, and all of my dogs will undergo rigorous health screening protocols before being cleared to join the programme to minimise the risk of my puppies having to deal with genetic issues later in life. Therefore, when you adopt a Lily Hill Australian Labradoodle, they come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee. The health tests included in the screening process are as follows:

 

 

CENTRONUCLEAR MYOPATHY: Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) is a reduction in muscle fibres causing muscle weakness, abnormal posture and gait, and exercise intolerance and collapse. Symptoms are variable but dogs are generally weak by five months of age and progression of the disorder ends around one year.

 

DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY: Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a disorder which affects the tissue of the spinal cord. This generally causes muscle atrophy and degeneration of the nerves beginning in the hind limbs leading to loss of ability to walk. Onset is usually around 8 years of age with loss of walking a year or so later.

 

EXERCISE INDUCED COLLAPSE: Genetically inherited condition originating from the Labrador and Spaniel, causing the dog to collapse when under extreme exercise/heat/excitement.

 

GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE: Affects an enzyme during metabolism which results in easily damaged red blood cells. Affected dogs can suffer anaemia and lethargy, and muscle cramping and jaundice following exercise. Type II is also known as Pompe's Disease, and Type VII is also known as Phosphofruktokinase Deficiency (PFKD). Affected dogs can often have a normal life expectancy.

 

HEREDITARY NASAL PARAKERATOSIS: Causes a dry, rough, and crusty nose which can sometimes crack painfully. Affected dogs are otherwise healthy but they must be continually treated to prevent excessive dryness.

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HYPERURICOSURIA: A disorder which causes high levels of uric acid in the urine which can cause crystals or stones in the urinary tract. It can also cause loss of appetite, weakness, and vomiting.

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MACROTHROMBOCYTOPAENIA: A condition which causes a low blood platelet number but increased platelet size, with these two factors often resulting in an overall normal platelet function. 

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PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA-PRCD): Genetically inherited disorder that affects the eye. Dogs affected by the gene can, over time, have the retina at the back of the eye degenerate and eventually die. The start of the degenerate process begins with night blindness, then to light blindness and ultimately a loss of sight. 

 

VON WILLEBRAND’S DISEASE (VWD):  Genetically inherited bleeding disorder similar to haemophilia in people in that the affected dog is missing a part of their DNA which helps platelets form clots. 

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Eyes are tested under the BVA Eye Scheme

Future breeding prospects will have their hips and elbows tested either under the PennHIP (for hips) or BVA schemes. 

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Other Health Related Information

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• Microchipping - All Lily Hill Australian Labradoodles will be microchipped before leaving for their new homes, registered initially to Lily Hill. This is a legal requirement in the UK, and once the puppies are safely in your arms we will be able to update the microchip information to reflect their new owner's information. 

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• Worming - All puppies will be given a worming treatment at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age before leaving for their new homes.

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• Vet Check - All puppies will receive a top to toe examination by the vet before leaving. 

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