Health

"Where happy Butterflies work:
Obedience, Rally Obedience & Therapy Dogs"

Is health testing really important?

Permanent Identification:

Each dog is microchipped, some have tatoos and some are also DNA registered with AKC. OFA and CERF request permanent idenfication on all tested dogs.

Why do all this testing?

I am of the very firm belief that if I am going to ask my dogs to participate in Agility or Competitive Obedience (whether training classes, practices, or competition), then I need to know that the hips, elbows and patellas are perfectly fine for these activities, and any limitations the dog may have.

I am not willing to ask them to participate in a performance events that could damage them. To cause damage to my dogs because I don't know the status of those very important joints is not fair to the dog.

Below is the testing protocol I've decided to use (testing protocol varies from breeder to breeder; be sure to ask if they test, and ask about results, (verifiable on the OFA/CERF databases marked with a *):

*Hips and elbows: Rarely checked in Papillons, as there does not seem to be a problem in the breed with hips and elbows. I may do preliminary x-rays, or wait until the dog turns 2 years before doing the x-rays.

*Patellas: Can range from normal to very poor; reputable breeders have patellas checked by a veterinarian on all Papillons intended for breeding. Patellas are checked when a puppy comes home and again after they turn one year. I also continue to have patellas checked while the dog is in training. Puppies going to new homes have their patellas examined before leaving. My vet normally checks patellas at each visit.

*Eyes (CERF exam): PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is a known problem in Papillons. Other eye problems can also be diagnosed, such as cataracts (juvenile cataracts are indicated to be hereditary by CERF.) Reputable breeders have a veterinary opthamalogist check the eyes. I begin having my dogs eyes checked at about a year of age, and follow up with regular exams into old age.

I try to have the eyes examined on puppies going to hew homes before leaving. This all depends on the availability of opthamalogists at shows or breeder day events in the local area.

*Hearts: Again, heart problems do not appear to be common occurence in Papillons. Hearts are checked on a regular basis (every year or bi-yearly) by a veterinary cardiologist.

Bile Acid Testing: Checks for presence of congential liver issues; tests conducted by Dr. Center at Cornell University who is researching liver conditions and looking genetic markers.

*Thyroid: This will be checked when my veterinarian thinks it is necessary.

Test paperwork is submitted to CERF (eye examination report), OFA, or an OFA - approved lab for determination of test results. Results can be looked up on the CERF and OFA websites for verification. There is no on-line database for bile acid testing results at this time.

CHIC #: A number issued by the Canine Health Information Center. The national breed club, PCA has deemed Patellas, Eyes, and Hearts to be the 3 major exams they would like all Papillon breeders to test for.

What else do I do for my dogs?

T-Touch (Tellington Touch) Relaxation Techniques:

As part of their on-going health care, my dogs also receive T-Touches several times a week while we're relaxing & watching TV. It's great for helping them relax & realize they don't have to be constantly 'busy'. It also strengthens the bond between us, and gives each dog their 'special time' with me. While it relaxes them, it gives me the opportunity to easily check for bumps, sore, and hot/cold areas on each dog (which can be indicative of an injury).

Chiropractic and Acupuncture: At times, a dog may need a spinal adjustment or acupuncture treatment. Dogs in competition training & who are competing, receive regular chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture, if needed.

Massage: Dogs love massage -- those who are training regularly get a weekly massage!

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