Screening tests are not currently available for the other conditions listed. It is important to know the status before breeding a dog or bitch - clinically affected dogs, dogs exhibiting symptoms for any of these conditions should NOT be bred. The text below is intended as an aid to those seeking health information and should not be used to form a diagnosis replacing regular veterinary care by one's own Veterinarian.
Research is in progress in several institutions.
An echocardiogram of the heart will confirm the disease but WILL not guarantee that the disease will not develop in the future. It may vary from slightly poor conformation to malformation of the hip joint allowing complete luxation of the femoral head. Both parents' hips should be OFA certified - excellent, good or fair rating. It is easily treated with thyroid replacement pills on a daily basis. Low thyroid dogs, manifested by a high TSH and a low T4, should be treated and monitored on a regular basis.