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Frequently asked questions

DNA testing can detect genetic markers for diseases that may develop later in life. This allows for early intervention, customized care, and preventative treatment plans, potentially improving the dog’s quality of life and longevity.

DNA testing can identify conditions like degenerative myelopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), von Willebrand's disease, and certain types of inherited heart disease, many of which may not show symptoms until advanced stages or remain undetected through physical exams alone.

It helps breeders avoid pairing dogs that carry the same recessive genes for inherited diseases, reducing the risk of producing litters with serious genetic conditions. This ensures healthier offspring and promotes ethical breeding practices.

It allows owners and vets to tailor health plans based on genetic risk factors—adjusting diet, monitoring for specific conditions, or starting preventative treatments early. It also helps with decisions around lifestyle, exercise, and medications.

Traditional certifications only reflect the dog's current physical state and can miss hidden genetic issues. DNA testing reveals inherited conditions that may not yet be apparent, offering a more predictive and preventive approach to health care.

When comparing the costs and benefits of different dog health tests, it becomes clear that DNA testing offers some of the most comprehensive and cost-effective insights.

DNA testing, which analyzes a dog's genetic makeup for breed identification, disease carriers, and health risks, typically costs between $75 and $200. More advanced, breeder-specific panels can range from $150 to over $300, depending on how many conditions are screened. This single test can cover hundreds of genetic traits and disorders—far more than any individual physical exam however its best to do what works best for each individual so you can plan , be aware and ect of everything for your future planning , nutritional need, and vet concerns.

In contrast, traditional health certifications focus on specific parts of the body and often require separate appointments and specialist evaluations. For example, hip and elbow certifications (such as OFA or PennHIP) involve x-rays and usually cost around $200 to $500 each. If both hips and elbows are tested together, costs can be even higher, especially when sedation or anesthesia is needed.

Cardiac evaluations vary based on the type of test. A basic auscultation exam (listening with a stethoscope) costs about $50 to $150, while a more in-depth echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) can range from $300 to $600.

Eye exams, like CAER (formerly CERF), are conducted by veterinary ophthalmologists to screen for hereditary eye diseases. These typically cost between $50 and $150 and are often required annually for breeding dogs.

Thyroid testing, which assesses hormone levels and autoimmune function, usually falls in the $75 to $200 range. More specialized panels or lab submissions can push this higher.

In summary, while individual health tests provide valuable information, DNA testing stands out for its ability to screen for numerous conditions in one go, offering a broader, more predictive view of a dog’s long-term health. Given the depth of information it provides, DNA testing is often more informative and cost-efficient than relying solely on traditional certifications.