Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds

Health Tests

Core Tests(1/1)

View breed core tests

Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds conducts 1 out of 1 core health tests which RightPaw believe are most important to conduct for the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael).

Hip Dysplasia

Physical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess their ‘hip score’. Dogs with… Read more

Mirribandi Belgian Shepherds conducts 7 additional tests available for the Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael).

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Genetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Elbow Dysplasia

Physical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. Dogs with very low ‘elbow scores’ are less likely to develop elbow problems in the future and less likely to pass hereditary elbow problems on to their puppies.

Eye Certificate

Physical Test

An eye certificate means the breeder has had their breeding dogs examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist, to confirm they are not affected by any eye conditions which may be passed down genetically to their puppies. If relevant for the breed, it also includes running DNA tests to confirm the dog is not a genetic carrier of hereditary eye diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It includes breeders who have participated in the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES).

Heart Certificate

Physical Test

A heart certificate indicates that a breeding dog has been screened for heart disease such as DCM or MMVD. Auscultation alone is only accepted as a screening method if performed by a veterinary cardiologist or a GP vet certifying an OFA Basic Cardiac Screen. Echocardiography is an accepted screening method via GP or cardiologist.

MDR1

Genetic Test

The MDR-1 gene (Multi-drug Resistance Gene 1) is responsible for producing proteins that protect the brain from harmful chemicals. Some breeds have a mutation in this gene resulting in them being dangerously sensitive to certain chemicals and drugs. It is recommended to test these breeding dogs for the MDR-1 mutation, so they do not pass on the sensitivity to their puppies.

MPS

Genetic Test

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition.

SDCA

Genetic Test

Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia is an inherited disorder in Belgian Shepherds that can cause problems with the brain and nervous system. Affected puppies become wobbly and may develop blindness and seizures. There are various DNA tests available to identify different varieties of this condition.