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Expert: - 3/1/2010


Question
I am looking into adopting a Corgi puppy in the next few months.  I am emailing several breeders because I want to make sure I find the right breeder.  My favorite so far has fit every qualification except one: they have only conducted one genetic test, ignoring to test for Hip Dysplasia.  As I understand it, this is a VERY important test.  Is this correct? Will this be a test my vet can easily do? Is it even something i need to worry about? Should I look elsewhere for my new puppy?

Answer
Oh my Gosh we were just talking about getting a corgi myself! I love these dogs.
Hip dysplasia is something the parents have to be tested for, not the puppies.

The parents have to undergo specially done hip xrays and then these are submitted by the vet to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)and they rate them from poor to excellent.

Dogs that rate anything other than good and excellent should not be bred and they cannot be xrayed properly until they are two years old.

Another way to test them is to send them to the GDC, which is the Genetic Disease Control. They test a lot for elbow dysplasia as well as hip. The xrays are similar but not exactly the same.

Any breeder that will not test a dog's line that is know for this terrible disease is a foolish and non-responsible breeder. I would never buy a puppy from someone that won't do it. You are playing with fire and a broken heart. There is not many things worse than getting a puppy and falling for it only to have its hips break down by the age of 2 or 3. The diet you feed certainly can play a role but you cannot escape from genetics.

Keep looking. I hope you find one of these adorable dogs. Have you considered getting a rescue? It's a good way to discourage bad breeders from breeding.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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