I'm doing an assignment on breeding and the question relates to GSPs.

What health tests should they have done before being considered for breeding?

Thank you in advance :)

Emily

Hip score and heart tests as minimum. I would also prefer to see BVA eye tests and probably elbows as well. 

Three  genetic tests are available for GSP's and may be worth considereratin dependant upon your breeding plans ::
CD (cone degeneration ) available from Optigen - to my knowledge not seen in UK populations of GSP's but noted in USA.
EBJ ( L'épidermolyse bulleuse jonctionnelle) from Labogena in France - again not something I am aware of in Uk but this test is required pror to being able to make up a Ch in France and is recognised in Europe
vWD Type II - Laboklin Uk again I think this is a rare problem in UK GSP's but the test is available to identify carriers.
Karen

Thank you Karen, that's really useful :)

What kind of heart problems do GSPs suffer with and what are the tests that are available?

I had no idea vWD has been seen in GSPs, you learn something new everyday!

Emily

GSP's have beenfound to have low levels of with Sub Aortic Stenosis. I usually screen under Boxer club scheme with board cardiologist doing austculation, doppler ultrasound may be indicated if murmur is picked up on examination. vWD is very rare in GSP's  (as far as I am aware ) Laboklin tell me they have not yet found a carrier from the small number of dogs tested.

Here is a more comprehansive list of inherited problems listed on Cambridge University Vet school web site (not all have tests available off course ) ::

Disease: Acral mutilation
Comments: Loss of pain sensation with self-mutilation of the paws at 3 to 8 months of age.
References: Cummings et al., 1983

Disease: Cone degeneration (cd)
Comments: Loss of day and then night vision
References: Sidjanin et al., 2002b

Disease: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Comments: Autoimmune disorder in adults. Red, scaling areas of inflammation and ulceration on dog's face, loss of pigment from the nose.
References: Bryden et al, 2005

Disease: Epidermolysis bullosa
Comments: Cutaneous blistering in response to trauma.
References: Capt et al., 2005; Spirito et al., 2006

Disease: Epilepsy
Comments: Intermittent seizures.
References: Johnson & Patterson, 2003

Disease: Everted membrane nictitans
Comments: Cartilage of the third eyelid curls up, everting the margin.
References: Martin & Leach, 1970

Disease: GM2 gangliosidosis
Comments: Progressive neuromuscular dysfunction and impaired growth
References: Karbe & Schiefer, 1967; Singer & Cork,1989

Disease: Haemophilia A
Comments: X-linked blood clotting disorder.
References: Joseph et al., 1996

Disease: Hemivertebrae
Comments: Wedge shaped asymmetric thoracic vertebrae with persistence of the mid line dorso-ventral septum. Severe kyphosis (kinking) of the vertebral column with spinal cord compression, hind limb weakness and pain.
References: Kramer et al., 1982

Disease: Osteochondrosis dissecans, shoulder
Comments: Shoulder pain and lameness. Local mineralisation of the articular epiphysis of the proximal humerus.
References: Slater et al., 1991

Disease: Overshot jaw
Comments: Severe overshot jaw with malocclusion.
References: Byrne & Byrne, 1992

Disease: Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)/Persistent hyperplastica tunica lentis (PHPTL)
Comments: Opaque eye lesion resulting from abnormal regression of hyaloid artery,and of vascular network supporting the developing lens.
References: Berger, 1995

Disease: Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Comments: Loss of night vision progressing slowly to total blindness.
References: Priester, 1974

Disease: Sry -ve sex reversal
Comments: XX individual with male characteristics.
References: Selden et al., 1984; Meyers-Wallen & Patterson, 1988 ; Meyers-Wallen et al., 1999; Meyers-Wallen et al., 1995b

Disease: Subaortic stenosis
Comments: Fibrous ring develops below aortic valve. Signs and heart murmur may progress or remain static.
References: Mulvihull & Priester, 1973

Disease: Type 2 von Willebrand disease
Comments: Blood clotting disorder.
References: Johnson et al., 1988; Kramer et al., 2004

Disease: X-linked myopathy: muscular dystrophy
Comments: X- linked. Skeletal muscle weakness and wasting
References: Schatzberg et al., 1999

WOW, brilliant,you've been very helpful, thankyou :D