Hello, I hope there are some dobie people out there who can help me. I have a Brown and tan bitch that has just turned 12 months. I would like to get her hip scored and tested for Vwd. I have spoke to my vet who has said that there are two ways to test for Vwd, a blood test and a cheek scraping. Which should I have?

Hi Jewel, Christine (Kerioke) should be along soon & she will help you out with all the info as she has just run a vWD testing clinic for dobes.
Christine, Spain.

Hi Jewel

As far as I am aware the blood test (carried out by vets) can vary and you don't get a definitive result just percentages and these can vary if the bitch is in season, exercising, stressed, relaxed, not in season, etc etc

The cheek swab is a dna test and is sent to the USA and the result you get will be either clear, carrier or affected.

I will almost certainly be carrying out another dna clinic early next year, the cost is $99 when done this way instead of $140 but we have to get at least 25 dogs to take part and for the recent one I had 40.

If you are interested please contact me or keep a lookout in the dog press as it will be mentioned there. If you contact me I can direct you to further information on this subject

Christine
Kerioak

Hi Christine,

Thank-you for your reply. Will she have to have an anaesthetic to take the cheek swab? and will this be included in the price?

Hi Jewel

No anaesthetic required, it is just a tiny brush (or three) and these are twirled around inside the cheek to collect the cells which are used for the test. You can do it yourself and the instructions are sent out with the kits.

Christine

I've had cheek swabs taken for the RSV virus when my youngest child was 9wks old and it's painless. I didn't have any qualms about Issy having the procedure done and she didn't seem at all bothered by it - a bit confused by what was happening but that was it.

Fiona
x x x

Sounds easy enough!!!!!!
Could you put me on your list for the next batch please Christine..