ChipandDale Shih Tzu also do DNA testing on our lines using " Wisdom Panel"
Since the Shih Tzu is not particularly known for inherited disease its helpful and practical for anyone breeding to do a Full Blood Panel to determine if anything is showing up " Red Flags so to speak that might need extra testing to determine a questionable blood test. If your a breeder of course who knows there are heart issues in your dogs, or hip problems or eye problems there is really not much anyone can do if your not testing your dogs or are breeding them knowing of issues.
That is a very important reason to make sure before you purchase a puppy that you get a good health guarantee. Never walk away without one. I give a 5 year Health guarantee on our dogs, both registered and non registered. The reason I can give my families a 5 year Health Guarantee is because I know my dogs are healthy. If there is a problem, its surely will show up before 5 years of age.
Our dogs have never had eye problems , hip problems , kidney problems heart problems etc etc. Our dogs always have a full blood panel testing before being bred in case their is a underlying issue that needs to be checked out.
Shih Tzu are in the group of small breeds that have issues, but these issues are not inherited these issues are just known to happen with small breeds. Skin problems is just and example of an issue many people seem to have with their Shih Tzu. And since I have been breeding for over 20 years " This surprises me" Only one dog in 20 years had skin problems, it took a little bit of guess work to figure it out " Royal Canin " one of the worse dog foods besides " Little Ceaser you can feed your small breed dog"
Another problem close to my heart" Over vaccination" It's not until you loose a dog or two before their time, when you finally stop trusting the Vet so much and start questioning not just the vaccination they are giving your small little baby, but the frequency of vaccinations. Open your eyes people!!!!!! Over vaccination can cause terrible issues with any breed, but sometimes they are manifested 10 fold in a little dog who ends up with terrible issues " All blamed on heredity" When really its been over vaccinated.
An important note:
Many times a Vet
will say “ this dog has inherited this !!!!
There are many
breeders who breed dogs as an example “ Collies” That are known to have inherited eye disease and problems , they breed regardless of knowing this, and
write “ Yes for carrier or Non carrier” Its seems to be acceptable within that
breed.
The German Shepard, know for having Hip Dysplasia, known for in this breed. Breeders test their breeding stock and usually the puppies as well, problem with puppies and many inherited problems, they don’t show up till much later.
Now and example with Shih Tzu, your Vet tells you your Shih Tzu has inherited an eye problem??? I will tell you now, that the Shih Tzu has big bulging eyes, and yes they inherited those big beautiful eyes, but any issues that come from those eyes are simply because their eyes are big. And Shih Tzu have lots of hair. It’s important for you as an owner of this breed to keep facial hair out of the Shih Tzu eyes. Eye lashes could stick to the eye ball, their lashes are long. Yes this is inherited, but again the importance of regular care “ Keeping your dogs face clean” which also is important. “ ulcers” Shih Tzu can get Ulcers of the eye because their eyes are so big, this is the first thing a cat will aim for , this is also the first thing that will get hurt in a bushed area or even something as innocent as a piece of anything sticking out where it should not be and your little guy or girl runs into it. “ Big eyes are inherited ulcers are not” Ulcers are a result of injury to your little ones eyes and it’s #1 I say to people, don’t home treat. Vet immediately if your Shih Tzu ever hurts or is wipping at it’s face.........Vet!!!!!
The Full Panel Blood test is an important tool in evaluating any problems that might be underlying “ especially if breeding “
Here is a list of things that are tested in a Full Blood Panel:
This test is an important tool when breeding and it’s an important tool if you have encountered any problems your dog might be having.
Complete Blood
Count:
Red Blood Cells:
- carry oxygen to the tissue of the body and transport carbon dioxide to be exhaled by the lungs. Anemia results when red blood cells are not present in sufficient numbers. Determination of the cause of anemia is vital.
White Blood Cells:
- Play a major roll in your pet’s immune system function. Normal baseline levels are very important to determine the importance of changes seen with infection or inflammation.
Platelets:
are crucial components of the blood clotting system. Adequate numbers must be present to stop bleeding.
Chemistry Blood Test:
Allows the Vet to test and evaluate organ function and blood sugar in the body. Elements that are evaluated are;
- Alanine Aminotransferase " { ALT} increased enzymes maybe a sign of liver damage or disease.
- Albumin { Alb} Low levels can indicate liver, kidney or intestinal disease.
- Alkaline Phosphatase " ALP" Elevations can indicate liver inflammation, decreased bile flow caused by liver disease or hormonal disorders.
- Amylase Amylase is an enzyme produced to help digest food. Elevated levels can indicate disease of the pancreas, intestines or kidney.
- Calcium Calcium is important to monitor for early signs of certain cancers. Imbalances of calcium and phosphorus levels are indicative of certain metabolic diseases.
- Electrolytes " Na+/ K+} Potassium levels are important for normal muscle function and hart rate. Sodium levels are important for body fluid balance. Both are critical to your pet's health.
- Bile Acids { BA} Bile acids are one of the best measures of liver function, and vital for identifying and monitoring liver disease.
- Blood urea Nitrogen " BUN" Bun is made by the liver and removed from the body by the kidneys . It helps evaluate for diseases of both organs.
- Cholesterol " Chol" Elevated levels may be and indication of a variety of disorders including Hypothyroidism in dogs and liver and kidney disease.
- Creatinine " Cre" An important value to monitor kidney function.
- Gamma Glutamyl Transeerase " GGT" Measurement and monitoring is important for differentiating types of liver disease.
- Globuline " Glob " A body protein that indicates problems such as infection or inflammation.
- Glucose Elevated levels can indicate problems such as diabetes. Low levels can be associated with liver disease and or other issues.
- Phosphorus " Phos" important to monitor for kidney disease as well as it's balances with calcim to monitor many conditions.
- Thyroxin {T4} An excellent screening test for the function of the thyroid gland in dogs and cats.
- Total Bilirubin " TBIL" An important value to evaluate liver function.
- Total Protein This value is used to determine many conditions such as anemia, and diseases of the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract.
- Coagulation Testing In addition to platelets , a system called the coagulation cascade must be working properly to control and stop bleeding. Genetics medications and toxins can affect the coagulation cascade.