HEALTH ISSUES TO BE AWARE OF IN POODLES
All three varieties in Poodles have particular health issues - as all breeds do. But the good news is that the breed clubs and poodle breeders have been very involved and worked together with Veterinarians, University Research Labs, as well as Independent and Corporate Research Communities to address and solve some of the health issues in poodles resulting in DNA testing for PRA, JRD, NE and vWD. Additionally, good breeders know the potential problems in their breed and/or variety. To create the healthiest puppies possible - good breeders will perform all testing and screening that is currently available on their breeding stock and seriously consider the health issues in the pedigree - as there is no screening for some of the health issues (bloat and torsion) It is imperative that as a buyer, you are aware of the potential problems in the breed so you can make an informed decision when you adopt your poodle. In addition, we recommend that you ask the breeder to confirm all results for the tests performed on the dam and the sire of the litter.
Below are the required tests according to the experts:
Toys: Progressive Retinal Atrophy by DNA test, Eye Check by CERF Eye Specialist and Patella Luxation with an OFA evaluation.
Minis: Progressive Retinal Atrophy by DNA test, Eye Check by CERF Eye Specialist and X-rays for Hip Displaysia.
Other testing currently available for Toys and Minis include: Legg-Calve-Perthes, Thyroid, and von Willebrand’s Disease
Standards: X-rays for hip displaysia, skin punch for Sebaceous Adenititis, eye check by CERF Eye Specialist and von Willebrands disease by DNA, blood sample for Thyroid Malfunction and screening for Addison’s Disease and DNA swabs for DM , Juvenile Renal Disease and Neonatal Encephalitis.
Poodles can be susceptible to other diseases but the above are the required tests as per the experts. There are no definitive tests for Addison's, Cushings, Epilepsy, SCC, or Bloat, but being aware and knowing the health of parents and grandparents is important.
X denotes testing that the experts currently consider mandatory and be performed on both the dam and the sire.
X denotes testing that the experts highly recommend be performed on both the dam and the sire.