Trojanteam Dobermanns &  Minature Pinschers

These are the following tests available too dobermanns at present.

Dcm - 1 gene test exists but only tests for one of the possible hundreds causing it. Troponin blood tests are available which measure the stress hormone of the heart and echo/Holter exams are also possible. All of these give a snap shot of the heart at the time of testing and if a clear result is given it is only valid for that point in time, it does not rule out the dog developing DCM at a later date.
Vwd - This is tested with swab which is sent too laboratory for DNA analysis. This will determine clear/carrier/affected result, blood tests were once done by vets however are inconclusive and results not to be relied upon. Only clear or Carrier animals should ever be produced from matings. A dog which is Affected will not have enough clotting factor in the blood and something as simple as a bang on the side which would normally just bruise would cause internal bleeding due to a failure to clot. If you suspect your dog is VWD affected please DNA test them so your vet may be aware and precautions taken if any surgey is needed.
Hips - once over 12 months of age a dogs hips are x-rayed and this then sent off to the BVA pannel for examination and grading. The lower the score the lower the chance of Hip Displasia developing. As a breed Dobermanns have generally good hips but because of them being a large breed its reccomended that hips are scored as regular breeding practice.
Phpv - This is a eye condition where the clear jelly at the back of the eye can be hazy, it is a conjenical condition and would be present from birth. Although not massivily provelent in Dobermanns is is recomended that dogs for breeding are tested.

Hyperthyroidism - Having a low functioning thyriod can effect different dogs in differnet ways and it is thought that it is a heridiatary problem with subsquent generations suffering from it. Dogs with a poor coat, over weight, sensative to the cold, snappy character should be tested for hypothyroisim with a routine blood test and if found to be low can be supplimented with sythetic thyroxin and will continue to have a normal life.