Should we have our dogs eyes certified? - Page 2

Thanks Cathy!

That was more than 2 cents!

I would think this would be up to the GSDs owner to decide whether or not they wanted to get the eye checks; it is, however, one of the least expensive yearly health checks--usually about $25.00 to $30.00 at an eye clinic.

In addition to pannus which is fairly common, GSDs sometimes have cataracts, PRA, and retinal folds.  

I have not observed these conditions is be especially prevalent in the GSD population as a whole. Yes, when these diseases do occur, there may be a greater incidence in the GSD breed than in other afflicted breeds (of which there may be simply fewer breed representatives)  To the best of my knowledge, none of the GSD's that I've owned and/or bred since 1964 has suffered from any eye diseases--genetic or otherwise.

Frankly, I do not have any routine annual health checks done on any of my dogs. I feel no compulsion to pad the pockets of veterinarians (many of whom I don't trust) in order for them to market internal and external parasite preventatives, vaccines (often poly-valent and contraindicated), blood tests, fecal exams, urinalyses, grooming products, antibiotics, steroids, and prescription diets.

I go to veterinarians for "mandated" rabies vaccines (grrrr...), hip/elbow radiographs, minor surgical procedures, health certificates, etc. The veterinarians and their staffs consistently remark how different my dogs are in terms of their good health, physical appearance, and sound temperament when compared to the general population of GSD's seen at their practices.

I prefer to put my own money into my guys' preventive maintenance starting with good, balanced raw diets (often pricey). My dogs are known for being genetically healthy, robust, having strong constitutional vigor, freedom from reproductive issues, and for their longevity. They receive no vaccines (other than rabies) as adults (past one year), no flea preventatives, no heartworm prophylaxis (there is no reservoir for infection in the locale where I have lived for the last 21 years), no routine worming treatments.

Happily, the canine health protocols I've devised have  saved me considerably more than $0.02!

Louise!

I feel the exact same way that you do, you have read my mind!

I used to give my pups a 5 way combo shot to start, but now I"m

just giving them a distemper & parvo shot before they go to new homes.
I feel the need to tell the people not to get sucked in for any extra stuff,
ie: corona, lepto,...

I'm beat, night, night everyone!!!

Can someone tell me what this icon stands for?????THANKS!