Costs of health test
A reputable breeder does health tests to ensure that their litters are as healthy as possible. All breeds, including the Chow Chow, are prone to specific health problems. Typically, these have a genetic component. By testing the parents, you can help prevent these genetic components from being passed on. They are essential to the breeding of healthy puppies, but they can also be quite expensive.
The OFA runs a database of canine health tests. They work with breeders for each breed to determine which health tests need to be done before a dog is bred. Then, they keep records on their website of each dog’s test results, which anyone can look up. It is best to ask a breeder for a dog’s CHIC number, which will allow you to look up their testing results. Chow Health lists the official guidelines for this breed.
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An eye examination is recommended to identify any possible eye conditions. A board-certified Ophthalmologist must perform this. Usually, these tests must be performed annually, as conditions can develop over a dog’s lifespan. The exam usually costs anywhere from $200 to $300, though this can vary by location. It usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes and requires a variety of tests. More comprehensive exams are recommended for some dogs.
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Elbow dysplasia testing is also recommended, as these dogs are also genetically predispositioned to this condition. This condition is characterized by the dog’s elbow joint not fitting together correctly, which causes pain and lameness. There are varying grades of elbow dysplasia. Dogs are usually not tested until they are at least two years old. Dogs are usually sedated for this procedure, which bumps the cost up to a few hundred dollars.
Hip dysplasia is also tested for. This is relatively similar to elbow dysplasia but is located in the hips instead. Testing for this disease is done through x-rays, where the hip joint is measured for alignment. There are also different grades of hip dysplasia, depending on how much the alignment is off. Testing also costs a few hundred dollars, though it may be cheaper if hip and elbow dysplasia are tested simultaneously.
Hypothyroidism must also be tested for by a certified laboratory. Typically, this involves a simple blood draw and test, which is usually cheaper than $100. It may be even less expensive if other conditions are tested for at the same time. Dogs are certified as healthy at 12 months of age, but retesting is required every year until the dog is four. This is because hypothyroidism can occur later in life, but most dogs show clinical signs by the time they are four.
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Patellar luxation is common in large breeds, including the Chow Chow. Therefore, testing is recommended for this condition as well. This condition can often be tested for by a quick examination, so this is typically one of the cheapest tests to perform.
Annual costs of owning a Chow Chow
Because these dogs are so large, they often require quite a bit of upkeep. Their equipment is often more expensive because of the size. You’ll need to invest in sturdy, more giant toys, for instance. Their bed will also need to be quite large, which means that it will likely cost more.
It is essential to budget for this breed’s usually high costs. The first year is often the most expensive, as you’ll be making many one-time purchases and spending more on vet care. For the first year, you’ll probably spend around $5,000 when you include all necessary supplies. After that, the cost will decrease significantly to about $1,900 a year.
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