OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
The CAER examination screens dogs for several eye diseases that have a genetic component. This exam has to be performed yearly from the time a dog is one year old. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist must perform this exam. It can’t just be done at a dog’s regular annual vet appointment.
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The eye exam can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the area. It then costs an extra $15 to get the results certified.
OFA Hearing test (BAER)
This hearing test can be performed as early as six weeks old and only needs to be performed once. It should be done on all breeding dogs, but some breeders also do it on all puppies before they are adopted, which helps ensure that they are healthy before you bring them home.
A veterinary neurologist usually performs this exam as it requires specific equipment. It is done to ensure that the dog can hear correctly. A dog that fails this test is often deaf to some degree. The test only takes a few moments, but it is performed in each ear separately. It can be done while the dog is sedated, if necessary, but most puppies are excellent with the test while awake.
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This test usually costs about $80, not counting the general appointment fee if it is not done at the dog’s regular appointment. Certifying the results costs another $15.
OFA Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a severe condition in which the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly. This causes excess wear and can lead to pain, limping, and lameness. It is sadly common in many dog breeds, including the Havanese.
The only way to check for hip dysplasia is through an x-ray, which usually costs around $300. This doesn’t count necessary appointment fees if it isn’t done at the dog’s usual checkup. The x-ray must then be read by three different radiologists for an OFA hip grade to be assigned. This typically costs about $35.
This test only has to be done once after two years of age. Ratings of excellent, good, and fair are generally considered “normal.” Borderline, mild, moderate, and severe ratings usually make the dog incompatible with breeding – especially with another dog with a poor rating.
PFA Patella Luxation
Patella luxation is the dislocation of the kneecap. Usually, the kneecap sits in a groove on the femur and moves in this groove as the joint moves. However, some genetic problems make the kneecap and groove not line up correctly, which can cause the kneecap to shift out of place. This causes pain and can damage the dog’s leg.
Luckily, it is pretty easy to check for this disease by feeling the dog’s kneecaps. This is typically done at a dog’s routine exam when they turn one. An extra $60 or so is usually charged on top of the regular exam fee. It costs $15 to have the result verified and added to the CHIC database.
Annual costs of owning a Havanese
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Luckily, Havanese are pretty small. This also means that their annual costs are less than larger dogs in most cases. This is because they eat less, which leads to a lower food cost. In addition, their equipment will also usually cost less since it is smaller. For example, smaller dog beds typically cost less than more extensive dog beds.
Generally, you should plan on spending $2,800 on your dog’s expenses in the first year. This doesn’t include the actual cost of the dog – just everything they will need after you purchase them. This price goes down substantially after that, to about $1,100 a year. Of course, this assumes your dog is healthy, as health conditions can easily add more to this price.
Vet expenses
Depending on where you adopt your dog from, you can plan on spending about $400 to $800 in the first year on your dog’s vet expenses. This is typical because puppies require quite a few vaccinations and regular vet visits during the first year.
Puppies will typically need at least three trips to the vet. Sometimes, the breeder will cover the first visit, so you won’t have to pay for it. These visits can cost between $60 to $200, depending on the vaccinations each puppy needs.
Neutering or spaying your dog usually costs between $100 to $300. If there are not-for-profit clinics near you, you may be able to get it done for even lower. Some clinics charge as little as $50.
Adult Havanese will usually only need $300 to $700 a year. Health conditions will raise this price substantially, though. You will likely pay between $100 to $250 for an annual vet visit. You will also need to pay for heartworm and flea prevention, which will cost between $150 to $250 each year.
There are various health conditions that these dogs are prone to. For instance, patellar luxation can cost between $300 to $2,000 per knee. If your dog only needs pain management and supplements, you can expect to pay somewhere on the lower end of this spectrum. However, dogs with severe problems will need surgery, which is much more expensive. Usually, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars for corrective surgery, as well as aftercare medications.
If your dog needs pain management, then you should plan on paying between $300 to $600 annually. After that, surgery will be a one-time cost.
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