Kidney Stones in Dogs?

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Kidney Stones in Dogs?

Did you know that kidney stones in dogs and are just as much a problem for them as for humans? I remember passing a stone in the bathroom on the way to Physics class in college. The pain was so intense that I collapsed against the wall. I think it rivaled childbirth but my wife just laughs at that assertion.

Kidney stones in dogs are more common in some breeds. Jack Russel Terriers, Giant Schnauzers, and Weimaraners are among the highest carriers in one study.1  One of the reasons the kidney stones form is due to elevated levels of uric acid in the urine due to a genetic mutation.2

There is a genetic test available to inform breeders whether hyperuricosuria is in their dogs. This is an easy tool for breeding decisions that may have significant impacts in the future.

Up North Pyrenees has tested all of our dogs and currently they are all clear of this mutation. Our commitment to quality for the puppies that we raise shows and will also mean improved quality of life down the road for your puppy.

I know that most breeders don’t test the way we do. The thought process is that they never hear back that their puppies have problems. So, they must have good genetics. Wrong. This also serves to maximize profit on behalf of the breeder. In the end, it is your puppy who suffer the most. You will end up footing a hefty veterinary bill. Cheap puppies can be expensive.

Ensuring quality is expensive for us but we hope that is worth your business. Please contact us today to reserve your future puppy.

References:

1. Karmi N, Brown E, Hughes S et al. Estimated Frequency of the Canine Hyperuricosuria Mutation in Different Dog Breeds. J Vet Intern Med. 2010;24(6):1337-1342. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0631.x

2. Hyperuricosuria. Vgl.ucdavis.edu. https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/Hyperuricosuria.php. Published 2019. Accessed September 5, 2019.

This is Why Genetics Matter

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This is Why Genetics Matter

My friend purchased a small dog from an apparently good breeder for $500 several years ago. Several months later, that puppy developed eye issues that were likely genetically related and after $1000 of vet bills was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. This is why genetics matter. Surgery was available to correct this for $1000-2000 per eye. Their family loves this dog and he will stay with them. He is now a $1500 dog. He will not become a $3500-5500 dog with new lenses. He has adjusted to life with poor vision and so has the family.

The second part of the story is sad. The breeder stopped talking to this family when she heard about these puppy problems. She continues to breed the same sire and dam despite these issues. She doesn’t do testing of any kind. This is a breeder that puts up the facade of being reputable but really is just pumping out puppies any way possible. No breed specific testing, no monitoring of problems, and no involvement with families that purchase puppies if problems arise. This practice seemingly maximizes profit but doesn’t consider the little girl that puppy belongs to. I don’t think a breeder needs to be your new best friend. But, they should at least be there for you to answer questions.

A good breeder can virtually eliminate stories like this. What are your experiences with dog breeders? What kind of breeder do you want to buy a puppy from? Do you have expectations for the breeder if problems crop up?

I can guarantee you that most breeders aren’t getting rich. Most do this job because they love the breed. However, there are very few Great Pyrenees breeders that really want to improve the breed by weeding out common genetic flaws with inexpensive and simple genetic tests.  Many customers see a $200-500 puppy from unknown origins and take their chances over a more expensive puppy from a good breeding program. Poor breeding will end up being more expensive in the end. Excellence in breeding is expensive because it takes thoughtful work with significant financial investment. Breeding puppies is cheap when you have no standards. This is why genetics matter.

Up North Pyrenees has improved our genetic lines and proved the quality our genetic lines through years of hard work. Currently, we are adding in 2 additional genetic tests. All of our tests are breed specific and we use the information to assist in breeding decisions that will benefit our customers. We also go the extra mile and have always been more generous with the health guarantee that we promise.

I love to think of the little kids that get our puppies. What kind of stories will they have? My hope is for a lifetime of health and vitality so that they can serve their families well. We love Jesus Christ and He wants us to walk that extra mile with you… even when it comes to puppies. That’s something each one of us can do. What are you doing in your life to demonstrate excellence and walk the extra mile with the people you serve?

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