Bear is a mutt. A lovable, delicious and addictive mutt. Is it odd to get clearances for a mutt?

We know his mom was Golden Retreiver and we don't yet know anything on the dad's side (a littermate is doing a DNA test, but that's besides the point). I've heard that it's rather expensive to get the four major clearances (Heart, Hips, Elbow and Eyes). My vet suggests that it is unnecessary to get clearances unless I plan on breeding Bear (which is NEVER going to happen for a multitude of reasons, the least being that he was neutered by the rescue prior to becoming adoptable).

My jusdification is that we can hopefully catch something early and either treat or prevent any major (or minor) issues. I will admit, his front legs do concern me because he will on occassion bow them at the elbows. Only when he's standing certain ways. I'm probably over-reacting, I just want to give him the best life possible.

What do y'all think? Is it worth it for a mutt?

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We are in Canada, and my 2 goldens are cleared, the older because she is a retired breeding dog from a breeder, and her puppy just because. It was $120 for cardiologist heart and opthamologist CERF eyes, and $300 for OFA hips and elbows. I think knowledge about hips and elbows could be advantageous towards preventative precautions (such as keeping weight down) if there is indications of potential joint problems. The yearly CERF eyes ($49) may let you find early evidence of eye disease when treatment may be more effective. The cardiologist would be able to rule out any heart issues at the time of exam. I am sure someone more experienced with clearance can point out additional benefits. Ultimately it is up to you. If the knowledge is worth the expense, whether he is purebred or not doesn't really matter. There are lots of dogs purebred or not that live healthy lives without clearances.

I'm glad you asked this because I've been thinking about getting them done on Bentley too. He's not a mutt but he is from a byb and it would be worth the cost to me if we could perhaps stay one step ahead or be on watch anyway

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I am doing them on Jordan and she is spayed. But I want to know so I can be prepared for any issues that might come up and for her breeders peace of mind. Her brother has cleared everything so far, so I am not that worried, but still going to do it. I say do it if you can afford it.

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Buddy is hopefully going to get his clearances in 2013 and he is neutered. It would just be for me . Based on his gait it is believed he has hip dysplagia but the degree is unknown- It doesn't bother him.

He was bought by his previous owner in Amish County PA!

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I do what I like and like what I do. Yorkies- Cozy (4/1/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/11/08), Lucy (4/6/09); Golden- Buddy (4/13/09- Rescued 12/11) Maine Coon cats- Mika (1998) and Tallulah (2000)

It never hurts to have more information. If the tests turn up something, you will be in a better position to manage it before it gets to the identifiable by normal exam or symptoms present stage.

One test that all Golden or Golden mix owners should definitely do annually is the eye exams. Pigmentary Uvietis is something you want to catch earlier and it is specific to our beloved breed. Early diagnosis makes a huge difference when managing care for affected dogs. Getting in contact with local all-breed or Golden clubs is a great way to find eye clinics. They are sooooo much cheaper than schedualing an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

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Laura, Jinx, and Rocky
UKC CH Wildfire's A Kind of Magic CGC
http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=474956
Rocky the old min pin who thinks he's a golden

I plan to do all the clearances on Rose. I am also adding the itchytosys (not sure of correct spelling) test. Now that she is missing a premolar we are more and more inclined not to breed her (we planned for a one time breeding - puppies to be given away to family and close friends). Even if she will most likely not be bred, we will still do all the tests for our own knowledge and for any preventive care if necessary.

If you are planning to enter venues where there will be a lot of hard running and or jumping I would do the hips and elbows to be sure they are sound before hand. If he is going to be your pet and only do a normal amount of running/jumping I likely would not be so inclined. Lots of times the folks who do clearances on neutered dogs do it to provide feedback to their breeders which in your case would not be needed.
As for eyes and hearts I would check all dogs. It appears you live in an area where I would guess finding a club sponsored clinics, which will bring the cost way down and be very economical. You can find many of these clinics listed on the OFA website Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

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Hank and the girls

Lucy - UDX RN MX MXJ WC CCA VCX Can CDX WC

Oriana - UDX VER WC CCA VC

Brooke - UD CCA

Waiting at the Bridge

Brandi - CDX (1992 - 2003)

Kizmet - Am/Can CD (2005 - 2007)

Keeper - Can OTCh UD RN SH MX MXJ OAP AJP WC CCA VCX OD Can AGN WC VC (1996 - 2010)

Banker gets checked per my contract with the breeder. He was neutered at 18 months.

He got his eyes and heart done at a local dog show - by registering early, it was much cheaper.

I did clearances on my byb, spayed female so that I would know if there were any concerns that I needed to be aware of, especially since I showed her in obedience competition. There is a small amount of jumping in this sport but just the same I wanted to be prepared. I dicovered through the OFA that she had elbow dysplasia. No one else had picked up on it despite some exercise tolerance issues. She is 11 and retired from the sport now but has some back and elbow ailments that limit her activity. She also had excellent rated hips from OFA.
All of my dogs are now from a rescue or reputable breeder and I treat them all the same with clearances done on everyone.

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"Beau" Mr. Beaujangles Dancin on a Wim CD, RN , ASCA CD, CGC (RIP my shining star 1-17-11)
"Baylee" UCD Baylee Golden Butterfly Wings CDX, RN , ASCA CD, CGC
"Baxter" U-Ch Promise's Purpose Driven Vision CGC (looking toward the future)
"Blayze" Promise's D'Best Aim For The Goal'd(the new kid on the block)