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When adopting an 18 month old rescue Labradoodle, what tests should be performed in order to know what, if any, problems could be there? I know that in AZ, it's smart to check for valley fever. Is blood testing a good idea? How about checking for heartworm?

Submitted: 348 days and 6 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

Age: 1; Male; Breed: labradoodle

Already Tried:
I have not yet adopted the dog. I live in Phoenix and I have to go to Tucson to pick him up.

I also know anything little about this dog except that he is about 50 lbs, very friendly, gets along well with kids and other dogs, and is housebroken. He sounds like a wonderful companion for me and my 6 ear old pudelpointer.

I was told that he does not have the same energy as some other dogs, that he doesn't keep running with the other dogs, although when I asked if he seems to have pain or is a little slow getting up and down, I was told no. So, I don't know if he's just more mellow, or if there is a problem. I'm also waiting to hear if he has been vet-checked.

I just don't want to adopt a dog that may come with health problems. Of course, if problems develop over time, that's a different story.

I am willing to pay for testing if it is useful, and let the rescue group know that.
What would you do?

Posted by Dr. Laurel 348 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Thank you for your question. The tests that we normally recommend for a young healthy 18 mth old are a fecal, heartworm disease and a basic wellness test. The latter will screen for liver/kidney disease and also look at white and red blood cell count.

Please do not hesitate to ask with any other questions/concerns.

348 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks for your reply.
I would also like you to address the lower energy or drive of this dog as evidenced by his not running as long as the other dogs, the recommendation for valley fever testing, and more detail about the basic wellness test you recommend.

Thanks.
Judy Fishman

Accepted Answer

Hi there,
Thank you for the additional information. Basic wellness testing is a blood test and will screen for any underlying conditions with liver, kidney, that could be picked up early, it would also test for any signs of infection - by looking at white and red blood cell count.

If he has less energy than his playmates, I would also recommend an x-ray to evaluate his hips. In young dogs you will see a reluctance to play more frequently than difficulty getting up after lying for a while.

As far as the valley fever goes, chest x-rays and a blood test can be done, treatment is usually started though when a pet shows clinical signs of the disease. I have also attached a website for further information on valley fever.
http://www.vin.com/Members/SearchDB/vp/vpa02652.htm

A fecal and heartworm tests are also routine for new pets to rule out intestinal parasites and heartworm disease.

Let me hope this information is helpful for you, again do not hesitate to ask with any further questions/concerns.

Expert:	Dr. Laurel
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	162
Answered:	11/26/2008

Veterinarian

over 8 years successful veterinary medical experience.General practice-includes medicine and surgery

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When adopting an 18 month old rescue Labradoodle, what tests should be performed in order to know what, if any, problems could be there? I know that in AZ, it's smart to check for valley fever. Is blood testing a good idea? How about checking for heartworm?

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Thanks for your reply.
I would also like you to address the lower energy or drive of this dog as evidenced by his not running as long as the other dogs, the recommendation for valley fever testing, and more detail about the basic wellness test you recommend.

Thanks.
Judy Fishman

Accepted Answer

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Question

When adopting an 18 month old rescue Labradoodle, what tests should be performed in order to know what, if any, problems could be there? I know that in AZ, it's smart to check for valley fever. Is blood testing a good idea? How about checking for heartworm?

Optional Information

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Thanks for your reply. I would also like you to address the lower energy or drive of this dog as evidenced by his not running as long as the other dogs, the recommendation for valley fever testing, and more detail about the basic wellness test you recommend.Thanks.Judy Fishman

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Thanks for your reply.
I would also like you to address the lower energy or drive of this dog as evidenced by his not running as long as the other dogs, the recommendation for valley fever testing, and more detail about the basic wellness test you recommend.

Thanks.
Judy Fishman