2330 F.M. 1488 Suite 100, The Woodlands, TX 77384

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Hours today: 7:00 am – 6:00pm

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Ph: 936-271-9300

2330 F.M. 1488 Suite 100, The Woodlands, TX 77384

|

Hours today: 7:00 am – 6:00pm

|

Ph: 936-271-9300

Health Screening Tests

Health Screening Tests

Forest Crossing Animal Hospital offers screening for certain conditions and diseases, as well as for breeding purposes.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This is a canine version of hemophilia, and it’s crucial you know if your dog has this condition before an emergency arises. Since it is genetic, many owners aren’t aware their pet has the disease until a minor injury occurs, or their pet has surgery and there’s significant blood loss. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition than others, including:

  • German Shepherds
  • German Shorthair/Wirehair Pointers
  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgis
  • Poodles
  • Scottish/Manchester Terriers
  • Shetland Sheepdogs

If you have one of these at-risk breeds, we highly recommend you have your dog tested.

Renal Dysplasia

This genetic disease prevents the kidneys from developing normally, and dogs usually become ill before they’re a year old. Breeds most affected by this condition are Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. Sadly, this disease has no cure, and some dogs who don’t develop the condition are still carriers and can pass it to their puppies. Before breeding, we recommend you test high-risk dogs for renal dysplasia.

Genetic Health Analysis (GHA)

This test scans your dog’s DNA for ancestry information and specific genetic markers using the latest techniques in genetic testing. Not only will this determine the breeds that make up your dog, but it also checks for more than 265 health conditions, including MDR1 for drug sensitivity, some of which may have health consequences. Your Forest Crossing veterinarian can use this information to create a proactive, custom health and wellness plan based on your dog’s genetic code. All that’s required to run the test is a simple and painless cheek swab—ask us about getting your dog a Royal Canin GHA today!

OncoK9

This simple blood test allows for early detection of thirty types of cancer, including the eight types that most commonly affect dogs. It can detect cancer before clinical signs appear, and an earlier diagnosis can mean a better outcome. OncoK9 can be performed as part of an annual wellness exam for dogs aged seven and older. Certain breeds predisposed to cancer, such as boxers, Labradors, and golden retrievers, can benefit from testing earlier. Ask your pup’s veterinarian if the OncoK9 screening is right for your dog!

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the hip joint of a young dog becomes loose or unstable in some way. If this health issue isn’t identified and treated, it causes the wearing down of the hip cartilage and progresses until the dog has significant arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

  • Reluctance to get up or exercise
  • Problems climbing stairs
  • Walking with a “hop”
  • Limping/lameness, especially after exercise

At Forest Crossing Animal Hospital, we can identify developing hip dysplasia and ensure your dog gets proper exercise as they age. The earlier we diagnose the problem, the better it is for your dog’s future mobility and quality of life.

PennHIP Method

This method of evaluating hip dysplasia for breeding soundness can be done at 16 weeks of age. It requires a general anesthetic and involves obtaining X-rays of your dog’s hips in three different positions. This method of evaluating dogs is good if your pet competes athletically or to select breeding candidates at a younger age. We can assist with PennHip certification, assess your dog’s risk of hip dysplasia, and provide treatment options if necessary.

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certification

We can X-ray a dog’s hips for hip dysplasia and then forward the results to the OFA, where board-certified radiologists evaluate and grade your dog’s hips for certification.