At present, there are two main health considerations in working Kelpies, and which BATWK are encouraging its breeders and members to check for. It is important for prospective pup buyers to be asking breeders about these conditions within their lines. The first issue is Cerebellar Abiotrophy, a debilitating neurological condition (which dogs may carry with no symptoms, but can breed on in their offspring) and Hip Dysplasia, which can also be present without symptoms initially. Hip Dysplasia can be hereditary but is also influenced by environmental factors and how young puppies are managed. We are not completely sure about the prevalence of these health issues throughout the breed in the UK, but they certainly exist, so it is important that we test as much of the working population so only healthy dogs are bred from.

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More information about Cerebellar Abiotrophy is available here.

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CA TEST SUBMISSION - Batches sent quarterly - 31 March, 30 June, 30 Sept and 31 Dec.

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The CA tests are completed by Dog Breeding Science, an Australian laboratory www.breeding.dog.  The cost for the test (for both forms of CA) is discounted to £35 (there will be slight variation in our cost to the Australian lab due to exchange rates) BATWK covers the cost of the postage to Australia. Payment is required prior to the samples being submitted.

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All you need to take is a cheek swab, a clean cotton bud wiped around the inside of the dog's mouth. This can be taken at home and doesn't need to be done by a vet.

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CA TESTING INSTRUCTIONS DOWNLOAD HERE

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Please note results are taking several weeks to come through, please test sooner rather than later so as not to interrupt your breeding plans.

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More information about Hip Dysplasia is available here.

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If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch.