Is TVD a concern in the vast majority of today's pedigrees? I'm not trying to open a can of worms, just asking opinions. Last year I produced my first TVD puppy (who will be fine -- not a death sentence and no meds) yet I have four generations of cleared echoes behind the pup. Is TVD now like hip and elbow dysplasia where you do your best but there are no guarantees, even after years of passing clearances?

Second question: Are there any well used stud dogs who haven't produced TVD? Yes, I know the bitch is implicated too but if there's a clear stud line with generations of healthy hearts and no TVD, please let me know.

Please do not think I'm trying to start trouble; I'm genuinely concerned about where to go from here. I'm hoping someone has more knowledge than I do --- especially since a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and I admit to having little knowledge about this.

Any help will be appreciated, but please do not post flames. I've been hesitating about posting because I know how volatile this list can get, and this situation is difficult enough without being raked over the coals. I'm not pointing fingers, nor do I want anyone else to. We're all in this together and the more we help one another, the better off our Labs will be.

As a stud dog owner, what I find scary is that so many bitch owners don't test for TVD.