should I breed my bitch?

Question
Hi, I have a 2yr old Mini Australian Shepherd.  She was just diagnosed with Mild compensated degenerative valvular disease.  Both mitral and tricuspid valves have mild regurgitation.  She is otherwise a happy health dog.  she has had all other health tests, and negative for genetic problems.  I am in close phone contact with the breeder, and looking for a second opinion.  The cardiac vet said she would advise breeding, although she know of people who have breed a problem bitch with a clear male and done fine.  As mild as she is, the vet was surprised I even found the problem.  I do not want to cause any problems, and happy to spay her if need be.  Please give me your opinion on this matter.  Thanks very much

Answer
Hi. First of all, good for you doing the health tests! It's hard when we try to do the right thing and health test, and then something comes back. This is a personal decision that only you can make. If you do decide to breed this girl, you'll have to tell the future puppy buyers mom's tests results, and what to expect just in case. Expect to offer a health guarantee and take a puppy, or more, back just in case some of the pups are affected and puppy buyers don't want to deal with it. I don't know much about heart disease in your breed, or how it can be passed down, but I do know in Boxers, who are known for serious heart condition. In my own personal opinion, with a breed that is known for serious heart complications, I wouldn't breed a dog that couldn't pass it's heart test. To me, when you breed that dog, even to a clear, you're taking the risk of passing it on to the pups, and some of those pups will be carriers of the problem, and pass it on to their pups in the future. That's how health problems get worse and become a major problem in the breed. If you're working with a limited gene pool, a breed that doesn't have many members, then breeders may have to resort to breeding this way. However, in Boxers and in your breed, there are plenty of them, and we should only breed the healthiest dogs to eliminate health problems. Not saying if we breed only dogs that passed all their health tests with flying colors that no problems will pop up, but at least we're giving the pups a really good chance. Just my own opinion, for what it's worth.:-)