| It is very important to make sure your puppy comes from quality parents that have gone through extensive health testing to make sure they are suitable for breeding and will produce healthy puppies. My doggies are all tested and cleared for the following: OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hips or PennHIP: These are both methods of determining if the dog has good enough hip joints that they or their offspring will be less prone to developing hip dysplaysia. Both methods require local anesthesia....which is scary for any dog to be put under but this is needed so the Vet can get the perfect x-rays OFA and PennHIP need for evaluation. OFA and PennHIP differ slightly, OFA gives ratings of Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor to determing where the dog is in terms of hip tightness. This is done with one X-ray. PennHip compares the patient dog with other dogs of the same breed and rates them in comparison to how the other dogs scored. This is done with three different x-rays of the dogs hips taken in three different positions, so it is more precise than OFA testing is. PennHIP also tests how succeptable the dog is to developing DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease). OFA Elbows: This is a test done to determine that the dog has normal elbow structure and that there are no signs of degenerative changes in the bones. There is no rating for normal elbows, there is just a certificate from OFA that you get stating there was no evidence of Elbow Dysplaysia found. Many breeders choose to test for Hips only, but you figure elbows are just as important and should also be included in the parent dogs testings. OFA Thyroid: Hypothyroid causes poor coat, weight gain, conception problems, lethargy and grumpiness. Left untreated more serious neurological and muscular problems can result. It is easily treated with daily medication, but dogs who have this condition should not be bred. This is a blood sample test sent to MSU that is cleared and then certified by OFA that the Thyroid is normal. |
EYE Testing: My dogs undergo two different test for their eyes. #1 test-CERF (Canine Eye Registration foundation) This is an annual exam that needs to be done every year for breeding dogs. The best way to more learn about CERF and how it works is to go here www.vmdb.org/history.html. #2 test is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) DNA test. This is done with a DNA sample. This DNA test also screens for 29 other diseases, this is pretty neat I think. Some breeders only test PRA by DNA, per the Veterinarian Opthamologist at the CERF testing clinic PRA DNA and CERF Exams check for different things and both should be done for breeding dogs to screen for ALL inherited eye problems. vWD (von Willebrand Disease): This is an inherited bleeding disorder. It affects the bloods ability to clot, excessive bleeding is the main symptom. Bleeding generally occurs after a wound or surgery. In these cases the blood does not clot in the normal time, and bleeding is extensive. This test is also done using DNA, my dogs are all DNA screened and are negative for vWD. DNA Screened Diseases: My dogs have all been DNA tested and Screened for 19 diseases tested by Pawsitive I.D., they also have a genetic fingerprint on file, and color testing done. OFA Cardiac-Heart Testing This is a test to make sure there is no irregular heartbeat sounds or heart murmurs. |
| I know it's a lot to read but it's important, I've added some cute pictures to make is easier!! |
