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.
Sebaceuos Adenitis is a hereditary skin disease, visible symtoms include excessive dandruff or scaling, hair loss, lesions, a musty odor, and even secondary skin infections. This tests diagnosis is based on skin biopsy samples. This disease is primarily seen in Standard Poodles, Akita's and Samoyeds...because of this my Standard Poodle Brixx is the only one tested for SA at this time.
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 Vetranarian 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 the diseases at the link below, they also have a genetic fingerprint on file, and color testing done. Here are the diseases my dogs have been screened for: to better help you understnad what each is and the importance of the tests please click here...www.pawsitiveid.net/definitions.htm#PRA it would take me forever and a day to explain what all of these screened diseases are.
OFA Cardiac-Heart Testing
This is a test to make sure there is no irregular heartbeat sounds or heart murmers.