Health and Genetic Testing
Our dogs must pass general and genetic health tests certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) before they are ready to be bred. Our tests are for hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy 1 and 2, CAER certification, and cardiac disease. What are these and how do you interpret the results?
Hip Dysplasia: This is when the hip joint does not develop the way it should, and the bone rubs against the socket, eventually leading to the hip not being able to function properly. To test for this, a veterinarian takes x-rays of the hips and gives a "score". Normal hips will be scored as "Fair", "Good", or "Excellent".
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia covers a wider range of problems for elbows in dogs. There are three causations for this disease, acting alone or in association with one another: "pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP), osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD), ununited anconeal process (UAP)". Elbow dysplasia is not scored like hip dysplasia--it is only scored if the elbows are affected. Otherwise, the OFA will certify the elbows as "Normal".
PRA 1 & 2: This is a genetically inherited condition where the retina deteriorates, leading to eventual blindness. The results for this test are obtained through DNA, and are ranked as "Genetically Affected", "Carrier" and "Normal". Being affected means the dog will develop PRA, and being a carrier means they have one normal copy of the gene and one mutation. A carrier will not be affected by the disease, but if bred to another carrier or an affected dog, then some or all of the offspring will develop PRA.
CAER certification: A "CAER certification" is obtained when an ophthalmologist performs an eye exam on the dog, and if no signs of eye disease are present, will give a "Normal" score on the OFA CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) form.
Cardiac Disease: Heart disease in dogs is described by the OFA as, "a malformation of the heart or its greater vessels". If there is no evidence of cardiac disease, a veterinarian will give a clearance.
Sources: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia: This is when the hip joint does not develop the way it should, and the bone rubs against the socket, eventually leading to the hip not being able to function properly. To test for this, a veterinarian takes x-rays of the hips and gives a "score". Normal hips will be scored as "Fair", "Good", or "Excellent".
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia covers a wider range of problems for elbows in dogs. There are three causations for this disease, acting alone or in association with one another: "pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP), osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD), ununited anconeal process (UAP)". Elbow dysplasia is not scored like hip dysplasia--it is only scored if the elbows are affected. Otherwise, the OFA will certify the elbows as "Normal".
PRA 1 & 2: This is a genetically inherited condition where the retina deteriorates, leading to eventual blindness. The results for this test are obtained through DNA, and are ranked as "Genetically Affected", "Carrier" and "Normal". Being affected means the dog will develop PRA, and being a carrier means they have one normal copy of the gene and one mutation. A carrier will not be affected by the disease, but if bred to another carrier or an affected dog, then some or all of the offspring will develop PRA.
CAER certification: A "CAER certification" is obtained when an ophthalmologist performs an eye exam on the dog, and if no signs of eye disease are present, will give a "Normal" score on the OFA CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) form.
Cardiac Disease: Heart disease in dogs is described by the OFA as, "a malformation of the heart or its greater vessels". If there is no evidence of cardiac disease, a veterinarian will give a clearance.
Sources: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, American Kennel Club