Note: Formerly known as "Clearances"
The results of all health examinations / tests should be recorded in a searchable online database.
The most widely used of such databases for hips, elbows, heart and eyes is provided by
the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at OFA.org. And for DNA results, at OFA.org and/or GoldenDNA.org.
Records can be accessed by the search function using the dog’s full registered name or registration number.
The most widely used of such databases for hips, elbows, heart and eyes is provided by
the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at OFA.org. And for DNA results, at OFA.org and/or GoldenDNA.org.
Records can be accessed by the search function using the dog’s full registered name or registration number.
Health Reports Overview
Structural Soundness Exams - The Basics
DNA / Genetic Tests - by Cheek Swab or Blood Test
[Credit: GRCA]
In a general sense, the decision to test or not should include considerations such as: the seriousness of the disease, the reliability of the test, the prevalence of the disease in the breed, and the presence of affected or carrier dogs in the vertical pedigree. The ideal use of DNA tests is to prevent producing affected puppies, while at the same time maintaining genetic diversity and gradually decreasing the prevalence of the disease gene(s) in the breed. The result for each of the six DNA tests above will be either Clear, Carrier, or Affected. (See the Probability Chart Below.)
- Hip X-rays - submitted at two years of age or older to OFA by a regular veterinarian, or to PennHIP through a PennHIP veterinarian. Breeders often do preliminary Hip & Elbow x-rays on a dog for their own information, especially if the dog is a potential breeding candidate. PennHIP will do preliminary hip evaluations as young as 16 weeks.
- Elbow X-rays - submitted at two years of age or older to OFA
- Eye Exam - annual exam by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. To be done within 12 months prior to a breeding. Dogs that have offspring should be examined annually for the life of the dog.
- Advanced Cardiac Exam - by a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist. It is a two-tiered exam - adult onset disease (exam valid for 12 months) and congenital disease (can be done at one year of age or older and is valid for life). Per OFA and ACVIM: As of 10/1/2020, the Advanced Cardiac Exam must include an echocardiogram.
DNA / Genetic Tests - by Cheek Swab or Blood Test
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA1, PRA2, and prcd-PRA)
- Ichthyosis (ICT/ICH-A)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL)
[Credit: GRCA]
In a general sense, the decision to test or not should include considerations such as: the seriousness of the disease, the reliability of the test, the prevalence of the disease in the breed, and the presence of affected or carrier dogs in the vertical pedigree. The ideal use of DNA tests is to prevent producing affected puppies, while at the same time maintaining genetic diversity and gradually decreasing the prevalence of the disease gene(s) in the breed. The result for each of the six DNA tests above will be either Clear, Carrier, or Affected. (See the Probability Chart Below.)
Probability Chart for The Previous Six Autosomal Recessive Conditions
* Example: The Sire and Dam of a litter you are considering are both Ichthyosis carriers. There is a 25% chance a puppy you get from this litter could be clear, a 50% chance he/she would be a carrier, and a 25% chance the puppy would be affected (have scaly skin).
Overseas Dogs
Puppy Buyers: When buying a puppy from a North American breeder where the puppy has one or both parents from overseas, and any structural health reports done overseas, you need to become familiar with the overseas certifying organizations.
North American Breeders: For dogs or puppies under a year of age, it is appropriate to look to the parents for the equivalent of the above health reports from their country of origin. When importing dogs over a year of age or importing frozen semen, as much as possible of the above information should be obtained. For frozen semen from deceased dogs, the owner of that frozen semen should make available to you the most current health report information that exists.
North American Breeders: For dogs or puppies under a year of age, it is appropriate to look to the parents for the equivalent of the above health reports from their country of origin. When importing dogs over a year of age or importing frozen semen, as much as possible of the above information should be obtained. For frozen semen from deceased dogs, the owner of that frozen semen should make available to you the most current health report information that exists.
Other Considerations
[Credit: GRCA ]
Consideration should also be given to other conditions that may have a genetic component, including but not limited to: cancer, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, skin disorders, allergies etc. Recognizing that no dog is genetically perfect; that maintaining a rich and diverse gene pool is important for the long-term health of the breed; and that good breeding decisions must balance many factors, it is suggested that breeders give the highest health priority to selection against heritable disorders that significantly decrease quality of life and that have the greatest likelihood for improvement through careful breeding decisions.
