Health Testing
Here's a brief overview of each of the tests and what we evaluate for:
OFA Hip or PennHIP
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): This method evaluates hip conformation in mature dogs, typically at or after 24 months of age. It relies on radiographic assessment and assigns a numerical score based on the appearance of the hip joint. Hip X-rays are evaluated by OFA and given ratings of Excellent, Good, or Fair when considered normal. Ratings below this may indicate hip dysplasia.
PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program): This method focuses on evaluating hip joint laxity in puppies as young as 16 weeks old. It measures the distraction index (DI), which quantifies hip joint laxity by assessing the degree of hip joint displacement under anesthesia.
OFA Elbow
OFA Elbow: This test screens for elbow dysplasia, a common group of developmental disorders that cause degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the elbow. The evaluation includes radiographic assessment of the elbow joint. Elbows are evaluated for any signs. A Normal rating means no signs of disease are present. This is also done after 24 months of age.
OFA Eye
OFA Eye Certification: Previously known as CERF exams, these are screening examinations performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. The exam identifies changes within the eye(s) suggesting the presence of genetic eye diseases. Results indicate whether the dog’s eyes are Normal/Clear of inherited eye disease at the time of examination. These tests should be done yearly.
OFA Cardiac
OFA Cardiac: This test evaluates cardiac health through auscultation and other methods to detect heart murmurs and associated cardiac diseases. The results include Normal, Equivocal, and Grades 1-6 of heart murmurs. A cardiac exam is performed by a veterinary cardiologist to check for congenital heart conditions. A Normal/Clear result indicates no evidence of hereditary heart disease. This can be done after 6 months of age.
These evaluations help responsible breeders make informed decisions and work toward producing healthy, well-structured puppies.
Recessive Genetic Diseases
Embark Genetic and Health Testing: The Embark for Breeders DNA Health Summary highlights a puppy’s breed-specific genetic health risks in a one-page, downloadable PDF. Puppy DNA testing is the new standard of care. This easy-to-read snapshot of breed-specific genetic health risks is proof of DNA testing and the perfect addition to a new puppy’s information packet to give their owners peace of mind. This can be done from day 1 of birth.
Results for genetic testing can come back with three results:
Clear (n/n)- A clear dog means that a dog does not carry the disease that it was tested for. Instead, it carries two copies of the normal gene.
Carrier (n/d) - A carrier dog means that it carries one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutated gene that was tested for. Carriers will pass down the gene to 50% of their offspring.
Affected (d/d) - An affected dog means that it carries two copies of the mutated gene that it was tested for and it does not carry the normal gene. Affected dogs will pass down one copy to all of their offspring.
Examples to genetic diseases and what we test for:
* Clear (N/N) x Clear (N/N) = 100% Clear (N/N)
* Clear (N/N) x Carrier (D/N) = 50% Clear (N/N), 50% Carrier (D/N) (This is an average, individual litters may see anywhere from 100% Clear to 100% Carrier)
* Clear (N/N) x Affected (D/D) = 100% Carrier (D/N)
* Carrier (D/N) x Carrier (D/N) = 25% Clear (N/N), 50% Carrier (D/N), 25% Affected (D/D) (This is an average, individual litters may see more or less of any result)
* Carrier (D/N) x Affected (D/D) = 50% Carrier (D/N), 50% Affected (D/D) (This is an average, individual litters may see anything from 100% Carrier to 100% Affected)
* Affected (D/D) x Affected (D/D) = 100% Affected (D/D)