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A QUICK GUIDE TO HEALTH SCREENING TESTS Here are a few of the health tests and screenings you may want to be familiar with. Be sure to check with your vet and breeder for breed specific testing. OFA: The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a group of radiologists which reviews x-ray films of dogs hips taken to test for Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a crippling condition which can cause much pain and lameness for the life of your dog. These films are used to certify the dogs' hip joints as Normal (Dysplasia Free), rating them either, Excellent , Good or Fair, these films are also used to rate the degree of dysplasia should it exist. Von Willebrands Disease: VWD is a bleeding problem in dogs, that is much like Hemophilia in humans. Testing is done by drawing blood samples. CERF: CERF is short for Canine Eye Registration Foundation. They can certify a dog to be free of congenital eye diseases after a veterinarian examines the eyes. This test is only good for one year, so must be done annually. Cardiac Testing: A canine cardiologist tests the dog for any cardiac abnormalities, especially Cardiomyopathy, a disease which may strike primarily large and giant breeds. Remember not all dogs may need all screening tests. Talk with your breeder and your vet and work out the schedule that is best for the health of your new puppy. Be sure to ask your vet to send reminders when future health checks are due, and be sure to keep your own records up to date and accurate. |
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