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Health Tests

The parents of our puppies are health tested for genetic and inherited diseases and conditions, and the results are registered with and verifiable through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). We strive to eliminate genetic and inherited diseases for puppies by completing these tests. We are unable to test for or eliminate the possibility of cancer. All pets carry the risk of developing cancer at any age, and that risk increases as the pet gets older. Here is further information regarding health tests.

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  • OFA: OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This organization verifies health test results and assigns health test certificates. Dog's health test records can be found by searching their registration number or their name in the OFA database by visiting https://www.ofa.org/ .

  • DNA Based Disease Test: Some of the tests are DNA based, also known as tests for genetic diseases. These diseases are tested by a cheek swab from the dog. The sample is then sent to a lab, and the lab analyzes the DNA and is able to determine whether the dog is clear, a carrier or affected by the disease. The results are then sent to the OFA and the OFA assigns a certified OFA number for each test that can be searched in the OFA database. 

  • Clear VS Carrier VS Affected Results: 

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Examples of parent result combinations for the same genetic disease:

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CLEAR = Total absence of the disease, and no recessive gene 

Two CLEAR parents can never produce an AFFECTED puppy

CLEAR x CLEAR parents = ALL CLEAR puppies âœ“

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CARRIER = Carries a recessive gene for the diesease, but in no way is affected by the disease. This is completely okay for one parent to have, as long as both parents are not carriers of the same disease. 

CLEAR x CARRIER parents= CLEAR or CARRIER puppies âœ“

CARRIER x CARRIER parents = CLEAR, CARRIER, and possibly AFFECTED puppies  X

CARRIER x AFFECTED parents = CARRIER and most likely AFFECTED puppies  X

 

AFFECTED = IS AFFECTED by the diesease. The disease is life long. 

CLEAR x AFFECTED parents= CARRIER puppies âœ“

CARRIER x AFFECTED parents = CARRIER and most likely AFFECTED puppies  X

AFFECTED  x AFFECTED parents = All AFFECTED puppies  X

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  • Non DNA Based Disease Test: For tests that are not genetically based, a thurough exam will be given by a vetrinarian, most likely a specialist in the area being tested. Sometimes x-rays are used to test the dog. The reults are scored and are either passing or non passing. By having adult dogs that pass, it increases the liklihood of the puppy passing as well when he or she is older. The results are then sent to the OFA and the OFA assigns a certified OFA number for each test that can be searched in the OFA database. 

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