Hip Dysplasia
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certification: We are able to radiograph your dog’s hips for hip dysplasia at 24 months of age. We will forward these radiographs to a Board Certified Radiologist for OFA certification. Ontario Veterinary College Certification: We also offer certification done at the Ontario Veterinary College. These radiographs are taken at 18 months or older. These are then sent to a board certified radiologist in Guelph for certification. If planning on breeding a dog, this certification is generally required by most breeders in an effort to decrease the incidence of this debilitating condition.
Renal Dysplasia
Renal dysplasia is an uncommon but significant disease found in some Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos and Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. Renal dysplasia is a disease in which the kidneys fail to develop normally. Dogs usually become clinically ill before one year of age. If you are a breeder, this test can significantly reduce your chances of breeding this inherited problem in your dogs.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
We offer testing for this disease which, in some breeds, is a highly inheritable trait. Von Willebrand’s disease is similar to hemophilia in humans and can result in life threatening bleeding. Often dogs that carry this disease in their genetic makeup go undetected until an emergency situation arises during a routine procedure such as a spay or neuter. In some cases, the disease may become apparent when a small superficial injury results in significant blood loss. Often the first hint that a dog has this disease is when their adult teeth are pushing through their gums and the gums bleed excessively. Knowing your dog’s condition ahead of time can make the difference between life and death.
Commonly affected breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Poodles and Pembrooke Welsh Corgis. As many as 50% of Dobermans are affected with this disease.
Some animals show no signs of the disease but are carriers of the genetic problem. If these dogs are allowed to reproduce, they can pass the disease on to their offspring. If you are a breeder, consider using this test before breeding your dogs.