Health Testing and OFA

[tanza]

I hope that everyone that has any type of health testing done put the results on the OFA public Database… We all know that Fanconi is automatically put on, but things like eyes exams (CERF) are not... Many don't always put CERF on there because they are only good for one year (and I am an offender of that but I have the reports) at least get a baseline on there.. and then if you follow up every few years, gives people lots of good information....

And if you have a pup with a known sire and dam be sure that they are listed on the paperwork. The only way that we as breeders or people looking for a pup or just researching a Basenji can trace pedigrees is if the information is there....

For all that have... thanks!

[etzbseder]

Trying to research some new dogs that aren't listed?

I would probably do more testing, but Medjai is neutered, and isn't even the real pup of his registered mom, so it won't help much backwards, and his line isn't going forwards through him.

I have done patellas, eyes, and fanconi though.

I think you should also list the best tests to have done, so if people can't do many, they can at least know which ones to do first. I know that the list starts with Fanconi, and I would put either patellas or eyes as two and three, but don't know about if hip displasia or some of the other ones are that necessary, especially for a pet rather than show dog.

[kiroja]

@etzbseder:

I think you should also list the best tests to have done, so if people can't do many, they can at least know which ones to do first.

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) has a list of recommended testing for many breeds. They are co-sponsored by AKC and OFA, and the parent clubs for each breed are who decide what tests are important for CHIC certification. Here is the page for Basenjis:

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=BJ

So basically the Basenji community is saying that you should focus on hips, eyes, thyroid, and fanconi (which recently replaced the hemolytic anemia test). Dogs that have those tests done and submitted to OFA/CERF will receive a CHIC ID, whether or not the test results were positive. Wouldn't that be something to some day see all breeders and pet owners getting their dogs "CHICed"!

Other tests I personally like to add to that list are elbows, patellas and cardiac screening. If you do elbows at the same time as hips, it's usually pretty reasonable. Patellas are easily done during your yearly vet exam for nothing extra other than the OFA report fee. Same with a cardiac exam, although I prefer to use the clinics at shows where there's a cardiologist for extra thoroughness, and minimal cost.

[Elscodobermann]

@tanza:

I hope that everyone that has any type of health testing done put the results on the OFA public Database… We all know that Fanconi is automatically put on, but things like eyes exams (CERF) are not... Many don't always put CERF on there because they are only good for one year !

do UK eye exams get put on there as well? i had Tilly's eyes tested a few weeks back - all clear - just very minor PPM strand in an eye - I got a form confirming details, but there is no official KC/BVA scheme for eyes for Basenjis.

cheers

Scott

[kiroja]

@Elscodobermann:

do UK eye exams get put on there as well?

Probably not. The only eye exams that are accepted are those done on CERF forms (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) and done by an ACVO diplomat (American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists). CERF works with OFA to send them eye reports so they can be included in OFA's database. But they usually only report dogs who have also had at least one OFA test done besides the eyes.

I do see a few vets qualified to give CERF exams in Australia, Canada, and Switzerland! So at least a few others might be able to be included.

If you'd like to look up (mostly) American dogs' eye results, you can check through CERF's website. But again as Pat said, owners must choose to pay a few extra dollars and send in the forms to the registry so they are publicly available. You don't have to keep submitting exams if you get the same result, but at least put one CERF into the database for your dog.

http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

[lvoss]

@etzbseder:

I think you should also list the best tests to have done, so if people can't do many, they can at least know which ones to do first. I know that the list starts with Fanconi, and I would put either patellas or eyes as two and three, but don't know about if hip displasia or some of the other ones are that necessary, especially for a pet rather than show dog.

IMO hips are important for an active pet dog. If the owners are coursing/racing their dogs or are hiking, biking, jogging on a regular basis then it is important information to have especially if there is no information about the family of dogs. Two of my aunts have had large mixed breed dogs with HD and knowing about it really helped them to manage the disease and make sure they were doing their best to lessen the symptoms the dogs were experiencing.

Another important thing that should be said, owners can do a lot to help dogs with joint issues like HD, luxating patellas, etc by making sure to keep their dogs lean and fit. Keeping excess weight off of the dog and making sure they have good muscle tone can really make a difference.

[saba]

Just a word of warning to anyone who is contemplating doing Patella's and a Cardiac assessment from your Vet Pracitioner…The dog has to be over 12 months of age, for it to be included on the OFA site. I had Ochre done at 11 months and 1 week, and it wasnt accepted :mad:.

I still cant find where this is written, but, I havent thoroughly searched for it, either... If anyone can see it, I would love to be shown where it is documented

[saba]

While reading this thread, I have just realised that I havent sent the OFA my HA results… Will they include these results, on the site, still ???

[lvoss]

OFA will include HA test results.

Here is the link to the statement of age requirements.

Cardiac (scroll to bottom) - http://www.offa.org/cardiacinfo.html
Patellas (scroll to bottom) - http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html

[saba]

@lvoss:

OFA will include HA test results.

Here is the link to the statement of age requirements.

Cardiac (scroll to bottom) - http://www.offa.org/cardiacinfo.html
Patellas (scroll to bottom) - http://www.offa.org/patluxinfo.html

Well bugger me, there it is plain and simple, staring me in the face o:o…

Thanks for that Ivoss, cant see for looking o:o.

I think before I ask another question on here, I will go and try to find the info out myself... (Slinks off quietly, with tail firmly between my legs :D)...

Just in case I cant find it, what is the payment for putting up the HA results ??? Im guessing I wont be able to find this info either !!!

[lvoss]

$15

http://www.offa.org/dnaappbw.pdf

I think it may just be that I spend an inordinate amount of time on the OFA site.