CHIC testing

[Nemo]

I want to try and have Zoni's health testing in line with the CHIC guidelines, particularly if she is ever bred (not to forget it gives a better health picture of the breed). I'm curious what they mean by yearly testing. So, do I have to have her CERF evalauation before she is 1 year old or can it be between 1 and 2 years old? I'd like for her to have a CHIC number eventually and I wasn't sure how exactly it was tracked.

Here are the basenji guidelines in case anyone isn't familiar.

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

[khanis]

Since you are looking into the future, just make sure to send in the next CERF form you have to CERF and you will get a number and in the database.
Technically speaking, a CERF is good for only one year.
So that means if your girl was CERFd before you got her and sent in, then you just need to update yearly _.
Sometimes, clinics have a breeders day and do most all the testing at a discounted rate.

Kudos to you for wanting the best for your girl!_

[lvoss]

If you miss a year, you will still get a CHIC number so if she hasn't been tested this year it is okay. Just get it done for next year. Like Kathy, I also test my puppies before they go to their new homes but not everyone does and not everyone sends in the forms.

[Nemo]

@khanis:

Since you are looking into the future, just make sure to send in the next CERF form you have to CERF and you will get a number and in the database.
Technically speaking, a CERF is good for only one year.
So that means if your girl was CERFd before you got her and sent in, then you just need to update yearly _.
Sometimes, clinics have a breeders day and do most all the testing at a discounted rate.

Kudos to you for wanting the best for your girl!

Thanks. I have her puppy CERF results (well at least I think it is a CERF exam) but I don't believe it was sent in anywhere._

[khanis]

The CERF form is one that had multiple copies to it and the vet kept the top copy. You will have to fill in the back and mail it to CERF with the correct fee.
Heck, I just found some from January that I was sure that I mailed in… apparently my mind left me, so although they are late, I am still sending them in next week.
And yes, once you have a CERF #, it will remain with the dog and you can keep the CHIC, even if it goes beyond a year on the CERF form.

[nkjvcjs]

I wonder why they don't have the test for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency as a requirement?
Wasn't Hemolytic Anemia a big problem in basenjis in the past?

[tanza]

@nkjvcjs:

I wonder why they don't have the test for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency as a requirement?
Wasn't Hemolytic Anemia a big problem in basenjis in the past?

It used to be required, but has not been a problem for years and years since the DNA test came out….and breeders have tested for it... Only a few every now and again pop up mostly from irresponsible BYB/Puppymill breeders. Fanconi replaced it. Go back and look at some of the first CHIC Basenjis and you will see HA testing.

[lvoss]

HA was a problem in the past but when the DNA test came out most carriers were culled from the genepool which is one of the reasons the breed needs new genetic diversity. When the Fanconi test became available BCOA looked at their CHIC guidelines and decided it was far more important for the breed to be looking for Fanconi than for HA which is only found in a small number of lines now.

[Nemo]

@khanis:

The CERF form is one that had multiple copies to it and the vet kept the top copy. You will have to fill in the back and mail it to CERF with the correct fee.
Heck, I just found some from January that I was sure that I mailed in… apparently my mind left me, so although they are late, I am still sending them in next week.
And yes, once you have a CERF #, it will remain with the dog and you can keep the CHIC, even if it goes beyond a year on the CERF form.

Lol, I didn't even notice that there was a back side. Will it be a problem if I send in the form if her breeder signed as the owner on the front side of the form and I sign up as the owner on the back (she's a co-owner too)?

[lvoss]

It should not be a problem.

[tanza]

@lvoss:

HA was a problem in the past but when the DNA test came out most carriers were culled from the genepool which is one of the reasons the breed needs new genetic diversity. When the Fanconi test became available BCOA looked at their CHIC guidelines and decided it was far more important for the breed to be looking for Fanconi than for HA which is only found in a small number of lines now.

And in hind sight… many Basenjis that were "culled" from the gene pool.. for being carriers or even affected... should have been used on clears... and then tested to use more clears on clears....

We are lucky today that breeders understand that Carriers should not be culled from a breeding program "IF" they have much to offer the breed same as Affected Males... (IMO never affected bitches).....

[khanis]

I would attach a sticky note to let them see that they need to use your address… it shouldn't be a problem... but can only help them identify the correct name/address to send it to!

[Nemo]

Thanks Kathy and Lisa!