| WHAT DO OFA AND CERF MEAN TO ME? |
You should also understand that each breed of dog has a different set of
health testing that needs to be accomplished.
Many of our litters are "Double Generational Health Tested" which simply
means that not only were mom and dad tested but grandma and grandpa
also had some health testing done. Look for the logo below on our
available puppy pages or on our upcoming litter pages to verify double
generational health testing.
Below is a basic explanation of what each term means:
OFA HIPS
The hip of the dog is a ball and socket type joint. They are supposed to
perfectly line up with each other. These two joints are held into position
with ligaments that attach the ball to the socket. Inside this joint there is a
layer of spongy cartilage that helps to cushion the joint. When these two
joints separate hip dysplasia can be evident. Hip dysplasia can cause
limping and an uneven gate. Dogs that are effected may look as though
they have arthritis - being stiffer in the morning or after exercise.
The x-ray to determine whether a dog has hip dysplasia or not is done
while the dog is under anesthesia. The x-rays are then sent into the
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals and are graded accordingly.
A "Passing Grade" is considered to be a rating of Excellent, Good or Fair
hip joint confirmation. Grading may be from a prelim or final report.
OFA ELBOWS
The elbows are also x-rayed much like the hips, for very similar reasons.
The grading system is slightly different than with the hips in that it is either
passing or failing. A passing grade will be considered "Normal". In this
case only the non passing x-rays will be graded according to the severity
of the problem. Grading may be from a prelim or final report as per GANA's
regulations.
CERF
CERF stands for Canine Eye Registration Foundation. When you see
CERF in accordance to a specific dog on our website - this simply means
that they have passed the thorough eye exam from a qualified Canine
Opthamologist.
HEART
If you see Heart clearances for our dogs - this means that we have taken
them to a veterinarian for a heart exam. The dogs heart is typically
examined at a restful state as well as after physical exercise. They will be
listening for symptoms of sub aortic stenosis or heart murmurs of any kind.
If something is noted the dog will then be sent for an echo cardiogram to
determine the status of the dog. If the veterinarian found no problems with
the dog they will be issued a "Normal" status.
PRA
PRA stands for Progressive Retinal Atrophy and is a disease of the eye
that can lead to blindness. Only one parent in the breeding pair needs to
be clear of PRA in order to be bred together. Standard Poodles are not at
risk for this disease - so any puppy with one Standard Poodle as a parent
will be clear.
VWD
VWD stands for: VonWildebrands Disease which is a canine bleeding
disorder. Only one parent in the breeding pair must be proven clear by
parentage or through DNA testing.
PATELLAS
The patella is the "Knee" of the rear leg of the dog. These are necessary
to check on any Toy or Mini Poodles or with any small or medium
Goldendoodles. A veterinarian can by feeling the patella and it's
movement determine whether or not the dog is affected.
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