OFA

01/22/2025

The OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) provides breeders with information regarding canine eye diseases so that they may make informed breeding decisions in an effort to produce healthier dogs. CAER certifications will be performed by board certified (ACVO) veterinary ophthalmologists.

Regardless of whether owners submit their CAER exam forms to the OFA for “certification,” all CAER exam data is collected for aggregate statistical purposes to provide information on trends in eye disease and breed susceptibility.

Learn more: https://ofa.org/diseases/eye-disease/

01/19/2025

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller) was developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl. The playful action of the Toller retrieving a stick or ball along the shoreline arouses the curiosity of the ducks offshore. The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing, and ready for action.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA), recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, please visit the parent club website: https://www.nsdtrc-usa.org/ #
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

01/09/2025

Here are some reasons for why there may be a delay in processing results:
- Not all vets send in cases on the same day the images are taken
- Applications that are missing information need to be completed before they can be evaluated
- Images and forms that are sent separately need to be found and matched together
- Incorrect images or images lacking labels and identification require re-submission

To avoid many of these delays, make sure your applications are complete and your clinic is aware of the OFA submission process. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns!
Check out our website for more information: https://ofa.org

01/02/2025

Ring in the new year with some health clinics! Check out our Health Clinic Calendar to find upcoming OFA health clinics near you!

Calendar: https://ofa.org/health-clinics/

01/01/2025

Cheers to a safe and happy 2025!

12/27/2024

The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog with a merry temperament and a dark-eyed inquisitive expression. They are gentle mannered, sensitive, playful and affectionate. A cheerful attitude is the hallmark of the breed.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Bichon Frise Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- Patellar Luxation
- ACVO Eye Exam
Optional but recommended:
- Cardiac (Basic, congenital, or advanced via a cardiologist)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Bichon Frise, please visit the parent club website: https://bichon.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

12/25/2024

We wish you and your pets a safe & happy holiday season!

12/12/2024

What is Sebaceous Adenitis?

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a hereditary skin disease in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed, often leading to progressive loss of hair. The disease is primarily seen in Standard Poodles, Akitas, and Samoyeds, although there have been reported cases in a number of other breeds and mixed breeds as well. The disease can develop in a wide age range, with age of onset documented as early as 1 year and as late as 12 years.

There is no DNA test available to genotypically detect SA. Currently, diagnosis is based on skin biopsy samples. Because the age of onset varies, and since this is only a phenotypic test reflecting a point in time, retesting is recommended every 1 to 2 years for dogs used in breeding programs.

Learn more: https://ofa.org/diseases/other-phenotypic-evaluations/sebaceous-adenitis/

12/10/2024

The AKC Canine Health Foundation is set up at the AKC National Championship Dog Show hosted by Royal Canin! Visit their booth to learn more about their work in canine health research

Good luck to all the competitors this week from all of us at the OFA!❤️🤍

12/05/2024

Since 1995, CHF and its donors have invested more than $3 million to explore the causes of canine epilepsy and develop new, more effective treatments for this challenging disease. For more information, educational resources, and to find out how you can participate in our epilepsy research, visit www.akcchf.org/epilepsy.
💜

12/03/2024

The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. They are swift in the field and independent. Afghan Hounds have an aloof and elegant air and seem to know that they are kings and queens to be obeyed.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Afghan Hound Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Afghan Hound, please visit the parent club website: https://afghanhoundclubofamerica.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

11/28/2024

We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2024

The Leonberger is a large, sociable working dog, that is confident, with a steady, playful demeanor. The breed is willing to please and possesses a good capacity for learning.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Leonberger Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1, LPN2, LPN3)
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
Optional but recommended:
- Cardiac (Basic, congenital, or advanced via a cardiologist)
- DNA Repository

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Leonberger, please visit the parent club website: https://loom.ly/TuMAGxo
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://loom.ly/DiTLISo

11/24/2024

11/21/2024

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje was developed to hunt ducks along the canals and wetlands in the Netherlands. Smart, responsive, and independent, the kooikerhondje worked closely with the kooiker, or duck hunter lure the ducks down a net-covered canal and into a trap. They are a true sporting dog, being attentive and energetic with a cheerful character.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Nederlandse Kooikerhandje Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM)

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, please visit the parent club website: https://www.nkcusa.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

11/18/2024

CHF-funded research has shown that CBD oil shows promise in treating canine epilepsy. Researchers are now refining the dose of CBD oil that can effectively manage canine seizures with limited side effects. Learn more about this ground-breaking research at https://bit.ly/3ArB7bX.

This research is sponsored by the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Charitable Trust, Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, PBGV Health and Rescue Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America, Inc., Irish Setter Club of Milwaukee, Labrador Retriever Club, Inc, The Mastiff Club of America, Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc., National Beagle Club, OFA, Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation-RRCF, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Toby's Foundation, and the VCA Welfare Foundation.

11/13/2024

With Hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is not making enough of a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism (the process of turning food into fuel). Hypothyroidism causes a wide variety of symptoms, but is often suspected in dogs that have trouble with weight gain or obesity and suffer from hair loss and skin problems. The good news is this disease isn’t life-threatening, it’s easy to diagnose with a blood test, and it’s fairly easy and inexpensive to treat.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in dogs. The marker for autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroglobulin autoantibody formation, usually occurs prior to the occurrence of clinical signs. Therefore, periodic retesting is recommended.

Check out our website for more information on hypothyroidism: https://ofa.org/diseases/thyroid/

11/05/2024

The English Springer Spaniel is a sweet-faced, lovable bird dog of great energy, stamina, and brains. Sport hunters appreciate the duality of working Springers: handsome, well mannered pets during the week, and trusty hunting, show and performance buddies on weekends.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHip)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- DNA Repository
Optional but recommended:
- FUCOSIDOSIS
- PFK
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Cardiac (Basic, congenital, or advanced via a cardiologist)

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the English Springer Spaniel, please visit the parent club website: https://englishspringerspaniels.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/