Health Testing

As a member of the ALA, there are high standards that I am obliged to abide by. These standards ensure ethical breeding of a high quality is taking place, and that all the dogs are well cared for and healthy. There are key tests that are done on all breeding dogs to ensure we do our part as an ethical breeder to produce healthy puppies.

I feel strongly about puppy buyers being educated and equipped to make the right decision about purchasing a puppy and being able to identify an ethical breeder. Below are the physical tests we do at West Side and information on how to read health tests provided to you as well as what a 'good' score is.

I am always happy to have a chat and talk things through!

PinHIPP Test

The PennHIP test is a comprehensive method for assessing hip joint health in dogs, particularly to evaluate the risk of developing hip dysplasia. It evaluates the following:

Hip Joint Congruency:

PennHIP assesses how well the hip joint fits into the hip socket. This involves measuring the degree of joint laxity or looseness, which is a key indicator of potential hip dysplasia.

Hip Joint Laxity:

The test measures the extent to which the ball of the hip joint can be moved within the socket. More laxity indicates a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia.

X-Ray Imaging:

PennHIP uses X-rays to capture three specific views of the hips: the ventrodorsal (straight down from above), the hip distraction view (showing the amount of movement), and the compression view (showing how the femur fits into the acetabulum).

Distraction Index (DI):

This is the primary measurement derived from the PennHIP test. It quantifies the degree of hip joint laxity. The DI is a numerical value that helps predict the likelihood of hip dysplasia developing later.

Reading a PinHIPP Result

The Distraction Index

The PennHIP method is unique in that it evaluates hip joint laxity rather than just the presence of hip dysplasia, providing a more predictive measure of future hip health. The DI is a numerical value that helps predict the likelihood of hip dysplasia developing later.

Maximum Score Allowed

As per the rules and regulations set by the ALA, to pass as a breeding dog a maximum DI score of 0.6 is permissable on either hip. The lower the score, the better. The breed average DI is 0.49

Results

Under the 'findings' section of the report, you will find the results for the dog. Right hip and left hip. The higher result of either 2 are used in the interpration section to class as low, mild, moderate or high risk. Any dog that does not achieve the 'pass' results set by the ALA will be excluded from our breeding program. This is to ensure we do everything in our power to prevent hip and elbow dysplasia.

DNA - Orivet

DNA testing can provide valuable insights into a dog’s genetic health and makeup, which helps make informed breeding decisions,

Genetic Markers:

Testing helps identify specific genetic markers associated with various traits and conditions. This helps breeders understand the genetic makeup and potential hereditary issues of their dogs.

Informed Breeding:

By identifying genetic health risks, breeders can make more informed decisions to avoid pairing dogs that may pass on hereditary conditions to their puppies.

Genetic Disorders:

Orivet provides tests for a range of genetic disorders and conditions including:

PRA-prcd
Cystinuria
Centronuclear Myopathy
Exercise Induced Collapse
Myotubuular Myopathy X Linked
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Von willebrands disease Type I
Degenerative Myelopathy
Autosomal Hereditary Recessive Nephropathy
Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

Genetic Diversity:

Understanding the genetic profile of breeding dogs can help maintain genetic diversity within a breed, which is crucial for the overall health and viability of future generations.

Carrier Status:

The tests can determine if a dog is a carrier of certain genetic conditions, which is valuable for breeders to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to offspring.

Results:

Understanding the genetic profile of our dogs helps us make decisions on pairings. A dog that may be a carrier can only be paired with a dog that does not carry that gene.

CHED Test

The CHED (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia) test is designed to assess the presence of dysplasia in both the hip and elbow joints of dogs.

Hip Dysplasia:

Elbow Dysplasia:

Radiographic Evaluation:

The CHED test involves taking X-rays of the dog's hips. These X-rays are analyzed to detect signs of hip dysplasia, which is a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly into the hip socket, leading to arthritis and pain.

Radiographic Evaluation:

The CHED test also includes X-rays of the dog's elbows. These images help identify elbow dysplasia, a condition where the elbow joint develops abnormally, often leading to pain and arthritis.

Grading:

The radiographs are graded based on the severity of dysplasia, which can range from mild to severe. Common grading systems used include those from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Grading:

Similar to hip dysplasia, the elbow X-rays are evaluated and graded based on the presence and severity of dysplastic changes.

Reading a CHED Result

Hip Joint

The total score for the hip joint is used as the dogs 'score'. The ALA rules and regulations state a maximum score of 15 is allowed in order to pass as a breeding dog. The lower the score, the better.

Elbow Joint

The total score for the elbow joint is used as the dogs 'score'. The ALA rules and regulations state a maximum score of 0 is allowed in order to pass as a breeding dog.

Results

This numerical approach provides a clear and objective measure of dysplasia severity, helping breeders to make informed decisions about the health and breeding of their dogs.