The Orthopedic Foundation for Animal's (OFA) mission is to focus on the diseases that can affect animals which include hips, elbows, patella, eyes, cardiac, thyroid and genetic diseases. It is a useful online tool that stores information/test results for both breeders and buyers to view using either an animals AKC registration number or name.

     OFA works with the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) in recommending the following basic health screenings for dogs who will be bred. Golden Retrievers who meet the basic health screening requirements (hip, elbow, eye & cardiac evaluations) will be given Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. CHIC certification is a good way for potential buyers to be informed that the breeder takes the health of their dogs into consideration when making breeding decisions. The list below is breed specific for Golden Retrievers.

 

Hip Dysplasia testing options: 

• OFA X-ray Evaluation (Dogs less than 24 months will be given preliminary results and over 24 months of age will be given official results)

• PennHIP Evaluation (At least 4 months of age)

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Elbow Dysplasia testing

• OFA X-ray Evaluation (24 months old for Final Certification)

 

Eye Examination (yearly exams) 

• Eye Exam by a board ACVO Ophthalmologist (8 weeks old or older)

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Cardiac Evaluation options:

• Congenital Cardiac Exam by a Cardiologist (12 months or older)

• Advanced Cardiac Exam by Cardiologist (12 months or older)

• Basic Cardiac Exam by a Cardiologist (12 months or older)

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Genetic Testing Panel

 

Brain & Spinal Cord:

• Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

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Eyes:

• Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 1, GR-PRA1

• Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2, GR-PRA2

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, prcd

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Skin & Connective Tissues:

• Ichthyosis 1

• Ichthyosis 2

• Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullsa

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Muscular:

• Muscular Dystrophy

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Neuromuscular:

• Congenital Myastheic Sydrome

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Skeletal:

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Brittle Bone Disease

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Multisystem:

• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis

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