In order to obtain a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number, the Poodle must have completed testing registered with OFA in the following areas:
- Miniatures must have PRA DNA testing from an approved laboratory, Eye clearance by CERF, and Hip Dysplasia testing from an approved laboratory.
- Toys must have PRA DNA testing from an approved laboratory, Eye clearance by CERF, and Patellar Luxation OFA evaluation.
Many breeders will perform additional testing on their stock. All testing is valuable and gives information regarding the breeder's interest in the future of his/her breeding program. Using the tools that are currently available will allow the breeder to successfully use the entire gene pool in combinations that provide for a continued future of the breed. Other testing currently available includes Legg-Calve-Perthes, Thyroid, and vWd.
Orthopedic: Hip joint dysplasia (HD) and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
How: X-ray
When: After second birthday for OFA, after 6 months for Penn-Hip, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease after 12 months of age with OFA evaluation.
Where: Many veterinarians are experienced in x-raying dog's hips. These films are then sent to the registry for a reading. Only Penn-Hip certified orthopedic and radiological specialists can do the Penn-Hip films. All results should be certified by OFA.
Orthopedic: Stifles for patellar luxation
How: Palpation
When: At 6 months of age
Where: Your local veterinarian or orthopedic specialist can do this examination and results should be certified by OFA.
Eyes for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and the other 21 inherited eye abnormalities found in Poodles such as juvenile cataracts, entropion, ectropion, etc.
How: Eye examination and DNA
When: At about 8 weeks of age the Optigen DNA tests can be done and CERF examination performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and annual exam thereafter.
Where: By a veterinarian who is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists for routine eye examinations. Blood collection information for your vet and forms for Optigen are available from their web pages. 20/20 clinics have a discount and should be used if possible. There may be an ìeye clinicî held in your area sponsored by a breed club.
Blood for thyroid malfunction
How: Blood sample
When: Subsequent to sexual maturity in males and between heat cycles (12 to 16 weeks following onset of heat) in the female.
Where: Thyroid testing is difficult to do correctly and so only a few laboratories are recognized by the Poodle Club of America CHIC program. (Canine Health Information Certificate). For a list of those laboratories, go to the OFA website at www.offa.org.
Blood for Von Willebrandís disease (vWd)
How: Cheek swab.
When: Anytime after birth (if both parents are certified clear then a ìcertificate by pedigreeî may be issued to the offspring).
Where: VetGen
Addresses:
OFA:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
2300 Nifong Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201
Penn-Hip:
271 Great Valley Parkway
Malvern, PA 19355
610-640-1244, 800-248-8099, fax-610-640-5754
CERF:
Canine Eye Registry Foundation
South Campus Courts, Building C
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907
OPTIGEN: (www.optigen.com)
The OptiGen prcd test is done on a small sample of blood from the dog. The test analyzes the specific DNA mutation causing prcd-PRA. The OptiGen test detects the mutant, abnormal gene copy and the normal gene copy. The result of the test is a genotype and allows separation of dogs into three groups: Normal/Clear (homozygous normal), Carrier (heterozygous) and Affected (homozygous mutant).
Thyroid:
Endocrine Diagnostic Section
Diagnostic Center for Population & Animal Health
4125 Beaumont Road, Room 122
Lansing, MI 48910-8104
517-353-0621
or any of the other listed labs at www.caninehealthinfo.org/thylabs.html
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
www.caninehealthinfo.org/
update: 10/11/08