Health Testing

Why health test? We prefer to health test because we know that Goldens are prone to an assortment of health conditions. Some conditions can be prevented or reduced through testing and evaluation prior to breeding. It is advised to evaluate heart, eyes, hips, and elbows. In addition, it is advised to genetically test dogs prior to breeding to reduce risk of premature morbidity and mortality.

Close up of red heart in hands of children on background of blurred senior golden retrieve

Heart Clearances

Our dogs are screened for heart defect by canine cardiologist. If a murmur or abnormal rhythm is detected, an echo is performed. The dog is then given a score of "normal".

Elbow Dysplasia

This x ray is NOT our dog's but a stock photo. Elbow dysplasia is done by x ray of dog's elbow joint to screen for abnormalities. If dysplasia is found, unless due to an injury, the dog is not usually used in the breeding program.

DNA Testing

Ichthyosis-ICT-More than 50% of Goldens thought to carry this disease. Causes scaly skin flakes.
Progressive retinal atrophy PRA 1/2-causes bilateral degeneration of the retina leading to blindness.
Degenerative Myelopathy-progressive condition leading dog to be unable to walk by 2 years of age.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-progressive degeneration of the brain.

Hip Dysplasia

The photo is NOT our dog's x ray. Sadly, this is another dog who developed the condition and it is heart breaking. Around $3,000-$4,000 for each hip to be repaired here in New England. Our dogs are screened via sedation with x ray to evaluate for evidence of hip dysplasia. There are two ways to do this: OFA and Pennhip. We choose Pennhip because we prefer exact measurements rather than relying on subjective opinions on our dogs' x ray results. With OFA, a dog might receive an excellent rating but have high pennhip number and you could have a dog with Fair OFA result with low Pennhip number. Every breeder has their own opinion, this is the route we have decided to take with testing.

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Eye Exam

Like the cardiac evaluation, the dogs are seen by veterinary opthalmologist to be evaluated for eye disease. They are also genetically screened for eye disease before breeding. If a genetic abnormality is found, the dog is not bred.