If a breeder tells you they did a test but didn't register the results insist on seeing the radiograph, lab sheet, or exam sheet. If an ethical person performed a health check, they will be willing to show you the proof.
You can confirm the results of hip, elbow, and thyroid tests registered with the OFA by searching their database at:
www.offa.org
The database consisting of information generated by all eye examinations done by ACVO Diplomates and registered with CERF can be found at:
www.vmdb.org
Afghan Hounds do not yet have a genetic test to rule out PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) or JC (heritable cataracts) but
OptiGen
is accepting samples from affected Afghan Hounds and their relatives. If you have a PRA or JC Afghan Hound, please help make history. Submit a sample! At the time of this posting only 14 more samples will give us a test.
There is a great deal that is unknown about the immune system of dogs (and humans) and many factors which can influence the outcome of a thyroid panel. These factors include (but are not limited to): recent illness, recent vaccination (especially rabies), recent treatment with certain drugs such as Rimadyl and sulfa medications, the temperature and handling of samples, the diet, dogs age at time of testing, testing a female dog during or too soon after estrus, and exposure to tick borne infections such as Lyme and Ehrlichia to name just a few.
Proper and repeated testing gives the most accurate thyroid results. It is possible for a dog that has been thyroid tested just one time to have a false “Normal” or a false "Positive” result. See recommendations for thyroid screening on the OFA website here:
http://offa.org/thy_info.html
There is no genetic test to rule out heritable thyroid disorders (or any other heritable disorders) in Afghan Hounds. Dogs with auto-immune diseases may or may not have inherited them, and may or may not pass them on.
Look for breeders who know the health of their breeding dogs. It's easy to say 'my dogs are fine' if they've never been checked/tested to prove otherwise!
AKC Breeder Of Merit
We are proud to be recognized as an American Kennel Club Breeder Of Merit. The Breeder Of Merit Program honors breeder/exhibitors dedication and hard work as they continue to produce dogs that are healthy, capable, and beautiful. To learn more about the Breeder Of Merit program please click the logo to visit the American Kennel Club website.