Why Health Test/Screen?
What is meant by health screening/testing?
Testing your dog for certain genetic diseases greatly affects your chances of not reproducing those issues in future generations. While there are no guarantees, the knowledge that your individual dogs are tested free of certain conditions gives you a tremendous advantage as a breeder and gives your puppy buyers a sense of your dedication to the welfare of not only your own breeding program, but to the breed as well. The tests for issues that affect Bulldogs are easily attained, and for the most part, fairly inexpensive. Why should I get my Bulldog tested? Very simply, so you know if your dog is affected.
Suggested Health Screenings Please refer to the matrix on the Download Page of this site for suggested Bulldog health screenings. Can my own Veterinarian do the tests? In many instances, yes. Tests for eye conditions and deafness are to be done by specialists. Cardiac tests can be done by a practitioner, but a specialist is ideal. HUU and Cystinuria tests may be done by the owner using a DNA buccal swab.
What is BCA’s position on health testing?
The Health Committee and BCA have no formal recommendation at this time on how breeders use formal tests to select breeding stock or make breeding decisions. However, in keeping with the spirit of the BCA being stewards of the Bulldog breed, members are encouraged to take advantage of advances in testing, genetics and medical science to always strive to produce the soundest animals possible with the goal of continuously improving the genetic health of the breed as a whole.
Definitions
Definitions/Links
ACVO: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (http://www.acvo.org/)
BAER: Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/baerexpl.h tm)
BCA:Bulldog Club of America (http://www.bulldogclubofamerica.org/)
CHIC: Canine Health Information Center (http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/)
ECR (Replaces CERF): Eye Certification Registry (http://www.offa.org)
HUU: Hyperuricosuria (http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/Hy peruricosuria.php)
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (http://www.offa.org)
PennHIP: University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/)