Accredited Breeders » Health Test Info

Key to Official Health Screening Schemes and DNA Tests

1. Hip scoring
   
   Radiographs can be taken by a general practitioner or specialist.  In the case of PennHIP the veterinarian must be approved .  
   The New Zealand Veterinary Association recommend PennHIP as the preferred method. Other schemes that will be accepted include ANKC Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS), BVA, OFA and FCI.   
   Please submit a copy of the results to Dogs NZ.  
   Please watch this YouTube video explaining the PennHIP Scheme.
   
   
   


2. Elbow grading
   Radiographs can be taken by a general practitioner or specialist.   Radiographs can be submitted to the NZVA Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.
   Other schemes that will be accepted include ANKC Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS), BVA, OFA & FCI.
   Please submit a copy of the results along with the appropriate submission form.
   
   
3. Eye testing
   Eye examinations must be performed within 12 months of the first service date.  Gonioscopy is a separate eye test (for predisposition to glaucoma) and, where relevant, this test is only done once. Eye certificates must be done by an approved eye vet. After this age then a dispensation will be provided when using frozen semen.  Approved eye vets are:
   

Dr Peter Collinson, Auckland Animal Eye Centre, Mt Wellington Auckland, New Zealand
Ph: 09 527-7697
Fax: 09 527-7690
eyevet@xtra.co.nz
www.eyevet.co.nz

Dr Kellam Bailey, Veterinary Ophthalmic Services, Silverstream, Wellington
04 527 7552
vet.ocular@gmail.com
www.vosvet.co.nz

Dr Steve Heap, McMaster & Heap Veterinary Practice, Christchurch
03 338 2534
www.mcmasterheap.co.nz

Eye Certificates are valid for 12 months and must be performed until the dog turns 8 years old in cases where frozen semen is used and the dog is still alive.


4. DNA testsDNA can be tested at any WSAVA accredited laboratory foundat: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/academic-departments/clinical-sciences-advanced-medicine/research-labs-centers/penngen/tests-worldwide.  Lab can be searched by breed, disease, orcountry.  The most used genetic testing laboratoriesby Dogs NZ breeders are Orivet, Infogene Massey University, and UC Davis. They offer DNA genotyping (DNA fingerprinting) and various DNA disease tests as well as accessing partner laboratories to perform disease tests not done in-house.  Recommended DNA tests for your breed can be found by searching here: https://dogsnz.org.nz/accredited-breeders/health-tests-by-breed.  
   
   DNA samples must be taken by an approved sampler which includes veterinarians and veterinary nurses and samplers certified by the laboratory used.  The microchip number must be verified and recorded at the time of sampling. Clear by parentage by DNA can be obtained for up to 4 generations and such DNA parentage proof must be provided to Dogs NZ.  Clear by parentage by pedigree will not be accepted from the 1st November 2021.  Please contact health@dogsnz.org.nz if you have any questions.
   
   
5. BAEP Testing (deafness)
   BAEP stands for brainstem auditory evoked potential. These tests are available by arrangement with Prof. Joe Mayhew. Email: i.g.mayhew@massey.ac.nz
   
   
6. Thyroid Testing
   Thyroid testing should be within 12 months of the date of mating. Comprehensive thyroid screen including Free T4, TSH and TgAA. is available through Gribbles laboratories. The appropriate form along with the guidelines for thyroid testing should be taken to your veterinarian.
   
   
7. Patella
   Certification is valid for 12 months and must be current prior to the date of mating. This can be performed by a general practitioner or specialist.  Please take the appropriate form and explanation of the testing method to your veterinarian.
   
   
8. Cardiac
   Certification for congenital conditions is valid from 12 months old and should be done once in the dog’s lifetime.   This can be performed by a general practitioner or specialist.  If an abnormality is noted then an examination by a Cardiologist / Veterinarian with a special interest in cardiology is recommended. The appropriate form along with the guidelines for the examination should be taken to your certifying veterinarian.
   In cases of adult-onset cardiac disease, and/or cardiac disease requiring advanced diagnostics then a Specialist Veterinarian must perform the certification.  Certification of adult-onset cardiac disease is valid for 12 months only.
   
   
9. Legge-Calve Perthes Disease
   A hip extended radiograph taken under sedation / general anaesthesia is required.
   The appropriate form along with the guidelines for the examination should be taken to your certifying veterinarian.
   
   
10. Kidney Testing (Bull Terriers)
    A urine sample tested by an approved test laboratory.
    Please submit a copy of the results.