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Questions about health clearance testing ???

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Mac Lassiter

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Wanting to start the process of getting my BLF health clearances, and not sure were to start ! I stopped by my regular vet yesterday to ask if they knew about the processes, and if they could do the cheek swabs or blood draws, and they had no idea what I was talking about, and had never even heard of these test (Staff at front desk). They went and asked the vet which was in back, and said that there was obvious no problem drawing blood or doing swabs, and thats all the answers I got.


BUT I am not sure on the whole process, and even were to send the stuff once it's collected ! Can someone point me in the right direction, and what I need to do ?
 
#3 ·
You will want to get hips and elbows x rayed. eyes certified. EIC and CNM tested(these are collapse genes). The CNM comes from France and your vet will have to swab your dog and certify that he/she was the one that did it.
 
#4 · (Edited)
You need a variety of DNA tests if you plan to breed your dog at some time. Hips, elbows, and eyes are standard whether you are breeding or not. You need to hold up both ends of your dog and know that their eyes are normal without cataracts or scaring or other problems. Some dogs with poor hips/elbows can have a comfortable retrieving life but you would not want to breed.

The two main DNA tests you need are EIC (exercises induced collapse) and CNM.(centronuculear myopathy). Directions for each are a little different as to how to get the submission form. There is a web site for each. CNM provides a kit . EIC does not send a kit.
CNM is www.labradorcnm.com
EIC is http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/eic/
In both of these diseases, the above links are where the DNA PhD scientists are located that identified the specific disease mutation. They know the most about the disease.
Of the dogs tested for CNM about 16-18% are identified as carriers. If affected (both parents carriers) CNM shows up before six months.
Of the dogs tested for EIC the percent is a little higher but I don't have exact number. Affected EIC might show up early or might not have symptoms until a few years old.

Carriers are where only one side of parents have a copy of the mutation. Carriers show no symptoms at any time in their lives. It takes both parents being a carrier of either disease to have any of the pups have the disease.

Blood is not needed. Cheek swabs are easy to do (directions are provided by both locations) and are non-invasive or not painful

Ask the breeder of your dog what clearances the parents have. This won't give you a firm answer about your dog but will get you started on the conversation and planning.

Write me privately at the email cnminfo@centurytel.net if you have questions that this did not answer.

Happy Retrieving
Marilyn

Marilyn J Fender, PhD , Global Communications Coordinator CNM Project.
USA Division--- Wisconsin and Georgia
www.labradorcnm.com cnminfo@centurytel.net
 
#7 ·
I personally do deal breaker issues first , Hips and elbows. Bad hips or elbows , no need to go any further ....Passing hips and elbows,then I go on the DNA tests, eic,cnm and pra
 
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#8 ·
The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.

Hope this helps.
 
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#9 ·
Absolutely! I knew I was missing one! was thinking and thinking and could not come up with it , scary......

Erin Lynes said:
The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
 
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#10 ·
Erin Lynes said:
The eye exam is also a potential deal breaker and the cheapest of all the tests with results known instantly- but need to be done by an AVCO certified eye specialist vet. Whenever possible, I do clearances in this order: EYES - CERF or OFA exam (the AVCO vet that does the exam will have the forms and will tell you where to submit the results)
Then Hips/elbows (after 2 years of age for official 'final' rating)
If all of those are passing, then the following DNA tests, which are not 'pass or fail' but provide information on how to plan safe breedings:
EIC test -from the University of Minnesota http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/eic/ which can be a cheek swab or blood sample (have your vet do it for the highest security rating)
CNM Test through the university of Alfort in France http://www.labradorcnm.com/ - cheek swab, need to order the test kit ahead of time
prcd-PRA and RD-OSD - these are pricey so I wait for sale days at Optigen to get the best deal - http://www.optigen.com/ - cheek swab or blood test.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
This is also the way we do our testing.
 
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#12 · (Edited)
Your regular vet should be able to do the hip and elbow x-rays to send to OFFA for certification. You will need to print out the application, and depending on the vet mail the x-rays yourself. Take paperwork with you to vet to sign. Google OFA to find the applications and learn more. Sometimes vets are not as good as others with proper positioning, so you may want to ask anyone you know who does their dogs and if they are satisfied with the results. Positioning is very important and poor positioning can yield your dog a lower rating or a failing one. Your vet should also be able to refer you to an ACVO vet for the eye exam- I live in the middle of nowhere And my vet knew exactly what I meant when I asked to be referred. You can save a little money if you can find a CERF (eye) clinic; some retriever clubs and shows have them.

I agree do the eyes, hips/elbows first. Then do genetic tests. No need to do genetic tests on a dog that cannot pass the other tests.
 
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#13 ·
Genetic Testing Step-By-Step

I went through this same learning process a couple of years ago. While I was going through it, I documented the steps and what was required. I've tried to capture all of this information in an article on my website.

Go to http://www.burrdogs.com/step-by-step-genetic-testing.html and tell me what you think.
 
#14 ·
Your steps are off- Do the CERF on eyes first. This is a deal breaking test and it just so happens to be the cheapest. As a plus, you find out on the spot without having to send anything off, whether or not your dog will pass. That whole "it's only good for a year thing" shouldn't even be taken in consideration at this point. What you are wanting to know at this point is: will the dog pass. Yes, they SHOULD be done every year. Ideally, they should be done at: 6-8 wks of age, at 1 year, and every year thereafter, preferably right before each litter if breeding every year.
In reality, they should be done at 6-8wks, once around age 2, and then each year you are planning on breeding. Once a dog is "retired" from breeding then every other or at least every three years will do if you want to know your dog's eye condition.
The genetic tests also should be the last things done, as they are not deal breakers because they can be used for breeding around a disease because the tests are black/white in nature. PRA and RD/OSD can/should be added to the list for labradors. Other breeds need/should have other genetic tests done as they each come with their own set of genetic anomalies.
Something to also note is that if doing PennHip for hips, they do not do elbows, so even if you have a great score from PennHip, you will need to wait until you can OFA the elbows before continuing on with the more expensive tests.
Something else to stress is that people should be judging the stud dogs for ALL of their qualities, not just whether or not they are Clear of all the genetic diseases.
 
#15 ·
Correction on the web site list that was referenced by bburus:

The test kit from www.labradorcnm.com is NOT sent from France. it is sent First Class from a distributor in the Milwaukee area. Depending on where you live in the USA, it gets to you in a couple days. An e-form arrives on your computer to use for dog identification along with the kit. Later after the samples are taken, you send to France by First Class for a couple dollars. Cost is $55 with discounts for over 6 at a time and litters. It takes from about 6 to 10 days to get there. A "brushes arrived" email is sent to you when your package arrives at the CNM Project laboratory. If a rush is requested, the results arrive on your computer in a week or less. If not a rush, then it is two weeks or less.

Send any questions about www.labradorcnm.com that you have to me at cnminfo@centurytel.net

Marilyn
Marilyn J Fender, PhD; Global Communications Coordinator, CNM Project
US Division (Wisconsin and Georgia) cnminfo@centurytel.net
 
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