Health and Certifications
OFA - Overview
General | CERF | Bouvier Reports
OFA: Overview | Cardiac | Elbows | Hips | Thyroid
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Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
a special note of thanks to the OFA for allowing republishing of much of this information
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An Important Notice from AKC !!
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What is OFA?
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OFA's Progress
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Does OFA have a website?
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How to contact OFA
An Important Notice from AKC, effective July 1, 1996:
As of July 1, 1996, The American Kennel Club (AKC) only accepts OFA evaluation results for dogs that are positively and permanently identified at the time of testing. A microchip or tattoo is an accepted means of identification. The dog's AKC registration number and the microchip or tattoo number must be reported to OFA at the time test results are submitted for evaluation. It is also recommended that these identification numbers be noted on the x-rays when they are submitted to OFA.
NOTE: This is an AKC policy. OFA will continue to process dogs without permanent ID.
What is OFA?
OFA is a not-for-profit foundation, established in 1966, with the following objectives:
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to collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic desease of animals
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to advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases
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to encourage and finance researches in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals
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to receive funds and make grants to carry out these objectives
Currently, the OFA functions as a voluntary diagnostic service and registry for:
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Hip Dysplasia ~ canine and feline
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Patellar Luxation
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Craniomandibular osteopathy
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Copper Toxicosis ~ Bedlington Terriers
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Cardiac Registry
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Thyroid Registry
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Von Willebrand's Disease ~ Shetland Sheepdog, Doberman Pinscher, Scottish Terriers, Manchester Terriers
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Phosphofructokinase Dificiency ~ Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy ~ Irish Setter
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Pyruvate Kinase Dificiency ~ Basenji
In addition to its registry activities, OFA also has contributed more than $1.5 million in financial support to research on canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and molecular genetics.