SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER SOCIETY

HEALTH SCHEMES IN THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER

  

The following are current recommendations.  Please note eye and hip screening is mandatory for Accredited breeders: 

 

EYES  canine ophthalmologists screen for Hereditary Cataracts (HC), Central and Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA and GPRA), and Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD).   MRD in the Golden Retriever is not thought to affect sight.  These certificates can be carried out on an annual basis and a current annual certificate must available at time of mating.

 

HIPS  The hip scheme has been in effect since 1984. Hips are X-rayed after the dog is 1 year of age and sent to the BVA to assess the quality and integrity of the ball and socket joint and a score allocated out of 53 for each hip (total 106 for both hips).   The two scores are added, the breed average is 18 (reference data from the BVA).  The lower the score, the better the configuration of the hip.  It is only necessary to obtain a hip score once and the certificate is valid for the lifetime of the animal.

 

ELBOWS   Elbows have been screened since 1998 for signs of abnormal elbow development (elbow dysplasia).  In this case 2 X-ray views of each elbow are submitted to the BVA who allocate a score for each elbow from 0 to 3.  0 is the best score and 3 the worst.  Breeders are encouraged to breed from dogs with only a 0 or 1 score.  As with hips an elbow certificate is valid for life.

 

Please note from 1 January 2010 all breeding stock must be identified by either microchip or tattoo before taking part in any health schemes.  The eye and hip schemes are mandatory for Accredited Breeders.

 

For further information on health schemes in our breed please visit the BVA web site:

 

http://www.bva.co.uk/canine_health_schemes/Canine_Health_Schemes.aspx

 

Please allow plenty of time for upload of the scheme leaflets on this site.

 

For AHT and ECVO schemes please contact the relevant organisations.