Health Related Topics

Where can I find more information on certification of my dogs hips and eyes?

All breeding stock should be checked and cleared for hip dysplasia and heritable eye disease.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Established in 1966 as a non-profit organization to aid breeders in recognizing hip dysplasia in dogs. Specially positioned hip x-rays taken by a veterinarian are sent to OFA for evaluation. The hips are rated and issued an OFA number if they are normal.

PennHip
Established in 1993 to aid in the early detection of hip dysplasia in dogs. The PennHip method is used to assess, measure and interpret hip joint laxity. PennHip x-rays must be taken by specially trained veterinarians and are sent to PennHip for evaluation.

Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)
Aids breeders in the elimination of heritable eye disease in dogs through education and research. It maintains a registry of purebred dogs that ACVO veterinary opthalmologists have examined and found to be unaffected by major heritable eye disease.

How do I find more information on genetic problems that affect the Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute is dedicated to the increase and dissemination of knowledge of genetics in the Australian Shepherd and the inherited diseases from which it sometimes suffers. On this web site, you will find tons of information including articles and fact sheets on various topics dealing with genetics and diseases of the Australian Shepherd.

General Health Resources:

• Epilepsy Resources
• Merck Vet Manual
• Cornell Veterinary Medicine
• The American Veterinary Medical Association
• Holistic Veternary Medicine