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Health Testing Your Kooikerhondje
A Step-by-Step Guide To Health Testing Your Kooikerhondje
At Any Age: Combibreed DNA test for vWD, ENM, PM, & SNP data for Fit2Breed database
Once your kooikerhondje has received a microchip, they are eligible for the official Combibreed DNA test from Van Haeringen Laboratories (VHL) in The Netherlands to test their carrier status for vWD, ENM, PM, and to provide the SNP genome data for use in Fit2Breed. This test is a simple cheek swab performed by your regular veterinarian. The steps to complete the test are as follows:
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Fill out a brief survey to consent to inclusion in the Fit2Breed database, at the end of which you will be taken to a link to order the DNA test. The test you want to order is the H561 Combibreed Kooiker (SNP-genotyping for Fit2Breed and the DNA tests for PM, ENM and VWD) - €159.63 excl. VAT. Order your DNA test kit here: https://survey.uu.nl/jfe/form/SV_5bYsJ3YJIdgj4O2
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Order the Witness Sampling Statement here: https://www.combibreed.com/witness-sampling-statement/
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If applicable, order the Tri-Color (A Locus) test here: https://www.combibreed.com/coat-colour-a-locus/
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Take your kooiker, your DNA test kit, and your Witness Statement to your regular veterinarian. Your vet will need to scan your dog's microchip number, swab their cheek per test kit instructions, and sign the witness statement verifying that the microchip matches the dog on the test form. (We suggest you combine this with your annual vaccine visit)
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Return the swab to VHL with the address provided via DHL. In the customs declaration form contents description put "DNA sample from healthy animal."
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Once your kooiker's DNA has been received and processed by VHL, you will receive an email with the test results.
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Go to OFA and select the application for DNA Based Genetic Disease, select the option to fill out online for Single Animal, fill out your dog's information, download and print the form, sign it. You can list von Willebrand's Disease (vWD), Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM), and Polymyositis (PM) on the same form.
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Download your completed OFA form, sign it, and submit it to OFA either through their online portal with online payment or via snail mail with your credit card information (you'll see a spot for this at the bottom of your application) or a check.
You can find the OFA application for DNA Based Genetic Disease here: https://ofa.org/applications/
At Any Age: Additional optional blood sample for Utrecht University database
You also have the option of submitting a blood sample to Utrecht University for storage in their DNA database. We strongly encourage you to do so, as this is what the researchers at the university use to develop our breed-specific DNA tests. This is a blood draw performed by your regular veterinarian. The steps to complete the test are as follows:
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Fill out a DNA Storage Form here: https://survey.uu.nl/jfe/form/SV_2siCxX82roE2BrE
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Take your kooiker and any accompanying forms to the vet. (We suggest you combine this with their annual vaccine visit)
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Request a blood sample of 4 mL in EDTA tubes. This typically requires 2 tubes. It is a good idea to tell your vet about the blood sample when you make your appointment to make sure they have the correct sample tubes available.
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Send the tubes to Utrecht University via USPS at the address provided at the end of the DNA Storage form. In the customs declaration form contents description put "DNA sample from healthy animal." DO NOT SAY IT IS BLOOD. If you say it is blood it will get stuck in customs and/or returned to you.
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Feel great that you have helped contribute to science and the greater benefit of the kooikerhondje breed!
At 1 Year Old: Patellas & Eyes
Once your kooikerhondje is 1 year old, they are eligible for their OFA Patella and CAER Eye Exam.
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OFA Patellas - a simple exam that can be performed by your regular veterinarian. Select the application for Patellar Luxation, select the option to fill out online for Single Animal, fill out your kooiker's information, download and print the form, sign it, and take it to your veterinarian to sign after they perform the exam. Always check the box to post failing scores. This is something simple that can be done when you take your puppy in for their 1 year old annual exam and vaccines. Download the application here: https://ofa.org/applications/
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CAER Eye Exam - this test requires a specialist appointment because it must be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The test will automatically be submitted to OFA by your veterinary ophthalmologist, and you will submit payment to OFA online via their application portal. Always check the box to post failing scores. You can find a veterinary ophthalmologist near you here: https://www.acvo.org/ophthalmologist-search
Many conformation shows also offer eye clinics, which can be an easier and cheaper option than making an appointment with a veterinary office, depending on where you live. You can join local show dog facebook groups to ask about any upcoming shows with eye clinics and you can also find health clinics near you here: https://ofa.org/health-clinics/
At 2 Years Old: Hips
Once your kooikerhondje is 2 years old, they are eligible for their final OFA Hip scores.
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OFA Hips - Your kooiker's OFA Hip scores can be performed by your GP veterinarian, but we recommend that you ask around in your local show and/or agility community for a veterinarian that is very experienced and has good results with OFA Hip scores. This is a simple radiograph of the hips in a specific position that is judged by a panel of experts and rated Excellent, Good, or Fair for passing scores and Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe for failing scores. We recommend that kooikers should always be sedated for the exam to get the best positioning and not put your dog through undue stress. You will select the application for Hip Displaysia, select the option to fill out online for Single Animal, fill out your dog's information, download and print the form, sign it, and take it to your veterinarian. Always check the box to post failing scores. Your veterinarian will sign your form and submit it along with your kooiker's x-ray. It is invaild if it is not submitted to OFA directly from your veterinarian. You can find the application for OFA Hips here: https://ofa.org/applications/
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