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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
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Once your kooikerhondje has received a micropchip, 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, 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) - €193.15 incl 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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Take your kooiker, DNA test, and 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.
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Return the swab to VHL with the address provided via USPS. You will need to fill out a customs declaration form at the post office and in the 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 both von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) and Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) on the same form. OFA does not record PM carrier status at this time.
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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 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 GP 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 easy 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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