Health Testing - Pair My Pet

01

Why Health Testing Matters

Health testing before breeding isn’t optional – it’s the cornerstone of responsible breeding. It protects the health of offspring, preserves breed integrity, and demonstrates commitment to ethical practices. Understanding the difference between responsible and backyard breeding starts with health testing.

70%+ of purebred dogs carry at least one genetic mutation

40% of inherited diseases can be prevented with proper testing

900+ genetic conditions identified in dogs alone

The Purpose of Health Testing

Prevent Inherited Disease

Identify carriers of genetic conditions before breeding to avoid producing affected offspring. Many devastating diseases can be completely prevented.

Protect Future Generations

Breeding decisions affect not just immediate offspring but entire bloodlines for generations. Testing helps preserve genetic diversity and breed health.

Informed Decisions

Health test results help you select appropriate breeding partners. A carrier can safely breed to a clear animal – knowledge enables smart pairing.

Buyer Confidence

Documented health testing builds trust with puppy/kitten buyers. It demonstrates your commitment to producing healthy animals and supports premium pricing.

Testing Doesn’t Mean Perfect

No dog or cat is genetically perfect. The goal isn’t to find animals with no genetic variants – it’s to make informed breeding decisions. A carrier can be a valuable part of a breeding program when paired appropriately with a clear animal.

02

Health Testing for Dogs

Canine health testing encompasses several categories: orthopedic evaluations, eye examinations, cardiac screening, and DNA testing. The specific tests required depend on breed and breeding program goals. For a practical checklist approach, see our health testing before breeding blog post.

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Evaluations

The OFA is the primary registry for orthopedic and genetic health testing in North America. Results are recorded in a public database, providing transparency for breeders and buyers.

Hip Dysplasia Evaluation

Most Common Test

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. It’s one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs and has both genetic and environmental components.

Minimum Age: 24 months for OFA evaluation (PennHIP can be done earlier)

Procedure: Radiograph (X-ray) of hip joints in specific positions

Evaluation: Three radiologists independently evaluate and consensus determines grade

OFA Hip Grades

Excellent Superior hip conformation; top 5-10% of breed

Good Well-formed hip joints; acceptable for breeding

Fair Minor irregularities; still acceptable for breeding

Borderline Inconclusive; resubmit in 6 months recommended

Mild Dysplasia Greater than normal hip joint laxity

Moderate Dysplasia Significant joint incongruity and/or secondary changes

Severe Dysplasia Marked hip dysplasia; do not breed

Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation

Elbow dysplasia encompasses several developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint, including fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and ununited anconeal process (UAP).

Minimum Age: 24 months

Common in: Large and giant breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler)

OFA Elbow Grades

Normal No evidence of elbow dysplasia

Grade I Minimal bone change along anconeal process

Grade II Additional bone proliferation along articular surfaces

Grade III Well-developed degenerative joint disease

Eye Certification (OFA Eye/CAER)

The OFA Eye Certification Registry (formerly CERF) documents eye examinations performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. These exams screen for inherited eye diseases.

Minimum Age: Any age (annual exams recommended for breeding animals)

Validity: 12 months (some conditions develop with age)

Examiner: Must be performed by ACVO diplomate (board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist)

Common Eye Conditions Screened

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Degeneration of the retina leading to blindness
Cataracts: Opacity of the lens; some forms are hereditary
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Developmental defect in Collies and related breeds
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): Displacement of the lens
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM): Remnants of fetal eye structures
Goniodysgenesis: Abnormal drainage angle; risk factor for glaucoma

Cardiac Evaluation

Cardiac screening identifies structural heart defects and rhythm abnormalities. The level of evaluation depends on breed predispositions.

Basic Cardiac (Auscultation)

Stethoscope examination by a veterinarian. Detects murmurs and arrhythmias. Acceptable for breeds without specific cardiac concerns.

Advanced Cardiac (Echo/Doppler)

Echocardiogram with Doppler performed by a cardiologist. Required for breeds predisposed to specific heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or subaortic stenosis (SAS).

Holter Monitoring

24-hour ECG monitoring to detect arrhythmias. Important for Dobermans, Boxers, and other breeds prone to arrhythmogenic conditions.

Breed-Specific Testing Requirements

Every breed has specific health concerns based on genetic predispositions. The tests below represent common requirements – always consult your breed club for current recommendations.

Labrador Retriever

Hip & Elbow Evaluation
Eye Certification (annual)
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) DNA
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) DNA
D Locus (Dilute) DNA – optional

Golden Retriever

Hip & Elbow Evaluation
Eye Certification (annual)
Cardiac Evaluation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA1/PRA2) DNA
Ichthyosis (ICT-A) DNA
NCL (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) DNA

German Shepherd

Hip & Elbow Evaluation
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA
Eye Certification
Cardiac Evaluation (optional)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cardiac Evaluation (annual after age 1)
Patella Evaluation
Eye Certification (annual)
Hip Evaluation
MRI for Syringomyelia (recommended)

French Bulldog

Hip Evaluation
Patella Evaluation
Eye Certification
Cardiac Evaluation
Spine Evaluation (recommended)
BOAS Assessment (recommended)

Poodle (Standard)

Hip Evaluation
Eye Certification (annual)
Neonatal Encephalopathy (NEWS) DNA
von Willebrand Disease DNA
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) DNA
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) – biopsy recommended

Find Your Breed’s Requirements

The OFA maintains CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) requirements for most breeds. Visit ofa.org and search your breed to find the specific tests required for CHIC certification. Parent breed clubs also publish detailed health testing protocols.

03

Health Testing for Cats

While health testing in cats is less standardized than in dogs, responsible cat breeders screen for infectious diseases, breed-specific genetic conditions, and cardiac health. See our cat breeding 101 guide for a comprehensive overview of the cat breeding process.

Infectious Disease Screening

Before any breeding, cats must be tested for transmissible diseases that affect health and can be passed to offspring.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

Critical

A retrovirus that suppresses the immune system and can cause cancer. Transmitted through saliva, nasal secretions, urine, and milk. Can be passed from queen to kittens.

Requirement: Test negative before breeding. Retest annually or before each breeding if exposure possible.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

Critical

Similar to HIV in humans, FIV compromises the immune system. Primarily transmitted through bite wounds, though vertical transmission (queen to kitten) can occur.

Requirement: Test negative before breeding. Keep breeding cats isolated from unknown-status cats.

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Caused by mutation of feline coronavirus. Most cats exposed to coronavirus don’t develop FIP, but it’s fatal when it does develop. No definitive pre-breeding test exists.

Prevention: Minimize stress, maintain clean environment, avoid overcrowding. Know coronavirus status of breeding cats.

Cardiac Screening

HCM Screening (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

Most Important for Cats

HCM is the most common heart disease in cats, causing thickening of the heart muscle. It’s particularly prevalent in certain breeds and can cause sudden death, heart failure, or blood clots.

Test Method: Echocardiogram by board-certified veterinary cardiologist

Frequency: Annual screening (HCM can develop at any age)

High-Risk Breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Sphynx, Persian, Bengal

DNA Testing Alone Is Not Sufficient

While DNA tests exist for HCM mutations in Maine Coons and Ragdolls, not all HCM is caused by these known mutations. Even DNA-negative cats can develop HCM. Annual echocardiograms are still necessary.

Breed-Specific Genetic Testing

Maine Coon

HCM Echocardiogram (annual)
HCM DNA (MyBPC3 mutation)
Hip Dysplasia Screening
SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) DNA
PKDef (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) DNA

Ragdoll

HCM Echocardiogram (annual)
HCM DNA (MYBPC3-R820W mutation)
PKDef DNA
Blood Type

Persian / Exotic Shorthair

PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) DNA
HCM Echocardiogram
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) DNA
Blood Type

Bengal

HCM Echocardiogram (annual)
PK Deficiency DNA
PRA-b (Bengal PRA) DNA
FeLV/FIV Testing

Siamese / Oriental

PRA DNA (rdAc mutation)
GM1 Gangliosidosis DNA
HCM Echocardiogram
Blood Type

British Shorthair

HCM Echocardiogram (annual)
PKD DNA
Blood Type (high B frequency)
Hemophilia B DNA (males)

Blood Type Testing

Blood type is critical in cat breeding due to Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI) – a potentially fatal condition where type B queens produce antibodies that destroy the red blood cells of type A kittens when they nurse.

Type A

Most common type. Found in most domestic cats and many purebreds.

Type B

Common in certain breeds: British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Persian, Birman, Somali, Abyssinian.

Type AB

Rare. Found occasionally in Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, and a few other breeds.

Preventing Neonatal Isoerythrolysis

Never breed a Type B queen to a Type A tom without a plan. If this pairing is necessary, kittens must be removed from the queen immediately after birth and bottle-fed for the first 16-24 hours until the gut closes to antibody absorption. Always blood type both breeding cats.

04

DNA & Genetic Testing

DNA testing has revolutionized breeding by allowing us to identify carriers of genetic diseases before they produce affected offspring. A simple cheek swab or blood sample can reveal information that once required generations of breeding to discover.

How Genetic Inheritance Works

Autosomal Recessive

Most common inheritance pattern for genetic diseases. Animal must inherit two copies of the mutation (one from each parent) to be affected.

N n

N NN Nn

n Nn nn

Clear (25%) Carrier (50%) Affected (25%)

Carrier × Carrier breeding: 25% affected offspring

Autosomal Dominant

Only one copy of the mutation needed to cause disease. Affected animals should typically not be bred.

Examples: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in cats, some forms of HCM

X-Linked

Gene located on X chromosome. Males (XY) are typically affected; females (XX) are usually carriers.

Examples: Hemophilia, some muscular dystrophies

Safe Breeding Combinations (Autosomal Recessive)

	Clear (N/N)	Carrier (N/n)	Affected (n/n)
Clear (N/N)	100% Clear	50% Clear, 50% Carrier	100% Carrier
Carrier (N/n)	50% Clear, 50% Carrier	25% Clear, 50% Carrier, 25% Affected	50% Carrier, 50% Affected
Affected (n/n)	100% Carrier	50% Carrier, 50% Affected	100% Affected

Safe pairing Use caution – all offspring carriers Risk of affected offspring Avoid – high risk of affected offspring

DNA Testing Providers

Several reputable laboratories offer genetic testing for dogs and cats. Choose labs that are accredited and used by breed clubs.

Embark (Dogs)

Comprehensive breed panels with 250+ health tests. Partners with Cornell University. Includes breed identification and genetic diversity analysis.

embarkvet.com

Optimal Selection / Wisdom Panel

Extensive health and trait testing. Offers breed-specific panels aligned with breed club requirements.

wisdompanel.com

UC Davis VGL

University veterinary genetics laboratory. Offers specific tests for many conditions. Used by many breed clubs as reference laboratory.

vgl.ucdavis.edu

Animal Genetics

Wide range of tests for dogs and cats. Competitive pricing. Color and trait testing alongside health panels.

animalgenetics.us

Orivet

Comprehensive testing for dogs and cats. Breed-specific panels available. Good international availability.

orivet.com

Langford Vets (UK/EU)

University of Bristol laboratory. Reference lab for many conditions. Particularly strong for UK breed club recognized tests.

langfordvets.co.uk

05

Understanding Test Results

Health test results can be confusing with various terminologies and grading systems. Here’s how to interpret the most common result formats.

DNA Test Result Terminology

Clear / Normal

N/N, +/+, Clear, Normal, WT/WT

Animal has two normal copies of the gene. Will not develop the condition and will not pass on the mutation.

Carrier

N/n, +/-, Carrier, Heterozygous

Animal has one normal and one mutated copy. Will not develop the condition (for recessive diseases) but can pass the mutation to 50% of offspring.

Affected / At Risk

n/n, -/-, Affected, Homozygous Mutant

Animal has two copies of the mutation. Will develop or is at high risk of developing the condition. Should not typically be bred.

OFA Database Lookup

All OFA test results are recorded in a public database. When evaluating a potential breeding partner, you can verify their health testing independently.

1

Visit ofa.org

Go to the OFA website and click “Look Up A Dog” or “Advanced Search”

2

Search by Name or Registration

Enter the registered name, OFA number, or breed registry number (AKC, CKC, etc.)

3

Review All Results

Check for hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac, and DNA results. Note dates – eye exams should be current (within 12 months)

4

Verify CHIC Status

Look for CHIC number – this confirms all breed-required tests have been completed (though doesn’t mean all results were passing)

CHIC Certification vs. Passing Results

A CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number means all breed-required tests have been completed and results submitted to the public database. It does NOT mean all results were normal. Always review the actual results, not just the CHIC number.

06

Testing Resources

Official Health Registries

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

Primary registry for canine health testing in North America

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PennHIP

Alternative hip evaluation method using distraction index

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ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists)

Find board-certified eye specialists for CAER exams

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UFAW Genetic Welfare Problems

Comprehensive database of inherited conditions by breed

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Breed Club Resources

Parent breed clubs maintain the most current health testing requirements and statistics for their breed. Contact your breed’s national club for specific guidance.

AKC Parent Clubs

Find your breed’s national club through the AKC website. Most publish detailed health testing protocols and breeder requirements.

CFA Breed Councils

Cat Fanciers’ Association breed councils provide breed-specific health information and testing recommendations.

TICA Breed Groups

The International Cat Association offers breed-specific resources and connects breeders with health information.

Estimated Testing Costs

Health testing is an investment in your breeding program. Costs vary by location and provider.

Test Type	Typical Cost Range (USD)	Frequency
OFA Hip/Elbow Radiographs + Evaluation	$200 – $500	Once (after age 2)
PennHIP Evaluation	$300 – $600	Once (can do earlier than OFA)
OFA Eye Exam (CAER)	$50 – $100	Annual
Cardiac Exam (Auscultation)	$50 – $150	Annual for at-risk breeds
Cardiac Echo/Doppler	$300 – $600	Annual for at-risk breeds
DNA Panel (Breed-specific)	$100 – $250	Once (lifetime result)
Comprehensive DNA Panel	$150 – $350	Once (lifetime result)
Brucellosis Test (Dogs)	$30 – $75	Before each breeding
FeLV/FIV Combo Test (Cats)	$50 – $100	Annual or before breeding

Health Testing Guide for Breeders

In This Guide