Additional Tests
There are 10 additional health tests available for the Golden Retriever. Great breeders will often conduct these as well.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
PHYSICAL TEST
This is a type of hypothyroidism which can occur in any breed and can be caused by many different things. It is more common in some breeds compared to others, so in these breeds it is recommended that breeding dogs have a blood test to show they have normal thyroid levels at the time of breeding.
Congenital Eye Malformation
GENETIC TEST
Congenital eye malformations in Golden Retrievers result from a mutation of the SIX6 gene. These malformations can present as a range of different eye conditions, ranging from poor vision to blindness in one or both eyes. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying the affected gene.
DEB
GENETIC TEST
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a congenital skin disease that causes fragile skin, blisters, ulceration, and skin scarring. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
GENETIC TEST
This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.
Heart Certificate
PHYSICAL TEST
A heart certificate indicates that a breeding dog has been screened for heart disease such as DCM or MMVD. Auscultation alone is only accepted as a screening method if performed by a veterinary cardiologist or a GP vet certifying an OFA Basic Cardiac Screen. Echocardiography is an accepted screening method via GP or cardiologist.
Ichthyosis
GENETIC TEST
This is a serious genetic skin disease that causes flaky dry skin and footpad problems. It can occur in many breeds but is fairly common in Golden Retrievers. There is a DNA test to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease and could pass it on to their puppies.
NCL
GENETIC TEST
This is a serious genetic skin disease that causes flaky dry skin and footpad problems. It can occur in many breeds but is fairly common in Golden Retrievers. There is a DNA test to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease and could pass it on to their puppies.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
GENETIC TEST
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as ‘brittle bone disease’, is an inherited disease in both humans and animals, causing bone fragility and fracturing. As it is a genetic disease, breeding parents can be tested to ensure it is not passed onto their puppies.
PRA
GENETIC TEST
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration of the retina and eventually, blindness. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
Skeletal Dysplasia
GENETIC TEST
Skeletal Dysplasia is an inherited form of dwarfism which causes the leg bones to grow much shorter than is proportional for the body. Affected legs will be short and slightly bowed outwards. Often the forelimbs are more affected than the hindlimbs, which can make the condition more difficult to spot in subtle cases. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.
Physical Test
Physical Health Tests are those which require a physical exam or x-ray to conduct.
Genetic Test
Genetic Health Tests are those which can be assessed via DNA analysis, either through a cheek swab or blood test.
