WHAT ARE HEALTH CLEARANCES?
Most breeds of dogs will have health concerns and Kooikerhondjes are no exception. In order to maximize the chances of producing healthy puppies, reputable breeders will only use health tested parents in their breeding programs. The current recommended health testing for a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje includes: patellar luxation, hips, eyes, and DNA testing for ENM, vWD, PM1 & PM2.
What is OFA?
OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a non-profit organization that provides a database of radiographs (x-rays) and genetic test results for dogs and cats.
Breeder and pet owners can use this database to identify potential health problems and make informed breeding decisions.
What do Health Certificates look like?
Here are some examples of what health clearance certificates look like. The OFA will only issue the following certificates to dogs that are considered normal/healthy.
Note that the Eye clearance has a QR code. OFA has started embedding the QR code into all their health certificates. Scanning the QR code on the certificate should take you to the dog’s page in the OFA database. Unfortunately, there have been people who have forged health certificates, so it is a good idea to verify that the clearance is authentic. We always recommend you look up the dogs on OFA with their registered names and/or AKC numbers to verify their health testing.
EXAMPLE OFA HIPS
EXAMPLE OFA EYES
DNA Testing
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, PM1 & PM2, CDDY with IVDD Risk, 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 PM1 & PM2, ENM, VWD, and Chondrodystrophy (CDDY with IVDD Risk)) - €172.93 excl. VAT
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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/
Patellar Luxation
At 12 months old, your kooiker can be tested for patellar luxation. This is a simple physical 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.
CAER Eye Exam
When your kooikerhondje is 12 months old, they are eligible for a 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.
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/
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
At 2 years old your kooiker is eligible for permanent hip socres. Your kooiker's OFA Hip scores can be performed by your regular 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 kooikers 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.