OFA Testing

The OFA databases are central to the OFA’s objective to lower the incidence of inherited disease. They serve all breeds of dogs and cats, and provide breeders a means to respond to the challenge of improving the genetic health of their breed through better breeding practices. The OFA databases are expanded as more tests become available.

East Central Veterinarians offers most, but not all, OFA testing. There are certain tests that require a board-certified specialist to administer. Examples of tests we cannot administer include advanced Cardiology, congenital deafness, and Ophthalmology tests.

These specialized tests can occur with a board-certified specialist at their office or there are OFA clinics available for testing. The OFA website list upcoming OFA clinics where this testing can occur. This testing is often available at the Cambridge kennel club’s summer solstice dog show here in Cambridge.

Some DNA genetic tests can be done by the breeder through the OFA website based on a cheek swab.  Other genetic tests need to be done through a veterinary clinic and East Central Veterinarians offers this testing. 

OFA offers a test registry for certain breeds of dogs and cats that can have OFA testing. Testing recommendations are breed specific.

OFA tests are designed to help ensure we are selecting good breeding stock. Therefore OFA testing is only done on intact dogs that are intended to be used for breeding.  Testing recommendations are breed specific. The OFA website list which tests are recommended for which breeds based on breed predispositions. 

No, if you’re concerned that your pet has a health condition, we will complete testing to diagnose diseases.  For hip dysplasia concerns we do a physical exam and take x-rays to look of the hip joints.  OFA testing is only needed if you are considering breeding your pet.

The OFA created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by partnering with participating parent clubs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. They established a recommended protocol for breed-specific health screenings. Dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.

OFA recognizes that the more information stored and accessible in these databases, the better it will be for every breed. And so we encourage all breeders to attain CHIC Certification if their breed participates in the CHIC program.

A dog achieves CHIC Certification if it has been screened for every disease recommended by the parent club for that breed and those results are publicly available in the database.

No, it’s a voluntary program that can help improve the health of a breed.  It is often a sign of a dedicated breeder. 

See the recommended screenings by breed.