Health Clearances
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends that all purebreds meet certain health clearances to maintain breed standards.
Health Clearances
At Slade Veterinary Hospital, we offer both OFA and PennHIP orthopedic evaluations, as well as OFA thyroid, basic cardiac, and dentition evaluations. Please speak to one of the veterinarians for ophthalmology, cardiology, or other specialty referrals, if desired.
We ask that you call our hospital to schedule your appointment and use the following links to download and complete your appropriate forms and bring them to your appointment.
NOTE, if your bitch is currently in season:
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) does not recommend radiography of females in estrus or pregnant due to possible increased joint laxity. Radiographs should be taken one month after weaning pups or one month before or after a heat cycle.
- PennHIP does not recommend radiographs during or shortly after pregnancy. The recommendation is to wait 8 weeks post lactation or 16 weeks post whelping. However, the rise in hormones during an estrus cycle does not affect PennHIP evaluations.