OFA is one of the few places you can look up a Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s pedigree. Most, of the well breed conformation and field dogs will have multiple generations listed. Unfortunately, it’s also common to find holes or missing dogs in the lineage because owners failed to report test or just didn’t have them done. The real value in the OFA pedigree is when all health test conducted are reported. (more…)
Category: Healthcare & Behaviors
Articles cover canine health, breeding, genetics, and behaviors.
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Adventures of Vinny – Retrieving Once Again After Surgery
Post Surgery Workout
Vinny could hardly contain himself, quivering with excitement as he sat at the line, ready to make his first retrieve in weeks after surgery. His desire nearly overwhelmed him, as the bird launched into the air. Still, he sat steady not moving an inch forward. His eyes locked in on the area of the fall. He waited to hear his name, “Vinny!”, so he could blast off the line to retrieve a dead duck hitting the ground just seconds before. (more…)
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Retrievers – Loss of Vision
Going Blind
Imagine your retriever beginning to lose his eye sight at the age of 4 yrs old. At first he seems to miss marks thrown in the morning or evening twilight. Your concern grows and you schedule an eye exam at the vet’s office.
Up until now you’ve spend countless hours training him. Taught him everything a dog should know from potty training to master hunter. He’s matured, settled into your daily life as the perfect family dog, darn good hunting buddy and your best friend. The vet slowly delivers the bad news.
A couple more years pass by. As you reach down to pet him, he doesn’t even see your hand approach his head but nevertheless senses and smells your presence. He wags his tail slightly as you rub his ears, hug him and bury your face of tears in his coat. He is totally blind now!
DNA Testing
There is no excuse for this sad story to be played out in your home. DNA testing of the parents could have prevented this nightmare from ever happening in the first place. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases found in retrievers. Physical degeneration of the retina causes progressive vision loss and results in total blindness. There is no treatment.
DNA testing for PRA is the best way to prevent PRA/blindness in Chesapeake Bay, Labrador and Golden Retrievers. OFA/CERF eye test can detect PRA during exams, however it’s normally not found until the dog is mature. So, as a buyer of a puppy you should ask whether both the sire and dam have been genetically tested for PRA.
Fortunately, Paw Print Genetics is now offering affordable genetic PRA testing as part of the DNA package deals they offer. You can post your dog’s results on your personalized Paw Print Breeder Profile page. Or you can also submit the results to OFA for inclusion on to your dog’s records. A small processing fee must be paid to OFA.
Its time to quit pretending it isn’t an issue across all retriever breeds. Breeding two dogs with PRA “affected” genes can lead to unintended, disastrous results. There’s no reason for a retriever to be walking around in the dark because man failed to see the light.
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A Dog’s Prayer
Difficult Decisions
Putting a dog to sleep forever is never easy and often heartbreaking. It’s often referred to as the pet “going over the rainbow” vs “putting a dog down” in today’s world. Sounds nicer but it doesn’t make it any easier at all.
I ran across this poem 30 years ago and always keep a copy of it hung near the dog food bin. Even though I’m busy and frequently overlook it, I’ll pause sometimes and re-read it to myself. The last phrase reminds me of my deep relationship and responsibility with my dogs of the present. And, it brings back memories of those whom passed before them and helps to lessen the pain.
God Bless Our Dogs
A Dog’s Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for there is no heart in the world more grateful for the kindness than the loving heart of mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for, though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it’s cold and wet for, I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food than I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend when I am very old and, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hands and I will always be your friend.
Author unknown