Who determines health screening protocols
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (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. Individual breed parent clubs determine what tests need to be done for each breed, and the OFA provides the database for sharing the screening results. Dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.
Understanding CHIC numbers
A CHIC number, by itself, does not mean the dog is clear of any particular health issue, or even that the dog is at low risk for inherited troubles. Instead, it means the dog has been tested and the results are published on the OFA site. It’s essential that a potential puppy buyer or breeder read the individual reports that are on file with the OFA. It’s also important to research individual dogs to see what may be in their background.
Recommendations for Lancashire Heelers
Several screenings are recommended for Lancashire Heelers. In addition to DNA screening for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a clinical examination for Patella Luxation (PL) is required by the Lancashire Heeler parent club to receive a CHIC number. The best practice is to screen the patellas at twelve months of age and again at three years.
What we believe
Here at Prestige, we believe that, in addition to the OFA recommendations, all breeding dogs must have regular eye exams, at least within a year of breeding. Further, all our puppies receive an initial eye exam conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist before leaving us.
Prestige Lancashire Heelers 