Orthopedic Challenges
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock. Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements will be issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers by OFA. For CHIC certification, all results do not need to be normal, but they must all be in the public domain so that responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria. The breed specific list below represents the basic health screening recommendations. It is not all encompassing. There may be other health screening tests appropriate for this breed. And, there may be other health concerns for which there is no commonly accepted screening protocol available.
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Hip Dysplasia -- one of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation or PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.
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Elbow Dysplasia -- OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
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Shoulders -- OFA Radiographic Shoulder OCD Evaluation
To find information about the results of orthopedic tests done on your dog, a potential stud dog or brood bitch, or the parents of your potential new puppy go to OFA.org and click on "Advanced Search". You will need to know the AKC registered name of the dog or its AKC registration number. The breeder will have this information, if it exists.
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Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic disorders in large and giant breed dogs, in which there is abnormal joint development that occurs during growth. This malformation of the joint results in abnormal wearing of bone over time contributing to osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, lameness and reduced mobility in the dog.
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Osteochondrosis is a developmental disorder of rapidly growing, large and giant breed dogs. It begins with the failure of immature cartilage to form into bone in the humeral head and can be attributed to many factors including genetics, rapid growth, nutrient excesses, trauma and gender.
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Shoulders - Osteochondrois Disecans (OCD)
