On May 4, 2021, Shiloh’s heart and patellas were examined by a veterinarian as part of the health testing we perform on our dogs. They were found to be healthy and sound. We are submitting the results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for his certifications**.
The Havanese is primarily a healthy breed. Some conditions that do occur are: Heritable Cataracts- the most common problem seen in the breed; Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)- not a widespread issue; Cardiac- heart murmurs are reported, but understated; Patellar Luxation- patellas (kneecaps) slipping out of place, common in most small breeds.
These are the health tests we participate in:
DNA – Canine HealthCheck through Paw Print Genetics; this is done once at any age and tests for 250+ heritable genetic markers.
PATELLAS- This test is done once after reaching 1 year of age to make sure the knees do not luxate. Hips are also examined at this time.
HEART- Done once in their lifetime at 1 year old to check for murmurs, etc.
CERF- Performed by a canine ophthalmologist, this eye test is done annually beginning at 1 year old to check for cataracts, etc. Exams are then annual until the dog reaches 7 years old.
It is important to understand that there are limitations to health tests with respect to genetics. Some health problems known in the Havanese breed are known to be influenced by genetics, but researchers do not yet know how many or which genes are involved. Proper joint formation of hips and knees for example is affected by several factors, from the nutrition of the mother during gestation to whelping box surfaces to available hormones in a growing pup. Instead of relying solely on testing, we support every aspect of canine development through Natural Rearing.
In any case, no human can guarantee perfectly healthy dogs. Barbara J. Andrews in her article at thedogplace.org stated: “Until we have solid statistical data to back up rhetoric, and until we can be assured that a test is definitive and not interpretive, we can only regard health certifications as a professional but personal opinion, not a scientific fact. Health certifications should be encouraged but duly noted and weighed as just one factor relating to overall health, temperament, and quality when breeding decisions are made.” Health certifications cannot predict the health of a particular dog’s offspring.
Lifestyle, environment, and diet combined play the largest role in health. This field is called “epigenetics” and has shown that the expression of genes can actually be turned ‘off’ or ‘on’. Diet is the foundation that largely determines a dog’s state of health, in this case, a biologically appropriate raw diet meant for canines, along with the avoidance of chemicals and toxins.
And this is where Natural Rearing shines. One look at a Naturally Reared dog and it's clear there is something really special about it. They practically glow with good health!
** Results are not required to be posted on our website to be valid. You can verify test results at www.OFA.org; all you need is a dog’s registered name.
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Photo Attribution: Shiloh the Havanese, by Krystal L. Beers, copyright 2020. All rights reserved.