Promoting Health and Welfare
Our goal at Hatcreek Goldens has always been to produce puppies with the best conformation and temperament. But any ethical breeder will also tell you that the long-term health of a dog is a major objective. Our family of dogs here at Hatcreek Goldens all have excellent pedigrees as well as OFA clearance on hips, elbows, eyes and heart. We do genetic testing on our breeding parents to assure that the puppies leaving our home are at the lowest risk for any of the common diseases specific to the golden retriever breed.
OFA Clearances
-
Canine Hip Dysplasia: This x-ray scan can detect hip join irregularities and secondary arthritic hip joint changes. Hip grades of Excellent, Good and Fair are within the normal ranges.
-
Canine Elbow Dysplasia: This is used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow. Lameness and decreased range of motion can be symptoms of dogs who suffer from this disease. A score of 'normal' in OFA testing is desired.
-
Cardiac Disease: Congenital Heart disease is a malformation of the heart and great vessels. It is thought to be transmitted from parents to offspring. These screenings can identify hereditary cardiac diseases through the presence of a heart murmur. A normal rating indicates no evidence of disease.
-
Eye Disease: Many eye diseases affecting dogs can be traced to genetic factors. Eye Screenings by Veterinary Ophthalmologists can identify any of the top ten eye diseases which would cause an automatic failing grade.​
Disease Traits
Genetic testing is a type of medical testing that can identify genes, chromosomes or proteins that can confirm or rule out a specific genetic condition. Golden Retrievers are only one of many dog breeds that can pass undesirable health issues to their offspring. There are many reputable labs that are available to test for specific panels of disease traits. Below is the most common Golden Retriever Panel.
​
​
-
Ichthyosis: Skin condition characterized by flaky skin and dull hair
-
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: disease which causes a wide rage of neurological damage
-
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (3 distinct tests): range of inherited eye diseases.
​