Health
At TEDDYBEAR Labradoodles, we strongly feel that the health of a dog is of incredible importance.
We are thrilled to belong to the amazing registry - WALA that holds their breeders to the highest standards possible in the breeding and development of Australian Labradoodles. As a responsibility of being a WALA registered breeder, we are required by their code of ethics to complete extensive health testing.
Therefore, all of our breeding dogs complete rigorous health testing prior to breeding. Additionally, our dogs complete ongoing annual testing and screening. Each of our puppies comes with a 2-year genetic health guarantee covering health conditions that are known to be genetic and that we can test our breeding dogs for.
​
Below are the details of the health testing our Australian Labradoodle breeding candidates complete:
Health Testing.
before we consider adding a TEDDYBEAR to our program, they undergo rigorous health testing.
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), and/or PennHip Hip testing.
This is a Hip and Elbow test used before breeding specifically to address: Carpal subluxation, Elbow dysplasia, Epiphyseal dysplasia, Fragmented coronoid process, Hip dysplasia, Hypertrophic osteodystrophy, Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, Muscular dystrophy, Osteochondrosis, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Patella luxation, and Shoulder dysplasia. We don’t want any of our puppies to suffer from hip problems, so we pay careful attention to hip scores and breed only those dogs who pass testing. This testing involves performing X-rays of the hips and elbows. These images are then sent to an OFA Board-Certified Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist for review and grading.
​
OFA CERF Eye Exams
This exam is completed by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. The purpose of the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) is to provide breeders with information regarding canine eye diseases so that they may make informed breeding decisions in an effort to produce healthier dogs. This one eye exam is used to identify 20 possible disorders including Progressive retinal atrophy, Cataract, Coloboma, Dacryocystitis, Distichiasis, Ectropion, Entropion, Epiphora, Glaucoma, Hemeralopia, Iris atrophy, Lacrimal duct atresia, Lens luxation, Microphthalmia, Optic nerve hypoplasia, Pannus, Persistent hyaloid artery, Persistent pupillary membrane, Retinal detachment, Retinal dysplasia. This exam is completed on an annual basis.
​
OFA Cardiac Heart Screening
​
Canine congenital heart diseases are malformations of the heart or great vessels. The lesions characterizing congenital heart defects are present at birth and may develop more fully over time. Many congenital heart defects are thought to be genetically transmitted; however, the exact modes of inheritance have not been determined for all cardiovascular malformations. All of our breeding dogs will have passed a cardiac exam prior to joining our program.
​​
pcrd-PRA (through Paw Print Genetics)
​
PRA is a hereditary group of diseases that cause the retina to degenerate slowly over time. The disease results in progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. “prcd” stands for “progressive rod-cone degeneration,” the type of PRA known in several breeds. This is a hereditary disease; therefore, we pay careful attention to be sure that we only breed dogs that won’t produce PRA-affected puppies.
​
vWD Type 1 (Through Paw Print Genetics)
​
Type 1 von Willebrand’s disease is characterized by abnormally low production of a protein found in the blood called von Willebrand’s factor. This protein plays a key role in clotting a damaged blood vessel. It’s important to us that each of our breeding dogs receives a clear result to be part of our program.
​
​