About Health Testing For the Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier Club of America recommends the following tests for animals being bred:
Hip Dysplasia : OFA evaluation (after 2 years of age) based on radiographs or PennHip evaluation (after 1 year of age) based on radiographs
Eye Examination: Companion Animal Eye Registration (CAER) exam within one year prior to breeding (Note: annual recertification needed)
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL): DNA test (cheek swab or blood) from an approved lab or“clear by parentage” as per OFA
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): DNA test (cheek swab or blood) from an approved lab or “clear by parentage” as per OFA
RCD4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy: DNA test (cheek swab or blood) from an approved lab or “clear by parentage” as per OFA
PRA3 Progressive Retinal Atrophy: DNA test (cheek swab or blood) from an approved lab or “clear by parentage” as per OFA
Congenital Deafness /BAER : OFA evaluation based on Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing
Patellar Luxation: OFA evaluation
Some Additional Tests Available :
Pituitary Dwarfism: DNA test from an approved lab
Elbow Dysplasia: OFA evaluation based on radiographs
Autoimmune thyroiditis: Blood test, OFA evaluation available from approved lab
Non-health conditions:
Furnishings: DNA test (cheek swab or blood)
Many of the test results can be verified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database.