What Are OFA, CAER, and Cardiac Screening? An Overview of Health Certification Systems Breeders Need
As a hallmark of ethical breeding, implementing health certification testing on breeding dogs has become an international standard. While still developing in Japan, the breeder communities of North America and Europe have reached a consensus that "breeding without OFA certification is ethically unjustifiable."
This article provides a detailed explanation of three representative certification systems——OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry), and cardiac certification——including how they work, testing procedures, costs, and how to interpret results.
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OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluation: Orthopedic Health Certification
What is OFA?
The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, U.S.) is an international certification body that evaluates and records hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia in dogs. Test results registered in the OFA database are made public, allowing prospective puppy buyers to verify the health history of breeding parents.
Hip Evaluation Procedure
- Testing Age: Official OFA hip evaluation is conducted via radiographs on dogs 24 months or older (preliminary evaluation is possible from 12 months)
- Radiographic Position: Under general anesthesia, a standardized radiograph is taken with the dog in dorsal recumbency and hind legs fully extended
- Grading Categories:
- How to Get Tested in Japan: Have radiographs taken by an orthopedic specialist veterinarian qualified in OFA protocols or at a university-affiliated animal hospital, then mail or digitally submit the radiographic images to OFA
Elbow Evaluation
- Grading Categories: Grade 0 (normal) through Grade 3 (severe)
- Only Grade 0 is recommended for breeding
- Particularly important for large breeds (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, etc.)
PennHIP Method (Alternative Evaluation)
PennHIP is an evaluation method that quantifies hip joint laxity (DI value) and can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age. When used alongside OFA methodology, it allows early assessment of hip health. The goal is a DI value below 0.3, with breeding suitability determined by percentile ranking within the same breed.
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CAER Ophthalmology Certification: Screening for Hereditary Eye Diseases
What is CAER?
CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) is an ophthalmology-specific certification program operated by OFA, succeeding the former CEAR (Canine Eye Certification Program). Certification can only be granted through a fundic examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO).
Primary Hereditary Eye Diseases Screened
| Disease | Commonly Affected Breeds |
|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel |
| Retinal Detachment | Beagle, Labrador Retriever |
| Hereditary Cataracts | American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier |
| Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) | Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie |
| Primary Glaucoma | Basset Hound, Shar-Pei, Poodle |
| Distichiasis | Golden Retriever, Chow Chow |
Testing Procedure
- Mydriatic Dilation: Pupil-dilating drops are instilled 30–45 minutes before the examination
- Fundic and Slit-lamp Examination: An ACVO-certified ophthalmologist conducts detailed evaluation of the fundus, lens, iris, and cornea
- Certification Validity: Typically requires renewal every 12 months (some diseases require annual follow-up examinations)
- Cost Range: Approximately ¥8,000–¥25,000 per dog (varies by clinic)
Getting CAER Testing in Japan
In Japan, you can obtain comparable hereditary eye disease screening by consulting with the Japan Veterinary Ophthalmological Society (JASVO) or a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. For export-oriented breeding, certification from an ACVO-certified examiner is required.
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Cardiac Disease Screening: Understanding Cardiac Certification
Breeds Requiring Cardiac Screening
The most common inherited cardiac diseases in dogs are mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
| Disease | Commonly Affected Breeds |
|---|
| Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Poodle |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound |
| Pulmonic Stenosis (PS) | Boxer, Fox Terrier |
OFA Cardiac Certification Procedure
- Qualified Examiner: Only ACVIM board-certified cardiologists can issue OFA cardiac certification
- Examination Components: Auscultation (heart murmur and arrhythmia assessment) plus cardiac echocardiography (ultrasound) as needed
- Grading Results: Normal / Equivocal / Affected
- Cavalier-Specific Protocol: The "MVD Breeding Protocol" for MVD prevention in Cavaliers requires that both parents be certified free of heart murmurs at 2.5 years of age
Implementation in Japan
Comparable cardiac screening can be obtained through veterinarians certified by the Japanese Veterinary Cardiology Society (JVCS) or at university-affiliated veterinary teaching hospitals. For Cavaliers, consider registration with the International Cavalier Health Registry for MVD Breeding Protocol certification.
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DNA Genetic Testing in Combination: Complementary Role of Certification Testing
OFA, CAER, and cardiac certification are phenotypic assessments——evaluating actual physical findings. In contrast, genetic testing evaluates genotype.
| Test Type | Assessment Target | Representative Tests |
|---|
| Phenotypic Testing (OFA, etc.) | Radiographic, fundic, and auscultatory findings | Hip, eye disease, cardiac |
| Genetic Testing | Presence of DNA mutations | PRA genes, HUU, DM, etc. |
Combining both types provides the highest level of confidence. Even when OFA-certified as normal, a dog may be a carrier for recessive genetic diseases, so performing both types of testing is recommended.
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Practical Application: Understanding and Interpreting Test Results for Breeding Decisions
Using Certification Test Databases
- OFA Database (offa.org): Public registration allows prospective buyers to verify breeding parents' health histories
- Embark / Wisdom Panel: Integrated management of genetic and phenotypic data
- Japan Kennel Club (JKC) Health Management System: Domestic data management platform
Breeding Suitability Standards (International Guidelines)
| Test | Breeding Recommendation |
|---|
| OFA Hip | Excellent / Good / Fair or higher |
| OFA Elbow | Grade 0 |
| CAER Ophthalmology | No hereditary eye disease |
| OFA Cardiac | Normal |
Cost Estimates and Planning
Estimated total health certification costs per breeding dog (Japan):
- Hip radiographs and evaluation: ¥15,000–¥35,000
- Ophthalmology examination: ¥8,000–¥25,000
- Cardiac examination (with echocardiography): ¥20,000–¥50,000
- DNA genetic testing: ¥15,000–¥40,000
Total: Approximately ¥60,000–¥150,000 per dog
While this investment may seem substantial, considering the economic and ethical risks to a breeder when puppies with genetic diseases are born, it is an essential expense.
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Summary: Health Certification Testing Is a Breeder's Responsibility
OFA, CAER, and cardiac certification are crucial tools for breeders to prevent the spread of genetic disease and safeguard the health of their breed.
By conducting these tests and making results public, you demonstrate transparency to potential buyers and send a powerful signal that "this breeder prioritizes canine health above all else." Responsible breeders listing through Br-Choku should make these health certifications a standard part of your breeding protocol.
