The Thyroid Evaluation for dogs, according to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) standard, is an important assessment designed to detect thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. This evaluation involves a blood test to measure thyroid hormone levels and identify any imbalances or antibodies that could indicate thyroid disease. The goal is to catch these issues early, as thyroid dysfunction can affect a dog’s metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.
Thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, are relatively common in certain dog breeds and can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life. By following the OFA’s standards for thyroid evaluations, breeders can identify dogs with healthy thyroid function and reduce the likelihood of passing on thyroid issues to future generations. The results of these evaluations are recorded in the OFA database, providing a valuable resource for breeders, owners, and veterinarians to make informed decisions about breeding and health care.
The OFA recommends thyroid evaluations for the following breeds:
- Akita
- American Bulldog
- American Eskimo Dog
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Beagle
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Bloodhound
- Border Collie
- Borzoi
- Boxer
- Briard
- Brittany
- Bullmastiff
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Chinook
- Chow Chow
- Collie
- Curly-Coated Retriever
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Bulldog
- English Setter
- English Springer Spaniel
- Finnish Spitz
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd Dog
- Giant Schnauzer
- Golden Retriever
- Gordon Setter
- Great Dane
- Havanese
- Irish Setter
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Keeshond
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Kuvasz
- Labrador Retriever
- Leonberger
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Mastiff
- Miniature American Shepherd
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Norwich Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
- Papillon
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Poodle (Miniature and Standard)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Pug
- Rottweiler
- Samoyed
- Schipperke
- Scottish Deerhound
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shih Tzu
- Siberian Husky
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Standard Schnauzer
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Tibetan Terrier
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Welsh Springer Spaniel
- West Highland White Terrier
- Whippet
DOGG!T provides support in vetting all breeders in our network and our Matchmaker services will provide you with all of the insights on any external breeder you are looking at, and provide you with a ‘scorecard’ with all the reasons why we approve or disapprove of their breeding practices. Our goal is to prevent the irresponsible breeding of dogs. We are dedicated to the wellbeing of dogs, and committed to creating the first ever health regulated breeder resource. We are a team built up of the country’s leading experts on dog breeding, health requirements, and dog behavioral psychology. Backed by science and generations of responsibly breeding healthy dogs. We are people who advocate for the health and wellbeing of dogs. Our mission is to prevent dogs who end up in shelters, decrease health issues in all breeds, and prioritize the importance of responsible dog breeding. Our mission is to prevent any and all irresponsibly bred dogs from having a life of potential health and temperament problems. We are dedicated to the wellbeing of dogs, and have created the first of it’s kind health verified breeder resource.