Labrador health testing guide
Labs are generally healthy, but hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease and a few inherited conditions are common enough that every breeding dog needs testing. This VerifiedStuds guide to Labrador health testing covers what the breed club and the AKC list and what we require.
For its CHIC program, the club requires four tests:
Test
How it is done
Notes
Hips
OFA X-ray or PennHIP
OFA final at 24 months
Elbows
OFA X-ray
Final at 24 months
Eyes
Exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
Repeat yearly
EIC
DNA test for Exercise-Induced Collapse
Any age
In addition, the club recommends a cardiac exam and thyroid testing.
CNM (centronuclear myopathy): a muscle disease that causes weakness from puppyhood.
prcd-PRA: progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to blindness.
D locus (dilute): shows whether a dog carries the dilute gene behind silver, charcoal and champagne coats.
A Lab stud earns the Verified Health badge with OFA or PennHIP hips, OFA elbows, a current eye exam, and DNA results for EIC, CNM, prcd-PRA and D locus, plus a recent negative Brucellosis test. In addition, the profile shows heart, thyroid, HNPK and DM results when the owner uploads them. You can look up any registered result on the OFA website.
EIC, CNM and prcd-PRA are recessive, so a carrier has one copy and is healthy. Therefore, breed a carrier only to a mate that tests clear for the same gene. As a result, no puppies inherit the condition, though about half may be carriers.
The AKC advises testing stud dogs every 6 to 12 months and females before each breeding. However, busy field studs with many breedings a year need a test at the short end of that range.
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What health tests does a Labrador need before breeding?
OFA hips, elbows and eyes and the EIC DNA test are the club's CHIC requirements. In addition, the AKC lists CNM, prcd-PRA and dilute DNA.
What is EIC in Labradors?
Exercise-Induced Collapse causes weakness and collapse after intense exercise. A DNA test shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected.
Can I breed a Lab that is an EIC carrier?
Yes, to a mate that tests EIC clear. As a result, no puppies inherit the condition.
Why test for the dilute gene?
It shows whether a dog can produce silver, charcoal or champagne puppies, so breeders can plan colors and disclose them honestly.
How often should a Lab's eyes be checked?
Every year, as long as the dog is still breeding.
Sources: Labrador Retriever Club health statement, AKC Sporting Group health testing requirements, AKC on canine brucellosis.
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