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VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Hospital
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VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Hospital
510-483-7387
Breeding Ophthalmic Examination (OFA and CERF)
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) are two organizations that breeders can register their dogs’ annual ophthalmic breeding exams. Owners and breeders can have a breeding eye exam perform by a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist (DACVO). These examination findings can then be presented to the one of these organizations and in turn a registration number will be issue for that dog. This number can then be used to show potential buyers, breeders and researchers that this dog was free of heritable ocular disease. This certification is good for one year and the information from these exams is compiled to give ophthalmologists, researchers and breed clubs statistical data on the prevalence of specific ocular disease in a breed. The purpose of the breeding eye exam is to help breeders limit the number of dogs bred with heritable ocular conditions. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists currently supports the OFA for breeding eye exams. For additional information about OFA, please visit www.offa.org. For further information about CERF, please see www.vmdb.org. An OFA or CERF examination can be arranged for your pet through our hospital.
PennHIP Evaluations
PennHIP represents the non-profit veterinary health service University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program that developed a multifaceted radiographic methodology to more accurately measure and assess canine hip quality and joint laxity and the existence or likelihood of developing osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).
The PennHIP method consists of three separate radiographic images: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view. The distraction view measures hip joint laxity; the compression view obtains hip joint congruity readings; while the hip-extended view provides OA readings.
Radiographs made by certified PennHIP members, such as our own veterinarians, are sent to the PennHIP Analysis Center for evaluation. The information is also stored in a medical database for scientific analysis. The scientific findings are shared with veterinarians, breed clubs and in publications, such as scientific journals and pet-related publications.
What Is A Veterinary Radiologist?
A board certified specialist in veterinary radiology is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive, additional training in all aspects of imaging, including radiography (x-ray), ultrasonography, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and biopsy techniques. A veterinary radiologist is trained to make optimal use of sophisticated, high tech equipment that can aid in the diagnosis and proper treatment of many serious diseases.
Veterinary Radiologists typically work in support of general practitioner veterinarians and other specialists. The signs of disease on a veterinary x-ray or ultrasound are often very subtle. It can take significant expertise to read these subtle signs. However, they are less likely to be missed or misinterpreted if a radiologist is consulted.
Why Does My Pet Need To Be Referred to A Veterinary Radiologist?
Specialists in veterinary radiology frequently work in a support role with general practitioner veterinarians or other types of specialists in order to help:
Some general practices have board certified veterinary radiologists on staff within their own hospitals. In other cases, general practitioners will consult with or refer patients to veterinary radiologists at referral practices. While many general practitioners routinely take radiographs or offer ultrasonography in their own practices, board certified radiologists are frequently needed for additional consultation. Thanks to the magic of telemedicine, veterinary radiologists can also review images and offer consultation remotely to any practice via the Internet.
When a pet needs a CT scan or an MRI, these types of sophisticated medical services typically can be obtained at veterinary imaging referral centers or university sites staffed by boarded specialists. Due to the expense of the equipment and the specialized training required, these types of services are generally available only at such referral facilities.
While your general practitioner veterinarian can handle many aspects of your pet's care, just as in human medicine, there is sometimes a need for the attention of a specialist to either take over the pet's treatment or work in tandem with the doctor as veterinary radiologists typically do. You can be assured that a veterinarian who knows when to refer you and your pet for more specialized diagnostic work or treatment is one that is caring and committed to ensuring that your pet receives the highest standard of medical care for his or her problem.
Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved In My Pet's Care?
Yes. In almost all cases, your regular veterinarian will still supervise your pet's veterinary care. Veterinary radiologists typically work in concert with general practitioner veterinarians and other specialists to diagnose and treat pet's injuries and illnesses. They help provide your primary care veterinarian with additional information about your pet's health status.
