We believe in testing to ensure we are bettering the bred. In our program we do not just put two dogs together they are evaluated, tested and paired with the best compatible mate to produce healthy offspring. Two of the test we do are Icthyosis & PH.

Icthyosis

Icthyosis is a genetic skin disorder that is common in several breeds, including one of the most popular -- the Golden Retriever - as well as the American Bulldog. The University Pennsylvania is conducting genetic studies of the genes involved in passing this genetic trait and has developed, at least preliminarily, a test to identify if a dog or bitch carries the affected gene. Through careful breeding practices, and ethical breeder communication, this skin disorder can be avoided.

This test has been preformed on all of our stock BEFORE they are put into our program.

Ichthyosis does not kill dogs, but it can make their life quite uncomfortable. Ichthyosis is noticible soon after birth. The puppies skin appears wrinkly and flaky -- like a child’s snow globe, the skin flakes fall. As the dog matures, the condition may recede somewhat or get worse. The dog will never recover, and weekly, if not daily, bathing and application of oils to the skin are required to keep the dog comfortable. The dog may be very itchy, and injure its skin by scratching and chewing and will be prone to “hot spots.”

Symptoms and Identification

Affected animals (dogs, primarily) suffer a thickening of the skin. Rough skin under a greasy, scaly haircoat is typical of ichthyosis. Some severely affected animals can experience painful swelling of the footpads, in particular.

What does Ichthyosis Look Like?

These are 2 week old puppies. The first signs were are just a few days old with a purplish, almost bruised, appearance on the lower abdomen where there is no fur. It soon changed to appear like “dirt” that would not wash off. The fur looks wrinkly or mottled, and you can see dry, flakey skin. Both of these pups were homed in pet homes that understood the dogs’ disease and were willing to live with their special needs. These pups also helped the University of MO isolate the gene and complete their test procedure which is an invaluable tool to breeders who wish to avoid producing afflicted animals. While not a life sentence, like NCL, Icthyosis requires constant bathing, oiling and skin conditioning and in severe cases a life time of being “itchy.”

These pictures are not any pups produced by MoJo's

For more information concerning Icthyosis testing for canines,

For most inquiries, please contact us via e-mail: PennGen@vet.upenn.edu

This screening is now available to the public as of 2011..

PennGen Mailing Address
PennGen
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
3900 Delancey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/PennGenHome/tabid/91/Default.aspx

PennHip or P.H.

PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic screening method for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of hip dysplasia (HD).

Locate A PennHIP VET

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip/LocateaPennHIPVet/tabid/3539/Default.aspx

How they come up with the scores for PH.

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/PennHIPMethod/DistractionIndexMeasuringLaxity/tabid/3335/Default.aspx

Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip/HipDysplasia/Introduction/tabid/3337/Default.aspx

This test has been preformed on all of our stock BEFORE they are put into our program.

To Keep testing going into the right direction.

Donations to Penn State vet

https://medley05.isc-seo.upenn.edu/giving/js

p/fast.do?program=VET

What is PH- PennHIP - The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program