Health Testing

We consider ourselves fortunate in our breed because we now have the means to eliminate diseases like PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), and HNPK (Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis). 

Thanks to specially developed DNA tests for our breed and the comprehensive range of tests offered by ORIVET Labs, we're making significant progress in this space. 

When it comes to the health of our dogs, we leave no stone unturned. Every single one of our dogs undergoes a full panel of DNA tests. We don't solely rely on clear by parentage testing (CBP). In fact, we only choose stud dogs who have also undergone DNA testing.

We take this extra step because, although it's rare, sometimes clear tests can be incorrect. So, to ensure accuracy, CBP alone is not sufficient for us.

Our ultimate goal is to have all our dogs clear of disease-causing genes. However, we don't exclude dogs from our breeding program solely based on carrier status. Instead, we utilise the information from DNA tests to make informed breeding decisions. By pairing carriers with clear dogs, we ensure that any resulting offspring won't be affected by the diseases we're targeting.

The health and well-being of our dogs are of utmost importance to us, and that's why we're dedicated to utilising these advanced DNA testing methods. They allow us to confidently breed healthy dogs and give our puppies the best start in life.

The DNA tests of all of our dogs reports are available on request to view, for your peace of mind!

Since the year 2000, it has been a requirement for all Labrador Retrievers in Australia to undergo hip and elbow x-rays and scoring in order to register their offspring. 

Our Labradors undergo hip and elbow scoring after they turn one year old. The procedure is performed by a registered veterinarian who takes X-rays of the hips and both elbows while the dog is in an extended position. These X-rays are then sent to an accredited radiographer to interpret and provide a score.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are inherited developmental abnormalities in a dog's joints. The scoring scheme (CHEDS) assesses the hips and elbows of the parents for abnormalities but does not prevent these issues from being passed on to the offspring. Unfortunately, there are no DNA tests available for these polygenic diseases, where multiple genes are involved and environmental factors can contribute to the severity of the condition.

Hip scores can range from 0 to 53 (per hip) , while elbow scores range from 0 to 3 (per elbow). 

Elbow Scoring

At Gracevale Labradors, we have set a limit of no more than 1:1 for elbow scores, and we only breed dogs with perfect elbow scores of 0:0. 

It can be frustrating when generations of dogs have excellent elbow scores and then a puppy suddenly develops elbow dysplasia, and this can happen as a rare occurrence. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that a puppy will not develop elbow dysplasia, as it is a complex issue influenced by various genes, as well as how the puppy is cared for (exercise and nutrition).

However as responsible breeders, we do everything in our power to reduce the likelihood of our puppies being affected. 

Hip Scoring

Fortunately, hip dysplasia is now rare in purebred Labradors. Lower hip scores are still preferred, with the current breed average being a score of 9. 

At Gracevale Labradors, we have set a limit of no more than 9 for hip scores, and we only breed dogs with combined total hip scores of no more than 18. 

The ideal situation would be to breed only with dogs that have a 0 score. However this is currently not possible as in doing so could exclude most if not all of the breed. A compromise has to be reached which will allow the retention of sufficient breeding stock but which will decrease the severity and incidence of the disease. It is up to the breed society to set standards that are acceptable for breeding.

A basic guideline is as follows:
If the score for any one hip is greater than 8 or if the score for any one of the 9 features listed on the score sheet is greater than 3 the dog should not be bred from. Once sufficient numbers of the breed have been assessed (100) an average for the breed can be established and then the selection criteria should be that no one hip should have a score of greater than ½ the average score.

As the breed average score drops so will the score that is acceptable for breeding. We will always be committed to addressing and decreasing the prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in our breeding program. 

For further information on this topic and how breeders can contribute to reducing the prevalence of these conditions, visit the following site: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/members/health-wellbeing/cheds-canine-hip-and-elbow-dysplasia-scheme/