Please READ Re Clearances

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

Calling All "Casino" litter folks!!!  Litter born 07 07
01, and others might want to read as well on what we are doing via GDC
and Orthopedic evaluations, there are some instructions below for
submitting already evaluated dogs. 

CC: George Packard, GDC Information Services
mailto:georgepackard@conknet.com 


Ok, I think I have a plan that will work for you guys to get hips and
elbows checked out at the time of spay/neuter..  Which is coming up
for most of you soonly.  

It has been found that 85% of the prelim reports on orthopedics do not
change and that doing prelims at the time of altering is acceptable and
for most vet's; is easier to get good positioning, since the dog is
already under sedation and manipulation is much easier.  So with that, I
would like to ask/suggest that those of you who are willing to
participate in this part of the program do the following:

1.  Go to this link:
http://www.vetnet.ucdavis.edu/gdc/gdc.htm 
Read about GDC, this is the registry I want to use for our program moving
forward.  GDC is an open registry all reports, will be entered into
the data base and made public, pass or fail. 


a. print off these pages/forms: 

Instruction to the Vet: 
http://www.vetnet.ucdavis.edu/gdc/OP_instr.htm 
Very important info for your vet here.  Not all vets are versed in
elbow evaluation and the required views differ from what OFA requires.

Application for you: 
http://www.vetnet.ucdavis.edu/gdc/OP_appl.htm

If you have questions on how to fill out the form correctly please
contact me on the list so we can answer these questions as a group
helping others as well. 

 Please also prior to going in for you alter appointment, advise
your vet as to the program we are running and that I request that we use
GDC over OFA because of the differences in the two registries.  Here
are my notes on that: (might want to just print off this e mail and ask
your vet to read it.) 

1.  The use of one registry, moving forward will give us better
stats and will help the researchers give *us* a better view of what's
going on with our breeding program and your dogs being part of that, need
I elaborate on that again? <smile>  

2. GDC chooses to use the standards set by the International Working
Elbow Group requiring 2 views of the elbow, where as OFA does not, OFA is
the only registry world wide that does not require the two views.  I
feel the two views is important or these authorities would not be
requiring them.  

Here are the benefits as I see them, 

1.  *if* there is any issue with your puppy, you will have a heads
up and can take appropriate action to aide in health down the road. 
I can help you to make appropriate modifications to diet and exercise and
your vet can as well be made aware if there is any issue moving forward
as well as advise you on diet, supplements etc.

 2. Information, information, information, not only for me but for
you.  


*Note:  Those who have done OFA's can as well send your reports to
GDC for a nominal fee of $2.00 see this link:
http://www.vetnet.ucdavis.edu/gdc/GDCcosts.htm 
This also applies to other clearances such as eyes and hearts. 

Quote: 

For registering a report from another approved registry (PennHip, OFA,
etc.). No charge for affected entries. 
(Note: After Jan. 1, 2001, GDC will no longer accept transfer of OFA
Elbow (single view) certifications, but will continue to accept
"affected" OFA Elbow evaluations at no charge.)

I have copied George Packard from GDC on this, George will be working
with us on this project, and he can answer many questions but please
let's try not to all bombard him too much!  I have asked George to
address us all here when he has time and I am sure he will be happy
to.  Our correspondences have all been very informative as well as
he has also given Dr. Dr. Poulos, the GDC director, a heads up as to what
we as a group are up to.  They are both on board here to help
us!  

Regards,

Gina
mailto:gina@briergoldens.com