Explanation:
NOTE: Puppies must have permanent ID in order for the dog's DNA # to be associated with the AKC registration.
The AKC DNA test is used to verify parentage of AKC dogs for genetic identity purposes which assures validity of the AKC Stud Book. AKC's parentage testing technology involves use of a cheek swab brush to collect cells from the inside of the dog's mouth/cheek. Once a cell sample has been collected by the dog's owner or veterinarian using an AKC DNA kit, the sample is mailed to the AKC. The sample is processed by AKC's DNA service provider, MI Genomics. The resulting genotype is entered into the AKC Database.
Age: AKC DNA testing can be done at any age.
AKC DNA - PROVIDERS/HOW TO
To order the AKC DNA kit, go to:
http://www.akc.org/store/products/index.cfm?category_cde=DNA&product_view=thumb

BERNER-GARDE: verified AKC DNA numbers are entered into the BG database; the numbers are verified from a copy of the AKC DNA form, or by verifying the number on the AKC's website. Berner-Garde also provides the verified DNA numbers directly to OFA.

ADDITIONAL BMDCA AKC DNA# REQUIREMENT: The valid AKC DNA profile number issued to the dog being entered is required for entry in all conformation/performance events at the BMDCA National Specialty.

NOTE: Permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo is recommended prior to screening.
PennHIP screening measures joint laxity with the Distraction Index (DI). From the PennHIP website: "it is recommended that breeders choose breeding stock from the tightest 40% of the breed (meaning the 60th percentile or better), thereby maintaining an acceptable level of genetic diversity while still applying meaningful selection pressure. By breeding only dogs with hips above the breed average (60th percentile or better) the overall breed average will move toward better (tighter) hips from one generation to the next."
Age: PennHip screening can be done as early as 4 months
Age recommended: after 12 months for optimal results.

PROVIDERS/HOW TO:
For PennHIP information see: http://research.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip/LocateaPennHIPVet/tabid/3539/Default.aspx

BERNER-GARDE: PennHip results posted to OFA's database will be entered in Berner-Garde from the OFA quarterly load files. Otherwise copies of the results must be submitted to Berner-Garde.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION: Radiographic screening for HD should be done by a veterinarian experienced with positioning requirements for the procedure.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Dogs can be radiographed under anesthesia or not. Consult the attending veterinarian for further information.
Age: > 6 months
Age recommended: after 24 months

PROVIDERS/HOW TO:
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals)
Radiographs are mailed directly by the attending veterinarian to OFA using the appropriate form: http://www.offa.org/applications.html.
Important note on completing this form: Initial the section "Authorization to Share Abnormal Results".

OVC Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
Howard Dobson, DVM
University of Guelph,
Guelph, Ontario, E1G 2W1
Canada
Phone: (519) 823-8800 x 4000
Web: http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/ (Ontario Vet College)

BERNER-GARDE: OFA results posted to OFA's database will be entered in Berner-Garde from the OFA quarterly load files. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified radiologist's results, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org. A copy of the OVC results should be emailed to the File Manager.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION: Radiographic screening for HD should be done by a veterinarian experienced with positioning requirements for the procedure.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Dogs can be radiographed under anesthesia or not. Consult the attending veterinarian for further information.
Age: > 6 months
Age recommended: after 24 months

PROVIDERS/HOW TO:
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals)
Radiographs are mailed directly by the attending veterinarian to OFA using the appropriate form: http://www.offa.org/applications.html.
Important note on completing this form: Initial the section "Authorization to Share Abnormal Results".

OVC Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
Howard Dobson, DVM
University of Guelph,
Guelph, Ontario, E1G 2W1
Canada
Phone: (519) 823-8800 x 4000
Web: http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/ (Ontario Vet College)

BERNER-GARDE: OFA results posted to OFA's database will be entered in Berner-Garde from the OFA quarterly load files. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified radiologist's results, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org. A copy of the OVC results should be emailed to the File Manager.

EXPLANATION:
Eye exam clinics can often be found at AKC shows and regional club health clinics. See this link from OFA: http://www.offa.org/clinics.html for further information on OFA eye examination clinics, and http://www.cavalierhealth.org/health_clinics.htm for all eye exam clinics, both CERF and OFA.
Age: first one by 12 months
Age(s) recommended: annual retesting; at a minimum, every two years is advised.
PROVIDERS:
1. Canine Eye Registry Foundation, CERF
Web: http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html (You can find your dog's information at their online database.)

2. Orthopedic Foundation of America, OFA
Web: http://www.offa.org

BERNER-GARDE: Once your dog's CERF# has been registered, this will automatically be forwarded to the OFA website. If your dog has a current OFA file, the CERF information will automatically be displayed. Once on OFA's website, the CERF# or OFA# will be entered into Berner-Garde from the quarterly OFA load. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified ophthalmologist's exam, a copy of the CERF or OFA certification, or by notifying BG that the results are on the CERF or OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

*IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION: The Vetgen von Willebrands Disease (vWD) Type I DNA test is very different from the old protein-based factor assay. VetGen's vonWillebrands Type I DNA test is definitive and final, as it provides a lifelong, permanent determination of the vWD status of each dog tested as contrasted to the factor assay, in which the levels could change over time.
EXPLANATION:
Testing is done by a cheek swab.
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS: test results will come back as "clear," "carrier," or "affected."
Clear means both of the vWD gene pair are normal.
Carrier means one gene is normal and one is defective.
Affected means both genes are defective.

NOTE: A dog may be certified as 'clear by parentage' if both parents are normal, and parents and the puppy all have AKC DNA numbers. 'Clear by parentage' status applies to the 1st generation only, i.e., it would not be valid for a dog with only grandparents tested as clear, and not the parents.
Age: any age
PROVIDER/HOW TO:
VetGen's DNA test for vonWillebrands Type I can be ordered at: www.vetgen.com/ordertests.aspx?id=Bernese%20Mountain%20Dog
or
Ordered at a discounted price, from the BMDCR:
http://www.bmdcr.org/Shop-the-Rockies.html

NOTE: VetGen now allows an option (for an additional fee) whereby VetGen will automatically send the test results to OFA. The form for this service can be found on the OFA website: http://offa.org/pdf/dnaapp_bw.pdf
Use this form to list VetGen results with OFA as well.

BERNER-GARDE: Once the results are on the OFA website, it will be entered in Berner-Garde from the quarterly OFA load. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of the DNA test results, and/or a copy of the OFA certification, or by notifying BG that the results are on the CERF website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

NOTE: VetGen has also licensed the European company LABOKLIN. Test results from only these two facilities will be accepted at this time.

EXPLANATION:
Heart exam clinics can often be found at AKC shows and regional club health clinics.
Age: first one by 12 months
Age recommended: every 2 years
PROVIDER/HOW TO:
Have your dog tested, and then submit the appropriate Congenital Cardiac form signed by the cardiologist to OFA.
Congenital Cardiac forms are available on OFA's webpage at: http://www.offa.org/applications.html
NOTE: Recently OFA has stated this cardiac test may not be reliable for diagnosing subaortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. If you suspect there are dogs in your pedigree with these issues, consider a trip to the cardiologist for additional testing, i.e., echocardiography with Doppler.

BERNER-GARDE: once the information is available on OFA's website, it will be entered into Berner-Garde from the quarterly OFA load. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified cardiologist's exam, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

EXPLANATION: Autoimmune thyroiditis is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. Free T4, Canine Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (cTSH), and Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies (TgAA) have to be measured.
Age: first test by two years
Thyroid Form: There is a list of the approved labs for OFA certification at the bottom of the form: http://www.offa.org/applications.html
BERNER-GARDE: once the information is available on OFA's website, it will be entered into Berner-Garde from the quarterly OFA load. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of the laboratory results, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

EXPLANATION: Thyroid function can affect fertility, activity level, weight, activity level, can cause aggression or lethargy. Thyroid function can deteriorate with age.
Age: first test by two years
BERNER-GARDE: this test will not qualify for certification by OFA, it is a measure of thyroid function, and may help indicate the need for supplementation medication. The results will be noted in the health section of the dog's record, a copy of the results must be provided in order to have it noted as diagnosed instead of anecdotal.

EXPLANATION: OCD is a disease of the cartilage, which can cause the cartilage to break away from the bone and cause lameness. It can occur in any joint.
Age: > 12 months
Shoulder Osteochondrosis form: http://www.offa.org/applications.html.
BERNER-GARDE: OFA results posted to OFA's database will be entered in Berner-Garde from the OFA quarterly load files. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified radiologist's results, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

EXPLANATION: Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap pops out of position.
Age: > 12 months
Patellar Luxation form: http://www.offa.org/applications.html
BERNER-GARDE: OFA results posted to OFA's database will be entered in Berner-Garde from the OFA quarterly load files. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of a board certified radiologist's results, a copy of the OFA results, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

EXPLANATION:
Two genetic mutations for DM have been identified for Bernese. There is currently a genetic test for the much more common mutation, which is thought to be a recessive trait. A dog with two copies of the mutation is said to be "at risk" of getting DM, since not all dogs that are at risk will get DM. Research is ongoing, and it is possible that there will be more mutations found.
PROVIDER: University of Missouri, in collaboration with OFA. To order the test kit: https://secure.offa.org/Cart.html.
BERNER-GARDE: Once the results of these tests are on OFA's website, they will be entered in Berner-Garde from the quarterly OFA load. Or you can submit the results to BG at anytime, by sending a copy of the DNA test results, and/or a copy of the OFA certification, or by notifying BG that the results are on the OFA website by emailing filemanager@bernergarde.org.

NOTE: Only U of Missouri or OFA results will be accepted. No other DNA test facilities have been licensed by U of Missouri to perform the test.

EXPLANATION:
CHIC was developed by joint cooperation between the AKC/CHF and OFA.
A CHIC # DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THE DOG HAS 'CLEAR' HEALTH TEST RESULTS.
The purpose for CHIC was to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. Like Berner-Garde, the basis for participation is an open sharing of health information. The BMDCA joined the CHIC program in 2007. Currently, the BMDCA Board has established the following requirements for a CHIC certificate:
• AKC DNA identification
• Hip evaluation by GDC, OFA or OVC
• Elbow evaluation by GDC, OFA or OVC
• CERF eye exam
• VetGen vWD gene test or vWD clear by parentage - registered with OFA
• OFA certified heart examination done by a cardiologist
NOTE: As long as all of the results of the above tests are shared openly through OFA, the CHIC certificate is automatically generated by OFA.