Why is health testing important for Rat Terriers?

Rat Terriers are a generally healthy, long lived breed. However, there are some known diseases that can affect Rat Terriers. It is important to screen and test all stock so that the best breeding decisions can be made to have happy healthy puppies. 

A combination of DNA testing, physical examinations, and radiographic evaluations are done, and the results are typically submitted to an online database.

Overall health of the breed can only be improved when we take up the responsibility of screening, and sharing results (good or bad)

Breeders who health test are able to provide their dog's test results and certificates.

Breeders should be considering health, temperament, and structure (conformity to breed standard) in their breeding decisions.

"Clear by Parentage" is a red flag

Recommended minimum health tests:

Cardiac Evaluation - One of the following:
Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA.
Advanced Cardiac Exam
Basic Cardiac Exam

Hip Dysplasia - One of the following:
OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation
PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.

Patellar Luxation - Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.

Legg-Calve-Perthes - OFA Legg-Calve-Perthes Radiographic Evaluation

Primary Lens Luxation  - DNA based PLL test results from an approved lab

ACVO Eye Exam - (Optional but recommended)
Annual Eye Examinations until 8 years (96 months) old . Results registered with OFA

Congenital Deafness - (Optional but recommended)
B.A.E.R. hearing test. Results registered with OFA.
GDC evaluation based on BAER test. Results registered with OFA.

Elbow Dysplasia - (Optional but recommended)
OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation