Heath Testing and Clearances are tools to help guide breeding decisions. They give breeders insight and awareness so that they can make the best choices for their Spinoni.

Testing provides measurable indicators as to certain health aspects of Spinoni and can illustrate trends and concerns that need to be focused on.

Unfortunately, many health issues do not have a developed health test as they are very complicated and have complex modes of inheritance. Tests that are available can assist breeders so that certain health issues are not perpetuated.

Through selective choices, we as a Breed community, can hope that through the efforts of diligent testing for conditions that have tests available, that we will see a decrease in occurrence and improvement over time.

At this point in time, there are only 2 inheritable condition DNA Tests available for Spinone. This is for Cerebellar Ataxia (CA) and von Willebrand Disease (vWd).  All other tests available are a screening resource to assist in decisions.

There are many official Organizations and Labs around the world that are authorized to analyze Health tests and certify the results.

Not just breeding dogs benefit from having health testing done. Any Spinone that has tests completed offers valuable information and data to their Owner, Veterinarian, Breeder, Researchers and to the Breed.

Submitting testing and clearance results to Pedigree/Health Databases offers important documented data for our Breed to ensure we are improving health. Spinone Health Foundation Database; OFA Database

There are minimum test requirements recommended by SCOA Health to breeders. SCOA Health recommends the completion of hip X-ray, elbow X-ray, eye testing and Cerebellar Ataxia DNA testing. The 3 completed tests of hips, elbows and eyes, also qualifies as the minimal requirement for CHIC certification. CHIC Requirements For Spinone Italiano

As stewards of the Breed, SCOA Health advocates that breeders strive to complete all available testing to them and to consider including Hips, Elbows, Shoulders, Patellas, Eyes, Cerebellar Ataxia, Heart, 5 panel Thyroid and von Willebrands disease in their health screenings.