TFT Health Information
Health Committee Description
For questions concerning any health issues of the Toy Fox Terrier please contact our Health Committee at health@atftc.com
The following health conditions have been identified in the Toy Fox Terrier. Except for Patellar Luxation, these conditions have DNA tests available. It is important to know the status before breeding a dog or bitch – clinically affected dogs, dogs exhibiting symptoms for any of these conditions should NOT be bred. If you are buying a Toy Fox Terrier we recommend you request the results of these tests for the puppy’s parents.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is explained at OFA.ORG/Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)
Patellar Luxation - this is not a DNA test, download a form from the OFA and have your veterinarian test and certify OFA information and form for Patellar Luxation.
Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) Congenita hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) link
Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) link
While not an ATFTC required test, many ATFTC members test also for Degenerative Myelopathy OFA DNA Test
Other conditions common to toy breeds are:
Legg-Calve-Perthes – no test is available but affected dogs should not be bred https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/legg-calve-perthes
Von Willebrands - https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/laboratories/comparative-coagulation/clinical-topics/canine-von-willebrand-disease
The AKC Canine Health Foundation is a great resource for up to date health information for dogs. https://www.akcchf.org/
Labs for DNA testing are linked below. The ATFTC does not favor one lab over another. If you don’t use OFA testing it is suggested that the results from the other laboratories be sent to OFA to be added to the database which helps us in our efforts to keep our breed healthy. You may also wish to have your Toy Fox Terrier CHIC certified https://www.ofa.org/about/chic-program.
Labs that perform canine DNA health tests – most require only a cheek swab using the test kit from the lab you choose.
OFA https://www.ofa.org/diseases/dna-tested-diseases
Embark https://shop.embarkvet.com/products/embark-for-breeders-dog-dna-test-kit
PawPrintGenetics https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/
Wisdom Panel https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/products