im currently looking into getting a flat coat pup, i know both parents should be hip scored and eye testing, the hip score shows how well their hips work, the lower score means the better the hips, with the eye test can someone tell me what it is with flat coats they are looking for and what does the certificate say? its just i want to know what the breeders are saying and what 'eye tested' actually means
thanks

Hi guest,

Eye testing in flatcoats is carried out annually to make sure they are clear of things like PRA, HC, And RD. In the UK flatcoats are not known to have any of these problems but we test anyway to be on the safe side.

The other eye test and one which WILL concern you much more is the test for glaucoma. This test is considered officially to be a "one off" for life test, although the Health Committee of the Flatcoated Retriever Society do maintain that it should be repeated at around 7 to 8 years of age to check for age related changes. Both parents of your puppy should be done before being bred from, and you will need to have your puppy done for the first time at 5 to 6 months of age.

Glaucoma is the most painful way any dog can go blind, so it important that it is done regardless of whether or not you will be breeding a litter of puppies. Glaucoma is a hereditary problem but it is not known how they inherit it, first the dog has to have the predisposition to glaucoma, then it needs to meet a trigger factor which can be almost anything, illness or accident or age related changes to the eye. Anyone who claims it is not in their lines is not very knowledgeable and should not be breeding at all. When buying a puppy do make a point of seeing the bitches certificate and a copy of the dogs certificate, which are issued by the BVA (British Veterinary Association).

Polly & Foxpath Flatcoats