Health Testing Protocols - Ketheryn Mitchems Wolfdog Ranch

Our Commitment to Health Excellence

At Ketheryn Mitchems Wolfdog Ranch, we believe that exceptional breeding begins with exceptional health. Every breeding animal in our program undergoes comprehensive health testing to ensure we're producing the healthiest possible offspring for our families.

Genetic Screening

Comprehensive DNA testing for hereditary conditions

Physical Evaluations

OFA hip, elbow, and cardiac certifications

Transparent Records

Complete documentation available to puppy families

Advanced Genetic Screening

All of our breeding wolfdogs undergo comprehensive genetic testing through Embark Veterinary DNA testing. This advanced screening examines over 230 genetic health conditions, providing us with detailed insights into each animal's genetic makeup.

What We Test For

Hereditary Conditions: Screening for breed-relevant genetic disorders
Degenerative Myelopathy: Critical neurological condition testing
Coat Color Genetics: Understanding inherited coat patterns
Wolfiness Coefficient: Accurate content percentage verification

Good News: Our breeding program shows consistently clear results for major genetic health conditions.

Sample genetic health testing summary showing clear results across multiple conditions

Professional OFA hip evaluation X-ray showing excellent joint structure

Orthopedic Foundation Certifications

All breeding animals receive official certification through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). These evaluations are performed by certified veterinarians and provide crucial information about joint health and development.

Required OFA Evaluations

Hip Dysplasia Screening

X-rays evaluated at 24+ months of age for hip joint structure and development. We only breed animals with ratings of Good, Excellent, or Fair.

Excellent Good Fair

Elbow Dysplasia Screening

Comprehensive evaluation of elbow joint health and development. All breeding animals must receive Normal certification.

Normal

Cardiac Evaluation

Professional cardiac auscultation by certified veterinarians to detect any congenital heart conditions.

Normal/Clear

Why This Matters: These certifications ensure that structural soundness is passed on to future generations, reducing the risk of painful joint conditions.

Comprehensive Health Protocol

Beyond genetic and orthopedic testing, we maintain comprehensive health records and protocols.

Eye Examinations

Annual CERF eye exams to detect hereditary eye conditions

Thyroid Function

Complete thyroid panels to ensure proper endocrine function

Complete Blood Work

Annual comprehensive metabolic panels and CBC analysis

Documentation

Complete medical records provided to all puppy families

Our Health Guarantee

We stand behind the health of our puppies with comprehensive health guarantees and lifetime breeder support.

2 Years

Genetic health guarantee coverage

100%

Transparent health testing results

Lifetime

Breeder support and guidance

Request Health Records View Our Breeding Dogs