WHAT DOES CERF MEAN?
CERF is the acronym for Canine Eye Research Foundation: Veterinary Ophthalmologists submit results of eye exams to the Foundation. The data are stored for the various recognized breeds. However, Cockapoos are not yet included in the database. When we use the term “CERF” or CERF or CERF’d it means that the breeding stock being used by a particular breeder has passed the Ophthalmological exam. The Ophthalmologist looks for a host of inherited eye diseases found in dogs. Many breeds, including Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, have high rates of inherited eye disease. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is perhaps the most common disorder, and results in dogs that develop cataracts and glaucoma early in life. We have seen Cockapoos develop it at 5-8 years. Glaucoma can be very painful and is treated with constant and expensive eye drops or by enucleation (I.E.removal of the eye.) Cataracts sometimes can be removed by Vet Ophthalmologists with sight being restored, but again is very expensive. Th
