Are Powerscourt dogs tested under the KC/BVA Health Schemes?
There are two KC/BVA health schemes for Cocker Spaniels, one is the Eye Scheme, the other is the Hip-Scoring Scheme. All our dogs are examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist under the KC/BVA Eye Scheme. There are two tests available, Gonioscopy (for glaucoma) and GPRA/CPRA (for PRA). Other eye conditions are also noted during this test. We undertake both tests and our dogs are tested at the age of 12 months. We are pleased to say that all our dogs are unaffected with any eye condition/disease. The KC/BVA eye test for PRA is a clinical (visual) examination, it is not possible to determine whether clinically clear animals (at the date of examination) are carriers, clear or whether they will become affected with PRA at a later date. Because of the limitations of the scheme, we also started DNA testing our dogs in 2004 (when the test first became available) and we continue to test as appropriate. We also take advantage of the KC/BVA Hip-Scoring scheme and our dogs are X-Rayed at the age o
