German Shepherd dog

Mischa is coming up on 1 yr in August. I plan to have a complete blood workup done and I want to have her OFA Prelims done on her birthday. What I need to know is, can the xrays be sent to SV at 1 yr of age and be certified or read and where do I find the information about the requirements? I am also wondering if I can use a local vet for tattooing or if there is a specific person that must be used? She is microchipped but from what I remember they must be tattooed?

tia

ok found the answer to that question on the USCA website. so my other question is, is the only way to submit xrays for an a-stamp thru the USCA? hant been able to find that answer yet

I did not answer your questions about the tattooing requirements. The U.S.c.A. has a designated tattooer (word?) for each region and subregion of the U.S.A., but of course this is a large place and the organization is small. They do have a protocol for the assignment of tattoo numbers, as part of the number identifies the region, the tattooer, and the registered kennel.

But, the veterinarian can tattoo the dog, and you can do it yourself if you are qualified. The only reason anyone would use the U.S.c.A. tattooer and protocol is for litter registration with them, in my opinion. I have always made my own tattoos. For the "a" stamp, the dog should be tattooed with a unique number.

Please look at this document from the G.S.D.C.A.-W.D.A.: http://www.gsdca-wda.org/forms/HipaStampGuidelineTNR17May08.pdf The guidelines are virtually the same as they are for the U.S.c.A. and the S.V.-who of course eventually gains access to the radiographs.

It states that a microchip can suffice for a unique identification, but I think you should make the tattoo while the dog is sedated. If for no other reason, it allows the dog to be quickly identified.

Regards,

Bob-O

There are also still questions about the elbow certifications. USA does not know what to charge for that. I just went through it. So, I am paying the SV directly for it.  You can not send xrays directly to the SV. It has to be done either through USA or WDA.

Also, I am still waiting on mine. USA states that it is done in 4 to 6 weeks. That generally is not correct. I sent mine at the beginning of May. When I called the SV in Germany 2 weeks ago, they had not even received it. So, USA is still collecting until they think it is worth their while to send a big package to Germany to save on postal charges.

Chris

Thanks for the info. Bob-O , I am wondering if tattooing her microchip number in the ear would be a good idea? It is definately unique but it is rather long.  I mainly want to be able to get her certified and able to get back to me if godforbid she gets lost. She is a velcro dog so I dont think that will happen but you never know when the next hurricane might blow thru lol

Shandra, the tattoo is generally seven (7) digits/characters in length. For tattoo numbers generated by the S.V., one (1) space typically has the "/" symbol denoting a space between the digits/characters. Seven digits/characters is the norm, as that is how tattoo pliers are designed.

You can use any unique number. For example, I do not use the slash to represent a space, and I use a protocol that is similar to that used by a lot of breeders:

_ _ Two initials of kennel name (OZ for my kennel)

_ _ Last two digits of year of whelp (self explanatory)

_ Litter character (A, B. C, D, E, etc.).

_ _ Puppy number (males are numbered first, 01, 02, 03, etc., then females 04, 05, 06, etc.)

You can use any seven (7) unique digits/characters. Perhaps you can use the A.K.C. number, but usually it is too long. You do not have to place the tattoo in the right ear, but that is the accepted practice. I know that someday the microchip will become the definite identifier of a dog, but I will always use a tattoo in combination with the microchip. Just for the sake of protocol, I would tattoo the dog while it is sedated and use that number on the radiograph film.

I am sure you will come up with something.

Best Regards,

Bob-O

Thanks so much for the info. I know it is almost 2 months away but I want all my ducks in a row on this one lol I dont know that I trust my local vet to do the ofa xrays, there is only 1 in town that will do them for OFA but I dont like him... dont trust him.... Last time I called and asked about OFA cert, he said the dog had to be dropped off early am and picked up late afternoon, sorry but I aint fixin ta leave my dog at the vets all day for a simple xray, thats nuts, even if he had to sedate her, the drug that brings her out of it is quick acting, I waited while I had her xrayed last time. Not to mention the 300 bucks for it to be done, and in this town that is outrageous. My friend is having the patella surgery on her poodle for 300 bucks a knee, and he wants that much for xrays???

So I will be searching a vet that is versed in GSD, OFA and possibly SV submission requirements if I can find one, Dont mind driving a fair distance to get to an experienced, reputable vet for this to be done at a reasonable price