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Health Testing

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a certification provided by the Orthopedic Foundation Association (OFA) in collaboration with Breed Parent Clubs.

Required Testing for the Miniature American Shepherd (MAS):

These tests have been identified by the parent club, MASCUSA, as essential for the long-term health of the breed.

  • Hip Dysplasia - Radiograph Evaluation
  • ACVO Eye Exam - Annual Ophthalmic Exam
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-PRCD) DNA Test
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1) DNA Test
  • Hereditary Cataracts - Australian Shepherd Type (HSF-4) DNA Test
  • Neuroaxonal Dystrophy - Miniature American Shepherd Type (NAD) DNA Test

Recommended Testing for the MAS:

MASCUSA strongly recommends that breeders of the MAS complete the following tests. These are crucial for the reduction and eradication of associated diseases.

  • Elbow Dysplasia - Radiograph Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation - Physical Veterinary Examination
  • Dentition - OFA Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) DNA Test
  • Degenerative Myelopathy - Common Variant (DM) DNA Test
  • Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD risk) DNA Test
  • Chondrodysplasia (CDPA) DNA Test
  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU) DNA Test
  • Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) DNA Test

Optional Testing:

These tests are specific to the MAS and can help identify diseases currently observed in the breed.

  • Cone Degeneration (CD) DNA Test
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) DNA Test
  • Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) DNA Test
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL, NCL6) DNA Test
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8 (NCL, NCL8) DNA Test
  • Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa DNA Test
  • Cardiac Auscultation - Physical Veterinary or Cardiologist Examination
  • Non HSF-4 Cataracts DNA Test
  • M Locus (PMEL) - Merle coat color; while not a disease, it is important for safe breeding practices

Other Testing:

These tests, while not specific to the MAS, are available through genetic labs and could potentially be diagnosed in the future.

  • Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption (Australian Shepherd Type) DNA Test
  • Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency DNA Test
  • Von Willebrand Disease I (VWD I) DNA Test

A variety of DNA testing laboratories are available worldwide for these tests. The OFA maintains a list of laboratories that are recognized by their organization.