Mini Bulls are a CHIC breed!

 

Great…. So what does that mean?

 

The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds by establishing a recommended protocol for breed specific health screening and recognizing dogs tested in accordance with that protocol

CHIC also maintains a DNA Bank that collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

To obtain a CHIC number the following tests must be completed:

• • Cardiac Evaluation – Mini Bulls may have defective heart valves that make it difficult for blood to flow through the heart properly. Undiagnosed and untreated heart valve problems can lead to congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and early death.
  • Congenital Cardiac Exam via ECHO
  • Advanced Cardiac Exam via ECHO

Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist

• • Results registered with OFA

Congenital Deafness – Although usually associated with white dogs, colored Mini Bulls have been known to be deaf as well. A noninvasive hearing exam called a Brainstem Auditory Provoked Response, performed by a specialist, verifies a dog’s hearing ability.

• • OFA evaluation based on BAER test
  • GDC evaluation based on BAER test

Kidney Disease – Hereditary nephritis (HN) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) are often called “silent killers” because dogs may exhibit no symptoms until their kidneys have failed. HN is tested with a urine screening; PKD requires a kidney ultrasound.

• • OFA Evaluation

Additional Optional Testing

Primary Lens Luxation:

A hereditary defect that destroys the fibers holding the lens of the eye in place. The lens shifts out of place, causing sudden and painful blindness. The genetic mutation responsible for the condition has been identified. PLL Clear dogs will not develop the condition. PLL Carrier dogs have an extremely low risk of it and may pass the mutation on to their offspring. PLL Affected dogs are likely to develop PLL and definitely will pass the mutation to their puppies. All MBTCA-member breeders are required to test their breeding dogs for the defect.

Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD) :

LAD is a severe skin condition affecting Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers that is caused by reduced zinc absorption and leads to impaired development, immune deficiency and characteristic skin lesions. These lesions appear as swelling on the muzzle and around the eyes and ears. Dogs affected by this condition will also exhibit hard, cracked and crusted skin lesions particularly on their feet and footpads. Symptoms may also include pneumonia and diarrhea. Affected dogs may also show signs of coat color dilution in pigmented skin areas. Symptoms typically appear starting in the first week and puppies can show a slower growth rate and appear weak and inactive. Within one year, affected puppies will also appear about half the weight and size of a healthy dog. The disease can progress quickly with dogs typically not living beyond two years of age.

Patella Luxation:

The patella, or kneecap, can slip out of place, causing the dog pain while walking. In some cases, surgery may be required.