Our health testing levels for the Irish Red Setter
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 23 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Gastric dilatation-volvulus(GDV)
Andere
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a severe condition affecting the stomach and digestive system. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, trapping the gas and blocking blood flow to vital organs. This twisting can rapidly lead to tissue damage and cardiovascular shock if not treated immediately.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy(GSE)
Andere
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is an inherited condition where the dog's immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in certain grains. This reaction causes chronic inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, which is the organ responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, this damage prevents the gut from properly absorbing essential vitamins and minerals from food.
Physisch · Passing: CARRIER
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)(IMHA)
Andere
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a severe condition where the dog's immune system mistakenly identifies its own red blood cells as foreign threats and destroys them. Because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen, this destruction leads to a critical oxygen shortage throughout the body's organs. This disease primarily impacts the immune and circulatory systems.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CLEAR
Ectropion / Entropion
Augen
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Passing: CLEAR
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye"
Augen und Sehvermögen
A prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland, commonly called 'cherry eye,' occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid slips out of its normal position. This gland is responsible for producing a significant portion of the eye's protective tear film. When the connective tissue holding it in place weakens, the gland protrudes, appearing as a red, fleshy mass in the inner corner of the eye.
Physisch · Passing: CLEAR
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)(PPM)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) occur when tiny blood vessels that nourish the eye's lens before birth fail to break down and disappear as they normally should. This leaves behind delicate strands of tissue that stretch across the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the pupil. In some cases, these strands can attach to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, or the lens.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy(CVCM)
Bewegungsapparat
Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, commonly known as Wobbler syndrome, is a condition affecting the spine where the spinal cord in the neck becomes pinched. This compression is caused by malformed neck vertebrae or slipping discs between the bones. Over time, the constant pressure damages the nerve pathways that carry signals from the brain to the limbs.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Acral lick dermatitis (lick granuloma)(ALD)
Haut und Fell
Acral lick dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder where a dog compulsively licks a specific area, usually on its lower limbs, leading to self-inflicted wounds. This behavior is often triggered by a mix of psychological factors like boredom or anxiety, and physical issues like joint pain or allergies. Over time, the constant licking damages the skin barrier and prevents the area from healing.
Physisch
Perianal fistulas(PAF)
Haut und Fell
Anal furunculosis is a chronic, painful inflammatory disease affecting the skin and deeper tissues surrounding the anus. It is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks the dog's own tissues, leading to deep, pus-filled ulcerations and tunnels, known as fistulas, in the skin. This condition is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs due to a complex genetic predisposition.
Physisch
Atopy(CAD)
Haut und Fell
Atopy is a chronic allergic skin disease where a dog's immune system overreacts to common environmental substances like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This inappropriate immune response damages the natural protective barrier of the skin, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ system.
Haut
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)(CDA)
Haut und Fell
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue, fawn, or lilac. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
Haut · Passing: CARRIER
Seborrhea
Haut und Fell
Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin disorder where the body's natural process of shedding and replacing skin cells happens much too quickly. This rapid cell turnover disrupts the skin's protective barrier and causes an overproduction of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the skin's glands. As a result, the skin becomes either excessively greasy or very dry and flaky.
Haut · Passing: CARRIER
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)(PDA)
Herz
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect where a normal fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery fails to close shortly after birth. This failure allows blood to continuously recirculate through the lungs instead of flowing to the rest of the body, putting severe, permanent strain on the heart muscle. Over time, this volume overload causes the left side of the heart to enlarge and weaken.
Ultraschall · Passing: NORMAL
Hemophilia
Herz und Kreislauf
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system, where the body lacks specific proteins needed for coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. Because the blood cannot clot properly, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged internal or external bleeding. This condition is inherited through an X-linked genetic trait, meaning it primarily affects male dogs.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CLEAR
Tricuspid valve dysplasia(TVD)
Herz und Kreislauf
Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the tricuspid valve, located on the right side of the heart, does not develop normally. This valve normally acts as a one-way gate, but its malformation prevents it from closing properly. As a result, blood leaks backward into the right atrium instead of flowing forward to the lungs, forcing the heart to work much harder.
Ultraschall · Passing: NORMAL
Hypothyroidism
Hormonelles und Stoffwechsel
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for regulating the body's metabolic rate, which is the speed at which cells convert nutrients into energy. When hormone levels are too low, the dog's entire metabolism slows down, affecting multiple organ systems.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CARRIER
Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)
Nervensystem
Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Epilepsy(IE)
Nervensystem
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system where abnormal electrical activity causes sudden, temporary disruptions in normal brain function. These disruptions lead to repeated seizures, which are involuntary changes in body movement, sensation, or behavior. Because the underlying cause is often complex, the brain's electrical signaling remains permanently prone to these sudden misfires.
Physisch
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis)(GCL)
Nervensystem
Globoid cell leukodystrophy is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system, caused by a deficiency in an essential enzyme. This deficiency leads to the buildup of harmful substances that destroy myelin, which is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Without this protective covering, the nerves cannot transmit signals properly, resulting in progressive neurological decline.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Lissencephaly
Nervensystem
Lissencephaly is an inherited brain malformation where the cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain, fails to develop its normal folds and remains abnormally smooth. This genetic defect disrupts how nerve cells migrate during development, severely impairing the central nervous system's ability to process information.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Cerebellar hypoplasia(CH)
Nervensystem
Cerebellar hypoplasia is an inherited neurological condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, fails to develop fully. This underdevelopment is autosomal-recessive, meaning a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected. Because it only impacts physical coordination, the dog's cognitive abilities, intelligence, and awareness remain completely normal.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Megaesophagus(ME)
Verdauung und Darm
Megaesophagus is a disorder of the digestive system where the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach, becomes abnormally stretched and loses its muscle tone. Because these muscles can no longer contract to push food and liquid downward, meals become trapped in the tube. This trapped material is typically regurgitated, meaning it is passively cast back up before ever reaching the stomach.
Roentgen · Passing: A
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.