Information for breeders

For certain dog and cat breeds, an examination and detection of hereditary eye diseases is required for breeding approval. This examination can only be carried out by specialized veterinary ophthalmologists (certified ECVO examiners).

The findings are recorded on an international European platform and can be viewed there by the respective breeding club and the owner/breeder of the animal.

Under the following link you can register yourself and your breeding animal for an examination, the instructions can be found here . For the examination appointment, please contact the examiner of your choice (addresses can be found under Members or Contact ).

There are hereditary diseases that are inherited but are clinically insignificant. These are usually classified as unproblematic by the breeding association or breed club. Nevertheless, they are listed on the ECVO certificate in order to monitor the development of these hereditary diseases within a specific population.

Some hereditary diseases can become clinically relevant and, depending on their severity, can lead to visual impairment or even blindness or an impaired quality of life. The severity of hereditary diseases can be weaker or stronger in the offspring than in the parents.

Breeding recommendations:

Whether an animal is considered suitable for breeding is at the discretion of the breeding association or breed club, which evaluates the animal on the basis of conformation, health, performance and character

With regard to hereditary eye diseases, the ECVO only makes recommendations, which can be found at https://www.ecvo.eu/hereditary-eye-diseases/ecvo-manual.html (Chapter 8).

If two different diagnoses are available for a breeding animal, a top opinion can be requested which leads to a final diagnosis. This report is drawn up jointly by three examiners (ECVO diplomates). If you would like an expert opinion for your animal, please contact us.

Unlike screening, genetic tests provide information in puppies as to whether the animal will develop a genetic disease or could pass it on to its offspring. However, these tests are only available for a few diseases and only for a few breeds, which is why an examination by a veterinarian is still essential in many cases. Information on genetic tests can be found at the SKG or at a laboratory that offers genetic tests, e.g. LABOGEN