OFA Examination Information

OFA Exams are cardiac screenings for purebred dogs to identify hereditary cardiac diseases through the presence of a heart murmur (i.e. subaortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, valvular dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, etc). In certain breeds full echocardiograms are required for breed clearance. Additionally, Dobermans and Boxers require yearly Holters as part of their OFA screening. OFA Exams do not require a referral, and are appropriate for show or field trial dogs, or in preparation for breeding. We discourage OFA exams in female dogs that are in heat, pregnant, or nursing, since transient murmurs can develop during this time.

Appointments are available throughout the week and outside of the hospital at scheduled clinics. Please refer to the OFA website to view upcoming, offsite clinics. Please contact the cardiology department directly to inquire about availability at the hospital.

You should plan to arrive 15 minutes early for your OFA appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork.  You will need your pets registration information and microchip or tattoo number (if applicable). Although a screening can be done on puppies prior to placing them in their forever homes, the OFA will not officially register an animal until they are one year of age.