The 2021 Health Clinic will be held on September 14 2021, at the host hotel. As in the past the ESAA will be contributing funds towards screening to keep costs low to members. This year, AKC/DNA screening, AKC Reunite ISO microchips, Thyroid Panels submitted to Michigan State University and OFA CHIC DNA Repository will be offered. Appointments and payment must be made in advance of the clinic.

AKC/DNA screening is a simple non-invasive procedure to determine parentage and genetic identity of the dog. Each pre-paid kit includes a unique number assigned to the dog and upon completion the owner will receive an AKC letter of DNA analysis containing the sample dogs registration information, DNA profile number and dogs genotype. Cost to members will be $20/dog.

AKC Reunite ISO microchips will also be available at the Health Clinic. The ISO microchip is the internationally recognized as a form of permanent identification. Purchase of the AKC Reunite ISO chip includes lifetime registration into the AKC Reunite database and an identifying collar tag. Any changes such as address or contact information can be updated any time at no charge. The procedure produces little if any discomfort and the microchip can be placed on puppies older than 8 weeks. Cost to members will be $15/dog.

Thyroid panels will be sent to Michigan State University for processing and interpretation. Guidelines for testing are as follows:
- No bitches “in season” will be screened.
- Stop Supplements 1 week prior to the clinic.
- Dogs must not be on Thyroid supplement, Thyrozine, Thyroxine or Soloxine.
- If supplements are included in diet, and contain Kelp, discontinue prior to testing. Kelp can alter test results.
- Have dates available of last vaccinations, both Rabies and Distemper/Parvo.
- Dogs must be fasted prior to blood draw.

Cost to members will be $30/dog.

OFA CHIC DNA Repository collections will be sent to OFA. This collection provides a free source of DNA for future health research. Cost to Members is $10.00 per dog

Registration for these procedures can easily be done on line or by mailing completed form to Paula Spiering, address below.

Payment is equally as easy either by using PayPal option or mailing a check. Once your form is received from PayPal or in the mail you will be contacted by e-mail to advise your appointment time.

REGISTRATION CLOSES August 24, 2021

-Walk-ins may be taken at the end of the day but not sooner.

If you have sent a registration form and not heard back as the clinic date approaches, contact Paula Spiering at pbspiering@wi.rr.com.

All tests are deeply discounted to members through funds allocated by ESAA. If you do participate please take the time to thank member of the Board of Directors for this benefit.


GUIDELINES FOR THYROID SCREENING
Dogs must be at least one year of age to be thyroid screened. Bitches should NOT be screened while in
estrus. Dogs MUST NOT be on thyroid medication. Dogs should not be vaccinated within one month
of screening. Sample needs to be drawn after 8-10 hours fast. (Fasting is not required but highly
recommended.)
Thyroid samples will be submitted to Michigan State University for evaluation. Results will be confidential.
A copy of results will be mailed to owner, also included will be a copy for owner’s Veterinarian.
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**IMPORTANT**
Owner has the option to send results to OFA for inclusion in the Thyroid Registry at the discounted rate of $7.50. Thyroid screening is now included in our health requirements for a CHIC number. You MUST decide at the time of your application if you want to include your results in this registry. If results are to be included a check made to OFA must be included with your application. DO NOT INCLUDE IN YOUR OTHER FEES. This check will be stapled to your OFA application by the Health Clinic chair.
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Paula Spireing, Health Clinic Chairperson,
16670 W. Harmony Court
New Berlin, Wi 53151
pbspiering@wi.rr.com, 262-894--0088