CiaoBella Labrador Retrievers

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Health Guarantee, Clearances, and Screenings
We take a three-pronged approached to Health:

1. Genetic Testing and Health Screening of Parents
2. Health Examinations, Vaccinations, and Health Evaluations of Puppies 
3. Health Guarantee and Free 30-Day Pet Insurance for Puppies



Genetic Testing and Health Screening of Parents:
Results of key health screenings of our puppies' parents are recorded with the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals.  The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) is a non-profit organization based in Columbia, Missouri that aims to research and prevent orthopedic and hereditary diseases in companion animals. The OFA also serves as a registry for pure-bred dogs for the results of key health screenings. Labrador Retrievers have their share of inheritable health problems just like all other types of dogs regardless if they are purebred or not. Responsible breeders test their dogs for these types of problems to ensure that their puppies have the best chance at a long and healthy life. Dams and Sires owned by CiaoBella Retrievers have attained OFA CHIC numbers signifying they meet/exceed the breeding health standards recommended by the OFA. Requirements for Labrador health screenings include:
           1. Hip and Elbow dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a general term that is used to describe a developmental degenerative disease of the elbow joint. 
           2. An annual eye exam is recommended to be performed by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) and the results are registered with OFA. 
           3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA) refers to retinal diseases that cause blindness. Some breeds have blindness by abnormal development of the retina and this is called dysplasia. Other breeds have a slowly progressive degeneration or death of the retinal tissue and this is degeneration. It is a long recognized, hereditary, blinding disorder. 
           4. Exercise Intolerance And Collapse ( EIC) has been recognized in young adult Labrador Retrievers. A dog can be clear, a carrier, or affected by the gene highly associated with EIC. Some "affected" dogs have died during an EIC episode which may be triggered by hunt tests, field trial training, or upland game hunting. 
          5. Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) is a muscular disease that can be expressed as an awkward gait, fatigue, and difficulty eating.
          6. Advanced Cardio Evaluation: Heart Echo screenings administered by a veterinary cardiologist to determine proper heart functioning.



Health Examinations, Vaccinations, and Health Evaluations of Puppies:

Our puppies are examined for health by our Veterinarian at 6 weeks and also 8 weeks of age while also receiving their vaccinations . At 8 weeks of age they receive their eye exam by our Veterinary Ophthalmologist,  and their cardio auscultation  by our Veterinary Cardiologist. Each puppy will be microchipped prior to placement. We perform an extensive temperament evaluation at 7.5 week of age. Results of examinations and evaluations will be shared with you.






















Health Guarantee and Free 30-day Pet Insurance for Puppies:

Your puppy is guaranteed to be in good general health, and free of congenital deformities as of the time you take possession of the puppy. You are entitled to have your puppy examined by a veterinarian of your choice within 72 hours of the date of purchase. If your veterinarian should find any LIFE THREATENING defect ( this does not include worms, coccidia, giardia, parasites and hypoglycemia) you must notify us immediately, and make arrangements for the puppy's return. The puppy must be accompanied by a signed statement from your veterinarian stating the problem. You are responsible for the puppy and all incurred costs during this time, not us. We will refund 100% of the purchase price upon the puppy's return. 
We will present you with 30 days of FREE pet insurance for your puppy from TRUPANION. You can activate the insurance coverage from the moment you take possession of your puppy and you do not need to continue this coverage after the initial 30 days!



Puppy will receive the following veterinary care support at our expense:
  2 weeks of age: Deworming
  4 weeks of age: Deworming
  6 weeks of age: Exam and vaccination by licensed Veterinarian: DAP-                                    Puppy; Deworming
  8 weeks of age: Exam and vaccination by licensed Veterinarian: DAP, 
                            Deworming, Interceptor, Frontline Plus Flea and Tick 
                            Treatment, Microchip placement
  8-10  weeks     : Eye exam by Veterinary Ophthalmologist and                                                  cardiology auscultation by our Veterinary Cardiologist 
  0-11  weeks     : Any veterinary support as needed to ensure the puppy's 
                            wellness prior to your puppy going home with you.