How do I register my dog with CERF?

* After a painless examination of the dog's eyes, the ACVO Diplomate completes the examination section of the CERF form and indicates any specific disease(s) found.
* Dogs found to be unaffected by mayor heritable eye disease by an ACVO Diplomate can be registered with CERF.
* To initiate registration, the owner/breeder must complete the backside of the owner copy (pink form) of the CERF examination form and forward it, with the appropriate fee, to CERF headquarters.
* CERF registration is good for twelve months from the examination date. Thereafter, the dog must be re-examined by an ACVO Diplomate and re-registered with CERF to maintain an up-to-date CERF number.
* There is NO minimum age for CERF registration.

How does CERF gather its research data?

* The research copy (white form) of the CERF examination form is sent to CERF headquarters for computer processing for every examination performed by an ACVO Diplomate, regardless of the outcome of the examination.
* At CERF headquarters, the research copy is completed and run through a computer scanner. The computer then merges the data from the form with the data from other animals of the same breed to generate a current research report  Only general information about the dog and the health of its eyes are compiled into the CERF research data base. All other information is treated strictly confidentially.

CERF Services

* A variety of CERF memberships are available with benefits which include:
* Semi-annual CERF Newsletter which covers various general topics in canine ophthalmology as well as highlighting current eye disease trends in specific breeds.
* CERF Registration lists which provide a report of all animals in a specific breed registered during the last year.
* Current research reports on hereditary eye disease for specific breeds or a summary of all breeds.

CERF headquarters also aids in helping you find the locations of the nearest ACVO Diplomates, or in answering other questions you may have concerning CERF or heritable canine eye diseases.

CERF is located at the Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine and is a subsidiary of the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB), which compiles animal data from nearly all North American Veterinary Medical Colleges.

To register your dog with CERF or to have your canine eye health questions answered.

CONTACT CERF at:

CERF
SCC-A
Purdue University
W. Lafayette, IN 47907
(317) 494-8179 (317) 494-9981 (FAX)

more info: http://www.prodogs.com/chn/cerf/index.htm