Health Clinic

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The 2025 Health Clinic will be on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 8:00am-2:00pm at the host hotel. As in the past ESAA will be contributing funds towards screening to keep costs low for members. This year we will be offering AKC/DNA screening, and AKC Reunite ISO microchips. We will also offer Thyroid Panels submitted to Michigan State University, OFA, CHIC, and DNA Repository. 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. You will need to fill out paperwork first, so please arrive 15 minutes before appointment. Upon completion, the owner will receive an AKC letter of DNA analysis containing the sample dog’s registration information, DNA profile number and dog’s genotype. The cost to members will be $25 per dog. 

AKC Reunite ISO microchips will also be available at the Health Clinic. The ISO microchip is 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 at any time at no charge. The procedure produces little if any discomfort and the microchip can be placed on puppies older than 8 weeks. The cost to members will be $15 per 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 for 1 week prior to the clinic.
• Dogs must not be on Thyroid supplement (e.g., 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 should be fasted prior to blood draw.
• Dogs MUST be 1 year or older to be screened.

Cost to members will be $45/dog.

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

Registration and payment can be made online via Stripe or mailed to Paula Spiering at the address below. Your registration and appointment time will be confirmed by email. If you have not received an email confirming your appointment and registration at least a week before the clinic, please contact Paula Spiering.

REGISTRATION CLOSES: Same as show entries  . – Additions after the close of registration is on a space available basis and clinic time will not be extended. PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

All tests are deeply discounted to members through funds allocated by ESAA. If you do participate, please take the time to thank a 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.
• If supplements are used, especially those with Kelp, DISCONTINUE 1 week prior to testing. KELP can distort test results.
• 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 the results will be mailed to the owner. Results will be sent to OFA Thyroid Registry. Thyroid screening is needed to get a CHIC number.

The Health Clinic Registration form needs to be completed, one form for each dog.

Your registration and appointment time will be confirmed by email. PLEASE ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

Thyroid samples will be submitted to Michigan State University for evaluation. Results will be confidential. A copy of the results will be mailed to the owner. Results will be sent to OFA Thyroid Registry. Thyroid screening is needed to get a CHIC number.

The Health Clinic Registration form needs to be completed, one form for each dog.

Your registration and appointment time will be confirmed by email. PLEASE ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.