Health Clinics and Health Seminar
Eye Clinic
WEDNESDAY MAY 24th
TIME: 8:30am -4:30pm
TIME: 8:30am -4:30pm
Cost: If pre-registered the cost is $45. If a pre-registration form is not submitted, the walk-in cost will be $50.
Payment Method: Cash or check made out to FCRSA to be paid the day of the exam. [If additional payment options are made available an announcement will be made on facebook and https://www.fcrsa2023.com/.]
Pre-registration/scheduling: 15 dogs will be scheduled per hour time slot. Pre-register here. Pre-registration closes on May 10th. We strongly recommend that you pre-register.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Can I register the day of the clinic? Yes, you can register the day of the clinic but a time slot will be assigned based on availability so it is better to preregister and guarantee a spot. If you need to change your time, we will work with you.
Paperwork and information: Forms will be provided at the clinic and will be completed while waiting for the examination. DO NOT use online forms. Please have your dog’s registration number and date of birth.
How long will the exam take? The exam is performed approximately 20-30 minutes after the pupils are dilated. The exam itself takes 3-4 minutes.
How long will the pupils be dilated? Approximately 1 hour.
What age should my dog be for an eye exam? Puppies over 6 weeks, dogs up to 8 years of age, dogs that are being bred and regular eye exams for veterans are encouraged.
How long is certification valid? For 12 months from the date of the eye exam. Annual re-examination is recommended.
Forms, Submission and Certification: After the exam, the veterinary ophthalmologist will complete the OFA CAER form and indicate any specific disease(s) found. The forms are in triplicate. One copy is for the vet’s records, one is for the owner, and one is for the OFA’s Clinical Database. Once the OFA receives the form from the veterinary ophthalmologist, the information will be recorded for aggregate statistical purposes to monitor breed specific trends and susceptibility. This information will NOT be released to the OFA website, and will NOT result in a certification number unless the owner submits their copy of the form.
The owner has the option of sending their copy of the form, along with appropriate payment, to the OFA for entry into the CAER. The regular registration fee for CAER exams is $15 per exam. If you upload the form online to OFA, for exams conducted at
this FCRSA sponsored eye clinic, the registration fee is $10 per exam. Upon owner submission of results to the CAER, dogs with passing results, including those with “breeder option codes,” are issued certification numbers. A report is printed and sent to the owner, and the results are published on the OFA website. Owners also have the option of submitting non-passing results to the registry. If the abnormal release block on the application form is initialed, these results will also be published on the OFA website, although no certification number is issued. In order to encourage open sharing of results, there is no charge to submit abnormal results into the open database.
Veterinary Ophthalmologist: Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD
Gustavo Aguirre is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist who is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He earned all his degrees at PENN, where he also completed a residency in ophthalmology before
serving as a post-doctoral fellow at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has held professorial appointments at the Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell
University. In addition to his clinical practice at Providence Animal Center, he continues his research studies at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine in the areas of inherited eye diseases and their treatment using gene therapy. He has received many
awards including the Alcon Award, ARVO's Proctor medal and the 2020 Sanford and Susan Greenberg End Blindness Outstanding Achievement Prize, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of AAAS
Additional Information: OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) exams are ophthalmic examinations performed by American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Diplomates, to assess dogs for the presence or absence of observable
hereditary eye disease. The exam can be used to establish a baseline for future exams to help identify any changes within the eyes. Dogs with normal exam results will receive OFA eye certification numbers that are valid for one year. Eye certifications are an important part of the routine health screenings practiced by responsible dog breeders to produce healthy puppies.
Payment Method: Cash or check made out to FCRSA to be paid the day of the exam. [If additional payment options are made available an announcement will be made on facebook and https://www.fcrsa2023.com/.]
Pre-registration/scheduling: 15 dogs will be scheduled per hour time slot. Pre-register here. Pre-registration closes on May 10th. We strongly recommend that you pre-register.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Can I register the day of the clinic? Yes, you can register the day of the clinic but a time slot will be assigned based on availability so it is better to preregister and guarantee a spot. If you need to change your time, we will work with you.
Paperwork and information: Forms will be provided at the clinic and will be completed while waiting for the examination. DO NOT use online forms. Please have your dog’s registration number and date of birth.
How long will the exam take? The exam is performed approximately 20-30 minutes after the pupils are dilated. The exam itself takes 3-4 minutes.
How long will the pupils be dilated? Approximately 1 hour.
What age should my dog be for an eye exam? Puppies over 6 weeks, dogs up to 8 years of age, dogs that are being bred and regular eye exams for veterans are encouraged.
How long is certification valid? For 12 months from the date of the eye exam. Annual re-examination is recommended.
Forms, Submission and Certification: After the exam, the veterinary ophthalmologist will complete the OFA CAER form and indicate any specific disease(s) found. The forms are in triplicate. One copy is for the vet’s records, one is for the owner, and one is for the OFA’s Clinical Database. Once the OFA receives the form from the veterinary ophthalmologist, the information will be recorded for aggregate statistical purposes to monitor breed specific trends and susceptibility. This information will NOT be released to the OFA website, and will NOT result in a certification number unless the owner submits their copy of the form.
The owner has the option of sending their copy of the form, along with appropriate payment, to the OFA for entry into the CAER. The regular registration fee for CAER exams is $15 per exam. If you upload the form online to OFA, for exams conducted at
this FCRSA sponsored eye clinic, the registration fee is $10 per exam. Upon owner submission of results to the CAER, dogs with passing results, including those with “breeder option codes,” are issued certification numbers. A report is printed and sent to the owner, and the results are published on the OFA website. Owners also have the option of submitting non-passing results to the registry. If the abnormal release block on the application form is initialed, these results will also be published on the OFA website, although no certification number is issued. In order to encourage open sharing of results, there is no charge to submit abnormal results into the open database.
Veterinary Ophthalmologist: Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD
Gustavo Aguirre is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist who is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He earned all his degrees at PENN, where he also completed a residency in ophthalmology before
serving as a post-doctoral fellow at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has held professorial appointments at the Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell
University. In addition to his clinical practice at Providence Animal Center, he continues his research studies at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine in the areas of inherited eye diseases and their treatment using gene therapy. He has received many
awards including the Alcon Award, ARVO's Proctor medal and the 2020 Sanford and Susan Greenberg End Blindness Outstanding Achievement Prize, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and a fellow of AAAS
Additional Information: OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) exams are ophthalmic examinations performed by American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Diplomates, to assess dogs for the presence or absence of observable
hereditary eye disease. The exam can be used to establish a baseline for future exams to help identify any changes within the eyes. Dogs with normal exam results will receive OFA eye certification numbers that are valid for one year. Eye certifications are an important part of the routine health screenings practiced by responsible dog breeders to produce healthy puppies.
DNA Research Repository Blood Draw
Wednesday May 24th and Thursday May 25th
12:00pm – 5:00pm
12:00pm – 5:00pm

Cost: $5 (National Specialty only). There is a no charge for submitting a blood sample from a dog affected with a health condition that is important to the breed such as cancer, and we strongly encourage owners to submit samples from these dogs.
Pre-registration: Please pre-register here so we can work to make sure volunteers are available. The eye clinic and DNA Repository Blood Draw will be dependent on getting enough volunteers to run each clinic. Please consider volunteering!
Payment Method: Cash or Check payable the day of clinic
Forms: Please print out, fill in and bring the required DNA Repository Application and Health Survey form with you to the clinic (www.ofa.org/about/dna-repository).
What information do I need to bring? If you forget your form, we will have them at the clinic and you will need to provide the following information:
Why CHIC DNA Repository? The CHIC DNA Repository collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited
disease in dogs. In an effort to increase the number of DNA blood samples for Flat-Coated Retrievers
and make it easier for researchers to obtain these samples, DNA samples will be stored at the AKC Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA repository. The major advantage of using CHIC is that the approval process is streamlined for research
funded by either the AKC Canine Health Foundation or the Morris Animal Foundation.
CHIC’s Objectives: Facilitate more rapid research progress by expediting the sample collection process. Provide researchers with optimized family groups needed for research. Allow breeders to take advantage of future DNA-based disease tests as they become available. Foster a team environment between breeders/owners and the research community, improving the likelihood of genetic discovery. Additional information about the CHIC DNA Repository and the necessary forms may be found at https://www.ofa.org/about/dna-repository.
Why should I donate my dog’s blood? The DNA repository is an endowment for the breed’s future. It is a centralized, multigenerational DNA storage bank. It will allow future, qualified researchers to be able to investigate genetic diseases in Flat-Coated Retrievers. A centralized DNA repository allows for a single DNA collection from each dog to benefit numerous researchers in genetic diseases. Currently, individual researchers often rely on DNA collection for their own research and storage at their respective institutions. Those samples are not available to other researchers or research projects. Also, those
samples may not be saved once the research is completed. In order for researchers to have access to the DNA at the CHIC DNA Repository, the must go through an application and scientific review process with the AKC-CHF and OFA Your participation in this effort is extremely important and we urge everyone to donate their dog’s DNA blood samples, including dogs that have already donated to AHT, to support a healthier future for our Flat-Coated Retrievers.
Is the DNA repository the same as the DNA collected for genetic diversity? No, it is not. The DNA that is stored in the repository is for future research studies. The DNA is used to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of
inherited disease in dogs. Genetic diversity testing and analysis is a tool that can immediately show owners and breeders the risk for disease by assessing the overall genetic similarity within our individual dogs and the breed in general. Genetic diversity testing, the analysis and the report can help breeders in selecting pairings that produce more genetically diverse offspring and help to retain the genetic diversity that we currently have in the breed.
Pre-registration: Please pre-register here so we can work to make sure volunteers are available. The eye clinic and DNA Repository Blood Draw will be dependent on getting enough volunteers to run each clinic. Please consider volunteering!
Payment Method: Cash or Check payable the day of clinic
Forms: Please print out, fill in and bring the required DNA Repository Application and Health Survey form with you to the clinic (www.ofa.org/about/dna-repository).
What information do I need to bring? If you forget your form, we will have them at the clinic and you will need to provide the following information:
Why CHIC DNA Repository? The CHIC DNA Repository collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited
disease in dogs. In an effort to increase the number of DNA blood samples for Flat-Coated Retrievers
and make it easier for researchers to obtain these samples, DNA samples will be stored at the AKC Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA repository. The major advantage of using CHIC is that the approval process is streamlined for research
funded by either the AKC Canine Health Foundation or the Morris Animal Foundation.
CHIC’s Objectives: Facilitate more rapid research progress by expediting the sample collection process. Provide researchers with optimized family groups needed for research. Allow breeders to take advantage of future DNA-based disease tests as they become available. Foster a team environment between breeders/owners and the research community, improving the likelihood of genetic discovery. Additional information about the CHIC DNA Repository and the necessary forms may be found at https://www.ofa.org/about/dna-repository.
Why should I donate my dog’s blood? The DNA repository is an endowment for the breed’s future. It is a centralized, multigenerational DNA storage bank. It will allow future, qualified researchers to be able to investigate genetic diseases in Flat-Coated Retrievers. A centralized DNA repository allows for a single DNA collection from each dog to benefit numerous researchers in genetic diseases. Currently, individual researchers often rely on DNA collection for their own research and storage at their respective institutions. Those samples are not available to other researchers or research projects. Also, those
samples may not be saved once the research is completed. In order for researchers to have access to the DNA at the CHIC DNA Repository, the must go through an application and scientific review process with the AKC-CHF and OFA Your participation in this effort is extremely important and we urge everyone to donate their dog’s DNA blood samples, including dogs that have already donated to AHT, to support a healthier future for our Flat-Coated Retrievers.
Is the DNA repository the same as the DNA collected for genetic diversity? No, it is not. The DNA that is stored in the repository is for future research studies. The DNA is used to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of
inherited disease in dogs. Genetic diversity testing and analysis is a tool that can immediately show owners and breeders the risk for disease by assessing the overall genetic similarity within our individual dogs and the breed in general. Genetic diversity testing, the analysis and the report can help breeders in selecting pairings that produce more genetically diverse offspring and help to retain the genetic diversity that we currently have in the breed.
Semen Collection
WEDNESDAY MAY 24TH AND THURSDAY MAY 25TH
TIME: 9:00am -4:00pm
ICSB Mid Coast Mobile
TIME: 9:00am -4:00pm
ICSB Mid Coast Mobile
Pricing:
New Dog Freeze-Collection and Freezing of stud not currently stored with ICSB
$265 Collection Evaluation, and Freezing fee. Covers the first 4 vials, additional vials are $65 each
$35 File Preparation
$100 First Year of Storage (annual storage fee for each group of 30 vials or less; one vial is one insemination.)
Total $400
Repeat Collection- Collection and Freezing of stud currently stored with ICSB
$265 Collection, Evaluation, and Freezing fee. Covers the first 4 vials, additional vials are $65 each
Total $265
Evaluation Only - $110
ICSB Mid Coast Mobile also carries supplements for fertility
Payment method: Cash, check or credit card
Scheduling: ICSB Mid Coast Mobile will take appointments and walk ins.
Appointments can be made at the show either stop by or call 302-593-2684.
Times: May 24th and May 25th the clinic will start for collections from 9am until 4pm
How long will this take? Plan on 15 to 30 minutes per visit
Do I need to fill out forms beforehand? What information do I need? ICSB Mid Coast Mobile will provide forms that need to be filled out. You need provide the following information:
- Your dog’s AKC # or other Registry #, date of birth, microchip #, DNA # ifavailable.
- Signed permission by the owner and or all co-owners that you have permission to have the dog collected. (To be kept in ICSB Mid Coast Mobile files). This is necessary on any dog that you do not own or a dog that is co-owned by multiple people. This is an AKC requirement in order to use frozen semen.
- 3. If dog is registered by the AKC or UKC a DNA profile will be required prior to you being able to use the frozen semen. If you do not already have a DNA profile on your male, ICSB Mid Coast Mobile can do one at the time of collection ($65)
Will I be charged if a sample cannot be collected? No, you will not be charged.
Other: Owner also must hold the male dog and if a teaser is needed the male owner must provide the teaser If ICSB Mid Coast Mobile has a bitch in heat and you can use her for a teaser at the time but there is rarely a bitch in heat available and they prefer
male owners provide their own teaser. If someone has a bitch in heat and wants to offer her to be used as a teaser that is fine also
Questions: Please contact Jennifer Vawter or Katie Jarrell at ICSB Mid Coast Mobile
Contact information:
ICSB Mid Coast Mobile
Jennifer Vawter and Katie Jarrell
504 Tamara Circle
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 294-6776 (Office)
(302) 593-2684 (Collection)
(302) 379-9976 (Cell)
(302) 533-5176 (Fax)
Bio for Jennifer Vawter: I've been breeding and showing dogs for 40 plus years. I have bred and shown many Champion dogs and I understand the importance of preserving genetics for the future generations of show dogs. I have been collecting and
freezing for ICSB for 15 years.
Informational Seminar
OncoK9®: How Vets are Now Screening Dogs for Cancer with a Blood Test
Speaker: Lauren DiMarzio DVM Medical Science Liaison PetDX
Date: Tuesday May 23rd
Join PetDx® to Learn How a Blood Test Can Be Used to Screen Dogs for Cancer at Your Vet’s Office. We are happy to share that Dr. Lauren DiMarzio, DVM, a Medical Science Liaison from PetDx® will be joining us for an informational session to discuss OncoK9®, a relatively new test that can detect cancer in dogs using a simple blood draw. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, with 6 million new canine cancer diagnosesbeing made in the U.S. annually. Flat-Coated Retrievers are at high risk for cancer, and certain cancer types (such as histiocytic sarcoma) are more common in the breed. But what actually causes cancer, and how can we do better at detecting the disease early? Cancer is caused by changes, or spelling mistakes, in DNA that give a cell certain advantages such as the ability to grow and divide in an uncontrolled fashion, leading to the development of a tumor. OncoK9® is a test that looks for these DNA changes (also known as a “cancer signal”) in a dog’s blood. If a cancer signal is detected, it is very likely that the dog has cancer and additional tests (such as ultrasound, X-rays, or a biopsy) would be
recommended to confirm the diagnosis – similar to what happens in people who have abnormal results from a cancer screening test (such as a colonoscopy or a mammogram). If no cancer signal is detected, it is still possible for the dog to have cancer, but it is much less likely. In these cases, OncoK9® testing may be recommended again at the dog’s next wellness visit as a part of continued cancer screening. Just like in people, the goal of regularly scheduled screening is to find cancer early, when there are more options for treatment, and a better chance at a good outcome. In a large scientific study, OncoK9® was
able to detect 30 different types of cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma and other cancer types seen in Flat-Coats. Flat-Coated Retrievers may benefit from OncoK9® as an annual cancer screening test beginning at 7 years of age; ask your veterinarian if OncoK9® is right for your dog. For more information, please visit petdx.com.
During this educational seminar, Dr. DiMarzio will share more details about cancer in dogs and how OncoK9® works. Please join us to learn more about cancer detection using a simple blood draw!
Lauren DiMarzio, DVM PetDx® Medical Science Liaison
Dr. DiMarzio works within the PetDx® Medical Affairs team to educate veterinary professionals and organizations on non-invasive testing solutions for the early detection of cancer in pets. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2011. In addition to general veterinary practice in
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, Dr. DiMarzio managed sales territory in Massachusetts for Hill’s Pet Nutrition and served as a sales executive for Anivive. Dr. DiMarzio has also volunteered for Not One More Vet and The Hundred Cat Foundation. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their dog, Maple, and enjoys skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and playing the drums.
Date: Tuesday May 23rd
Join PetDx® to Learn How a Blood Test Can Be Used to Screen Dogs for Cancer at Your Vet’s Office. We are happy to share that Dr. Lauren DiMarzio, DVM, a Medical Science Liaison from PetDx® will be joining us for an informational session to discuss OncoK9®, a relatively new test that can detect cancer in dogs using a simple blood draw. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, with 6 million new canine cancer diagnosesbeing made in the U.S. annually. Flat-Coated Retrievers are at high risk for cancer, and certain cancer types (such as histiocytic sarcoma) are more common in the breed. But what actually causes cancer, and how can we do better at detecting the disease early? Cancer is caused by changes, or spelling mistakes, in DNA that give a cell certain advantages such as the ability to grow and divide in an uncontrolled fashion, leading to the development of a tumor. OncoK9® is a test that looks for these DNA changes (also known as a “cancer signal”) in a dog’s blood. If a cancer signal is detected, it is very likely that the dog has cancer and additional tests (such as ultrasound, X-rays, or a biopsy) would be
recommended to confirm the diagnosis – similar to what happens in people who have abnormal results from a cancer screening test (such as a colonoscopy or a mammogram). If no cancer signal is detected, it is still possible for the dog to have cancer, but it is much less likely. In these cases, OncoK9® testing may be recommended again at the dog’s next wellness visit as a part of continued cancer screening. Just like in people, the goal of regularly scheduled screening is to find cancer early, when there are more options for treatment, and a better chance at a good outcome. In a large scientific study, OncoK9® was
able to detect 30 different types of cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma and other cancer types seen in Flat-Coats. Flat-Coated Retrievers may benefit from OncoK9® as an annual cancer screening test beginning at 7 years of age; ask your veterinarian if OncoK9® is right for your dog. For more information, please visit petdx.com.
During this educational seminar, Dr. DiMarzio will share more details about cancer in dogs and how OncoK9® works. Please join us to learn more about cancer detection using a simple blood draw!
Lauren DiMarzio, DVM PetDx® Medical Science Liaison
Dr. DiMarzio works within the PetDx® Medical Affairs team to educate veterinary professionals and organizations on non-invasive testing solutions for the early detection of cancer in pets. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in 2011. In addition to general veterinary practice in
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, Dr. DiMarzio managed sales territory in Massachusetts for Hill’s Pet Nutrition and served as a sales executive for Anivive. Dr. DiMarzio has also volunteered for Not One More Vet and The Hundred Cat Foundation. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their dog, Maple, and enjoys skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and playing the drums.