Hypothyroidism has been reported in 30% of 200 SWDs tested worldwide. 

More than 70% of breeds recognized by the AKC are genetically predisposed to hypothyroidism.

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Compensative Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hypothyroidism)
Spanish Water Dogs are can develop autoimmune thyroiditis. To help breeders and the club monitor this disease a thyroid panel, frequently referred to as the Michigan State thyroid panel, is required for a CHIC number. Since the markers for autoimmune thyroiditis are not apparent until that dog is at least two years of age tests before this age are not accepted for a CHIC number. To complete the test a blood sample is drawn by veterinarian or at a health clinic. This blood sample, the completed thyroid application form https://www.ofa.org/application-forms) and payment is sent to one of the approved labs below.

OFA Approved Thyroid Testing Labs*

• Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC)
  Endocrinology Laboratory, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-253-3673
  
• Animal Health Laboratory
  Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Specimen Reception, 419 Gordon St., NW Corner Gordon/McGilvray St, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, CANADA, Phone 519-824-4120 X54530, Fax 519-827-0961
  
• Antech Diagnostics*
  1111 Marcus Ave., Suite M28, Lake Success , NY 11042, 800-872-1001
  *only the Lake Success, NY location of Antech has been certified to process OFA thyroid panels
  
• Applied BioSciences
  Attn: Dr. Scott Jacques, 3837 Millican Creek Trail, College Station, TX 77845, 979-220-9823
  email: [email protected], Website: www.appliedbiosciencestx.com
  
• IDEXX
  1345 Denison St., Markham, Ont, L3R 5V2, CANADA, 1-800-667-3411
  
• Michigan State University
  MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL), 4125 Beaumont Road Room 122, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, 517-353-1683
  
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
  483 Agronomy Rd., College Station, TX 77840, 979-845-3414
  
• University of California Davis
  Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Central Laboratory Receiving, VMTH Room 1033, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 95616
  Phone: 530-752-VMTH (530-752-8684), Fax: 530-752-5055, email: [email protected]
  

*As of 2/21/2021. The SWDCA cannot endorse individual laboratories.