OFA Hip Evaluations from Jan. 1974 - Dec. 2007
| Rank | Number of Evaluations | Percent Excellent | Percent Dysplastic |
| 95 | 3476 | 15.9 | 9.3 |
The percentage of excellent rated hips increased 51% up to 15% of GWP's evaluated. Over the same period of time dysplastic ratings decreased by 46% down to 9,3%. When reviewing these numbers it's hard to argue against certifications to prevent health and genetic issues.
So, why then do GWP breeders not certify thyroid function OFA? From the statistics OFA has on thyroid evaluations it ought to shock GWP breeders into testing and certifying dogs that were bred.
OFA Thyroid Evaluations from Jan. 1974 - Dec. 2007
| Rank | Number of Evaluations |
Percent Autoimmune Thyroiditis |
Percent Normal | Percent Equivocal |
| 2 | 161 | 14.3 | 69.6 | 14.9 |
Autoimmune Thyroiditis is considered hereditary and almost 14% of GWP's tested at OFA has it. That's huge! Just think of how many potentially have it. GWP's are ranked 2 for all breeds with only the Irish Setter ranked higher with 26.8% autoimmune thyroiditis. Almost 15% are equivocal which mean function is not normal yet blood measures do not evaluate at autoimmune thyroiditis. Equivocal ratings should be retested.
With this higher prevalence, why do we ignore this? Maybe we aren't aware of the very important role that proper thyroid function plays in the body.
GWP breeders are doing elbow evaluations and while tests for everything that could cause a major health issue in our breed should be conducted, the statistics for the prevalence of elbow dysplasia show that Autoimmune Thyroiditis is much more serious.
This is something that can no longer be ignored. 14% of GWP's testing positive for a genetic disease has to be taken seriously if we want the health at a minimum be status quo.
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