The Bixby Research Fund was created to help North American Bedlington Terrier owners and breeders test for Chondrodystrophy with Intervertebral Disc Disease (CDDY/IVDD), an inherited condition that can affect spinal health and structure. We would like every owner to test.

The Initiative

BTCA and BTWRA are partnering with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the University of Missouri Canine Genetics Laboratory to better understand the prevalence of CDDY/IVDD in Bedlington Terriers. The University of Missouri will also share data with the University of Cambridge as part of an international research effort.

Research Goals

1. Identify Status: Determine normal and at-risk dogs via the University of Missouri Canine Genetics Laboratory or other laboratories.
2. Collect Health Data: Analyze clinical data through a 3-page Health Survey filled out by participants. This survey uncovers numerous conditions to benefit the breed’s future.

Reimbursement Available

The Bixby Fund will reimburse up to $65 per dog for CDDY/IVDD DNA testing and submission to the study, completed between June 1 and October 1, 2026.  Reimbursement requests must be received no later than November 1, 2026.

OFA testing: Up to $65 (DNA kit and OFA submission fee).  

Link to Order Kits from OFA:  https://ofa.org/order-dna-tests/   Select the CDY test.

• Other laboratories (Embark, UC Davis, Orivet, etc.): Up to $50 for testing plus the OFA submission fee ($15), for a maximum reimbursement of $65. Results must be filed with OFA for reimbursement. https://ofa.org/applications/ scroll to DNA Based Genetic Disease – type in CDDY/IVDD where it asked list of names of DNA tests.

Why Participate?

Testing helps identify dogs that are clear or at risk, allowing researchers better understand the disease in our breed and how prevalent it in the Bedlington population. CDDY/IVDD was recently found in Bedlington Terriers. Participants are ask to complete a confidential health survey through the University of Missouri to assist in understanding this and other health issues in the Bedlington Terrier. Individual results remain private unless you choose to make them public through OFA.

How to Participate

1. Order a CDDY/IVDD DNA test through OFA or another participating laboratory.
2. If using another laboratory, submit your results to OFA.
3. Email or mail your paid invoice(s) to Linda Freeman to receive reimbursement or fill out the form and upload your receipt(s) and  reimbursement will be sent to you.

Together We Can Protect the Future of the Breed

By participating, you’ll contribute valuable research while helping preserve the long-term health of the Bedlington Terrier through responsible, science-based research and breeding.

Reimbursement Is Simple, Here Are Options:

Submit your paid invoice(s) between June 1, 2026, and October 1, 2026. It must be received by November 1, 2026.  You may redact your dog’s name and confirmation codes, but your name, address, and the “CDDY/IVDD” test name must remain visible. Proof of OFA submission if using other laboratories.

 Full Cash Reimbursement

• Email: Send your paid invoice(s) to Linda Freeman at [email protected] (Subject: The Bixby Fund).
• Mail: Send to, The Bixby Fund  C/O Linda Freeman, 156 Cather Rd, Berryville, VA 22611, C/O The Bixby Fund.
• Use the link to a form at the bottom of this page.
• • Note: BTWRA handles all transactions. Your reimbursement will be processed and refund will be issued through your preferred method: Check, Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo.