Fall 2018 Saber Tails 81
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
open or closed angle glaucoma due to some other genetic variation. Or s/he could harbor another eye disorder. Early
detection could prevent pain or discomfort and extend your PBGV’s vision.
A typical eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist will include routine procedures, such as indirect ophthalmoscopy
and slit lamp microscopy of dilated eyes. We suggest that you also ask for an evaluation of each eye’s drainage angle
by gonioscopy. If the angle is narrow that will indicate that your PBGV is at higher risk for development of closed angle
glaucoma. The ophthalmologist will also measure intraocular pressure using tonometry. Increased pressure will alert
you that your PBGV is in the beginning stages of either open or closed angle glaucoma. The clinician will also examine
the eyes for cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, and lens subluxation.
To encourage PBGVCA members to take their PBGVs
for an eye exam, the PBGV Health & Rescue Founda-
tion has generously launched an eye exam reimburse-
ment program. This will be a one-year program start-
ing January 1, 2019. PBGVCA full members who have
their dog(s) (1 year of age or older) examined by a
veterinary ophthalmologist will be reimbursed up to
$50 per dog towards the cost of the exam, contingent
upon submitting the results to the Club pedigree da-
tabase. Associate members will be reimbursed $25 per
dog with the same restrictions. The $50 and $25 reim-
bursements are the total cumulative reimbursements
per dog for the 2019 calendar.
The Foundation realizes that the reimbursements will
not cover the full cost of an eye exam, but we hope
that it will be an encouragement for all PBGV owners
to have this important exam.
So, hold onto your hats! The winds are starting to pick up. More information about the eye exam reimbursement pro-
gram will be blowing in soon!
Reference:
Crispin, S. 2017. Hereditary eye disease in dogs. British Veterinary Association Canine Eye Scheme.
Need to find a veterinary ophthalmologist?
Your primary care vet can probably point
you in the right direction. Or a nearby ter-
tiary care facility may have one on staff.
One helpful resource is the American College of Vet-
erinary Ophthalmologists. Go to their search page
(http://www.acvo.org/ophthalmologist-search/)
and enter your address and distance you are will-
ing to travel. My urban community has 13 veterinary
ophthalmologists within 50 miles. If you live in a ru-
ral community, you may have to travel much further.
Saber Tails
Individual Copies for Sale
Additional copies of Saber Tails are available for individual purchase as supplies last. A certain
number of over-runs are produced by the printer with each issue of Saber Tails. If you would like to order an addition-
al copy, you may do so now. Purchase price is $10.00 for each copy - includes postage for those mailed to addresses
in the United States. Additional postage required for overseas delivery.
Send requests to Tiffany Cannon at alwayspbgv@aol.com. Send checks made payable to PBGVCA to PBGVCA, PO Box
26716, Phoenix, AZ 85068. Be sure to include a note with your payment indicating the check is for additional Saber
Tails and confirm to quantity being ordered and the delivery address.