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.