Glaucoma is a painfuland blinding disease associated
with high pressure in the eye due to a build-up of fluid.

Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition and is 

subdivided into two types: open (POAG) and closed (PCAG)
angle glaucoma. In both forms, glaucoma results from 
reduced drainage of fluid within the eye, causing a build 
up of pressure which, in turn, leads to pain and blindness.
For PCAG, a screening technique called gonioscopy can
identify dogs at risk.

DEVELOPING A DNA TEST FOR POAG. After years 

of work using DNA samples provided by many supportive
owners and breeders, the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at
the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in the United Kingdom (UK)
has identified the mutation that causes POAG in the PBGV.

BENEFIT OF DNA TEST. Viv Phillips of UK’s BGVC 

explains the benefit of knowing if your dog is a carrier: “For
example, a clear dog mated to a carrier or affected PBGV
would, at worst, produce carriers. If these dogs are never to
be used for breeding, the test is not as significant. If parents
are clear, their progeny would be hereditarily clear and
therefore there would be no need to test.

“Two carriers producing progeny would produce carriers,

but could also produce affected, so therefore all progeny
must be tested.”

Once tested, with the exception of affected hounds, there

would be no need for these PBGVs to take any further eye
tests. The very small minority of affected dogs would need
regular pressure testing on at least an annual basis.

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: A TWO-STEP

PROCESS. With the discovery of the POAG gene mutation
in PBGVs and development of a diagnostic cheek swab test
by the AHT, we are now in the position to make a dramatic
difference in the health of our beloved breed: We can 
eliminate glaucoma!

In order for this to become a reality, two key things need

to happen: 1. We must test our dogs through AHT, and 
2. Test results must be entered into the OFA open database.
Both of these steps are essential if we are to eradicate this
painful blinding disease from the breed. Of course, this will
not happen overnight, but it has to start now.

OFA OPEN DATABASE.Once you receive test results,

complete the OFA Application for DNA Based Genetic 
Database form and submit it to OFA along with a copy of
the AHT POAG results. Once OFA receives the results, you
will receive a confirmation from OFA. OFA has generously
granted us a “no cost” registration until the end of August
for any dog whose record is already in the database. Owners
submitting results for a dog not already in the OFA database
will incur a fee as indicated on the form. 

To stimulate this process, the PBGV Health & Rescue

Foundation will reimburse $40 per dog to PBGVCA members
who test their dogs and submit the results to the OFA

database. In addition, PBGV owners who reside in North

America but are not club members are also eligible for the
reimbursement. To request the reimbursement, send a copy
of the OFA confirmation by mail or email to the Foundation
Treasurer JoAnne Hacker, 10832 N.E. Country Club Road,
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110-2337, jah@arcanumltd.com.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Get AHT Test Kit.Go to www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk/

test-category/canine.

Enter test result in OFA open database. Complete

the Application for DNA Based Genetic Database found
here: www.offa.org/pdf/dnaapp_bw.pdf.

Get Foundation reimbursement.Send a copy of the

OFA confirmation by mail or email to: Foundation Treasurer
JoAnne Hacker, 10832 N.E. Country Club Road, Bainbridge
Island, WA 98110-2337, jah@arcanumltd.com.  

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www.pbgv.org

Summer 2015   

I Saber Tails

I  PBGV Health Forum   

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG): WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

All dogs should have the POAG DNA test. This will inform 

the owners whether their dog is affected, carrier or clear. 

I  If the dog is affected, it should have an annual (minimum) eye test, including tonometry, to 

monitor the development of POAG. 

I  If the dog is a carrier or clear, advice differs depending on if the dog is to be used for breeding.
I  If the dog is to be used for breeding it should have a full eye exam, including gonioscopy, 

immediately prior to breeding to ensure it is free of inherited disease at the time of breeding.

I  Ideally, all dogs that have been bred from will have full exams throughout their life to pick up any

late onset eye diseases that might develop. If the owner is unwilling to have annual eye checks, then
it is recommended the dog at lest get a full eye exam when it reaches 8 years of age.

I  Pet dogs that are not POAG affected don’t need eye exams on a regular basis, but for their own well

being regular checks might help catch any newly emerging conditions.

I  The AHT has DNA from five PBGVs with goniodysgenesis/primary closed angle glaucoma, which is

why it is recommended to include gonioscopy with the full eye exam.