Eyes
In comparison with some other breeds, both Grands and Petits have few eye problems but, for over a decade, the BGV Club has been active in an eye- testing programme. The main reason was the discovery of some cases of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) in Petits. Eye tests from age 2–6 on an annual basis are therefore extremely important for all PBGVs, whether for breeding or just pets. While there is certainly no need for alarm the Club knows that, if found early, there are remedies which may increase the length of time that the dog’s eyesight remains good.
We are extremely fortunate that Professor Peter Bedford, who has been involved from the beginning in research into this disease, helps us. He holds eye- testing sessions every Thursday from 11.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at Cayton Practice, St Albans, Tel. 01717 852667, also sends us a list of all eye- testing sessions he does elsewhere. Importantly, he comes to BGV Club events to conduct sessions for us. We strongly advise that owners of Grands Bassets take advantage of this as well.
Peter Bedford’s eye-testing sessions
Dates and arrangements for any club eye testing sessions can be found on the web site Diary page.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM) is a recognised condition. Pupillary membranes are a normal neonatal structure that should disappear by the time the puppy is about 8 weeks old. If they persist, they are “non-progressive” and often disappear later in life.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a disease in which the cells that produce sight in the retina are destroyed by a slow rise in the internal fluid pressure in the eye. Normally this fluid, known as the aqueous, is constantly produced inside the eyes to feed the lens and the cornea. It is drained from the eye back into blood vessels and the production and drainage rates are balanced. In POAG it is a disturbance of drainage which leads to an accumulation of this fluid and hence the pressure rise. The sight gradually diminishes and, as the fluid pressure increases, the eye enlarges and the lens may dislocate. Eventually the dog becomes blind.
POAG was diagnosed some years ago in an imported PBGV that was discovered to be blind at age four. Since then the club has promoted a continuing surveillance scheme and encourages everyone, especially those with breeding stock, to arrange for their BGVs to undergo two tests.
Professor Peter Bedford has written:
“Undoubtedly there is evidence that Open Angle Glaucoma is inherited. This disease is difficult to manage because it is often silent in its approach and, by the time the diagnosis is made, the dog’s sight is badly affected and the eye may be enlarged. Once the process starts it is almost impossible to control. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of effective treatment. Thus it is essential that we establish the diagnostic criteria. Sadly, several factors can be involved and currently we are concentrating on abnormal anatomy in the drainage angle and subtle pressure rises. Therefore the eye examination that your dog receives will involve Gonioscopy (the abnormal anatomy) and Tonometry (pressure)”.
Gonioscopy This test is done once in the dog's life — from 4 months of age onwards. Its purpose is to ensure that the angle is open and to gather information on the significance of what is generally described as pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD). It is possible there may be both primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle closure glaucoma in the breed, although we have not seen the latter. PLD may influence the speed of POAG progression. It may indicate other angle abnormalities within the ciliary cleft that might contribute to the overall situation. We are still learning about this disease. So gonioscopy must be done.
Tonometry This is done annually, particularly at 3, 4, 5 and 6 years of life. Every 6 months during those years would be better, and every 3 months even better in dogs related to known affecteds — as we do not know how this disease is inherited in BGVs. This test measures out-flow pressure and aids early identification of problems such as POAG, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Lens Luxation.
How the club will help you: Until further notice, the Club refunds £8 to all members for each BGV that undergoes gonioscopy. If you wish to take your BGV to someone in your own area rather than wait to see Professor Bedford, you may go to any veterinary surgeon who is on the British Veterinary Association eye-testing panel.
BVA Eye-Testing Panel
Download the Eye-Testing Panel List (PDF)
REMEMBER — REGULAR TESTING OF YOUR BGV’S EYES IS IMPORTANT!
Eye Testing Results Booklet: BGV Club eye testing results booklet, compiled by the Health Committee, is available to members of the BGV Club. ￡6 including postage, within the UK. Price on application, if outside the UK. It is the sole copyright of the BGV Club and must not be reproduced. Contact Gavin Robertson, Tel. 01235 831217, email gavinpbgv@aol.com.
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