can anyone tell me how long they are and what is involved please

Seconds.  What breed do you have so that we can tell you which tests your breed needs?

<<Seconds.>>

Depends on how talkative Peter's feeling Diane! We used to struggle to get through 100 in a three hour evening but these days Peter is taking it easy and and chatting to everyone so we struggle to get through 50! ;)

Best wishes, John

golden retriever

Unfortunatly, although Goldens are under investigation for Glaucoma, very few people are actually testing for it. This is such a shame because with testing and the removal of the small number of affected dogs from the gene pool the condition could be eliminated before it really got a hold.

Regards, John

It depends on what needs checking for.

The standard test needs eye drops to dilate the pupils. This takes around a quarter of an hour to take effect then the actual test should take no more that ten minutes max. Of course, if a person has a problem then the ophthalmologist may well take time to explain the implications. Problem with that is that the person is often so full of thoughts that they cannot take in what the optician is saying so we often get a phone call from them the following day. The test should be carried out at yearly intervals because some ailments can occur at any time.

Breeds which suffer from Glaucoma need to have a Gonioscopy which has to be done before the eye drops are administered. This test only takes around five minutes, and normally only needs doing once in a dog's life.

Regards, John

Eye testing has 3 set tests, first is litter testing for breeds such as collies who have CEA and puppies are tested before they reach 14 weeks, then there is the basic test, which covers most breeds and conditions this is done yearly, as certificates are only valid for one year. Glaucoma testing is officially done once in a lifetime, but it is a good idea to have it repeated at around 7 or 8 years of age, as age related changes, could mean a dog which passed previously will not pass at this age.

At our eye testing sessions, (next one is next Tuesday in Haddenham, Bucks), on arrival we put in the eye drops and while they are working dilating the dogs pupils, we get the owners to fill in the paperwork, when the drops have worked (the drops are expected to take between 15 and 20 minutes, to work), owners get their dogs eyes tested.

As John says Peter Bedford does chat with folk through the evening. It is very relaxed, we have made it a social evenng as much as anything, with tea and coffee available, plus a chip shop across the road, we find many people come and stay for much longer, just chatting and having a nice time! Infact some have been known to stay all evening!!!  (Actually for those of you who might like to meet that champdogs chap John, he'll be there as always!) :-)

Glaucoma testing is different, the dog has it's eyes tested straight away, as the drops administered for this test are given immediately before the test. The dog will then have the ordinary drops adminstered to dilate the pupils for the regular test to be done. Many people do wonder why some breeds come in and get sent straight in to be tested, this is why.

WEhen our huskies have been tested they had 2 tests cataracts and glucoma. 1 was ok the other a nightmare. They had to have these things stuck in their eyes. they had to stay still which they found impossible and the vet wasnt too understanding.
Youd have thought hed be used to it but he said ather dogs are usually better behaved.

I have never had a problem with glaucoma testing when Peter does it. Perhaps it is because he does so many every year? He uses a lens rather than the pressure thingy you mention.

He doesn't put anything in their eyes anymore for goinoscopy, much better, the new way of doing it!

glad you told me that my vet said there is no other way.

many thanks for all your response.it has been appreciated