At 12 days old, the Fenloch Rowan "Berry" x Ridge Runner Ruffian at Fenloch "Sam" repeat litter's eyes are opening. They are also getting more mobile and their tails and dew claw sites are healing nicely. Today was also the first time that they got to go outside for a brief period where they had the chance to experience a myriad of smells, sounds, and sights to some degree. This was just the first of many as they get older they will spend more and more time outdoors exploring our little part of the world. Speaking of eyes, did you know that dogs have their very own eye doctors? The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists- ACVO diplomates (doctors) are specialized and highly trained veterinarians that diagnose and treat eyes. Much like human doctors, once they are through their "regular" veterinary training, a limited number of candidates then go through specialty training in their field to become certified eye specialists. While they limit their field of practice on one area of the body, they are not limited on species! So while dogs may make up the largest number of patients, they also work on horses, cats, birds, and in some cases, exotic and zoo animals! One of the tests that breeders utilize is the OFA CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) exam. This exam and certification with OFA is just one step in making sure that the breeding pair and their resulting offspring are free of over 50 different disorders, genetic or congenital in nature. Using dilation eye drops, a special eye scope, and magnifying glasses, the ACVO diplomate examines each eye looking for external and internal issues that could affect the lens, pupil, and other parts of the eye. Some common issues often found in young puppies include the outside structure of the eye itself- such as "extra" eye lashes (Distichia) that could rub against the eye causing a constant source of irritation, inflamed inner or "third" eye lid (Cherry eye) , Entropion which is the eyelid turning/rolling inward which can cause corneal ulcers, Extropion which is drooping rolled eyelids that are turned outward which can cause constant tearing, and injury due to debris easily entering the eye. These issues can be corrected surgically at an early age, and often are considered conditions that are Breeders Options, which means that the breeder should take precautions when using these dogs are potential breeding animals. Other diseases and disorders that also have a genetic component are PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), glaucoma, retinal folds, Retinal Dysplasia, and Juvenile Cataracts. Depending on the severity and coupled with genetic testing to verify, these dogs should taken out of the breeding pool to prevent issues further down the line. So how often should your dog see their eye vet? OFA certification is "good" only for a year, that is because certain eye issues may only be present at certain stages/ages of your dog. Retinal folds and other developmental issues could be "outgrown" and remain hidden if there is no exam done before the pup is 12 wks old. Other disorders appear in adolescents between 16-36 months, while others after the age of 5 yrs and into the geriatric years. My recommendation and protocol is to have all of our pups examined before they leave to go to their new homes. At the same time, we look through our records to see which adult dog may be due for an exam and we take them along as well. At a minimum, we have our dogs examined every 2 yrs if not being bred, up to age 9 or 10 and then as we see fit and according to their health. Obviously if our regular vet or ourselves notice any eye issue we deal with those accordingly and do not wait, taking them in separately. As a non-breeding owner, we recommend that you take your dog in every 2 yrs as a preventative and wellness exam. Also, make sure anytime your dog experiences green colored discharge (If it's green it must be seen!), is rubbing it eye(s), has excessive tearing, or looks to have a foreign body in it's eye (such as a grass awn/seed), that you take your dog to your regular vet and if they think that there is an issue that needs to be addressed by a specialist, that you take in your dog sooner than later as it could mean the difference between an easily cured injury or total blindness or removal of the eye.
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