May 26th, 2009 by admin

Few would argue that vision is the most important of the cognitive senses, and maintenance of a normal visual system is important for an optimal quality of like. Likewise, pet owners tend to be acutely aware of their pet’s eyes and vision.

Which is important because early detection of ccular disease will optimize therapeutic outcomes. The eye is a sensitive organ with minimal reparative capabilities, and with some diseases, such as glaucoma, uveitis and retinal detachment, delay in diagnosis and treatment can be critical in terms of whether vision can be preserved.

The causes of ocular disease are quite varied; the nature of dogs make them susceptible to traumatic conditions, the most common of which include proptosis of the globe, cat scratch injuries and penetrating wounds from foreign objects, including sticks and air rifle pellets. Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, to the eye or part of a systemic infection. Many of the common conditions, including eyelid conformational problems, cataracts, glaucoma and retinal degenetations have a genetic basis. Before acquiring your puppy it is important to ascertain that both parents have been examined and certified free of eye disease by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Since many of these genetic diseases can be detected early in life, acquire the pup with the condition that it pass a thorough ophthalmic examination by a qualified specialist.

LID CONFORMATION ABNORMALITIES

Rolling in (entropion ) or out (ectropion ) of the lids tends to be a breed-related problem. Entropion can involve the upper and /or lower lids. Signs usually appear between 3 and 12 months of age. The irritation caused by eyelid hairs rubbing on the surface of the cornea may result in blinking, tearing and damage to the cornea. Ectropion is likewise breed-related and is considered ‘normal ‘ in hounds, for instance; unlike entropion, which results in acute discomfort, ectropion may cause chronic irritation related to exposure and the pooling of secretions. Most of these cases can be managed medically with daily irrigation with sterile saline and topical antibiotics when required.

EYEKASH ABNORMALITIES

Dogs normally have lashes only on the upper lids, in contrast to humans. Occasionally, extra eyelashes may be seen emerging at the eyelid margin (distichiasis ) or through the inner surface of the eyelid (ectopic cilia).

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the pink tissue that lines the lids and the anterior portion of the sclera, is generally accompanied by redness, discharge and mild discomfort. The majority of cases are either associated with bacterial infections or dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, effective in curing or controlling the problem.

DRY EYE SYNDROME

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common cause of external ocular disease. Discharge is typically thick and sticky, and keratitis is a frequent component; any breed can be affected. While some cases can be associated with toxic effects of drugs, including the sulfa antibiotics, the cause in the majority of the cases cannot be immune-mediated.

PROLAPSE OF THE GLAND OF THE THIRD EYELID

In this condition, commonly referred to as cherry eye, the gland of the third eyelid, which produces about one-third of the aqueous phase of the tear film and is normally stuated within the anterior orbit, prolapses to emerge as a pink fleshy mass protruding over the edge of the third eyelid, between the third eyelid and the cornea. The condtion usually develops during the first year of life and, while mild irritation may result, the condition is unsightly as much as anything else.

UVETIS

Inflammation of the vascular tissue of the eye the uvea is a common and potentially serious disease in dogs. While it may occur secondarily to trauma or other intraocular diseases, such as cataracts, most commonly uveitis is associated with some type of systemic infectious or neoplastic process. Uncontrolled, uveitis can lead to blinding cataracts, glaucoma and /or retinal detachments, and aggressive symptomatic therapy with dilating agents (to prevent papillary adhesions) and anti-inflammatories are critical.

GLAUCOMA

The eye is essentially a hollow fluid-filled sphere, and the pressure within is maintained by regulation of the rate of fluid production and fluid egress at 10-20 mms of mercury. The retinal cells are extremely sensitive to elevations of intraocular pressure and, unless controlled, permanent to days. In acute glaucoma, the conjunctiva becomes congested, moderate and fixed; the eye is generally painful and a visual. Increased constant signs of discomfort will accompany chronic cases.

Management of glaucoma is one of the most challenging situations the veterinary ophthalmologist faces; in spite of intense efforts, many of these cases will result in blindness.

GATARACTS AND LENS DISLOCATION

Cataracts are the most common blinding condition in dogs; fortunately, they are readily amenable to surgical intervention, with excellent results in terms of restoration of vision and replacement of the cataractous lens with a synthetic one. Most cataracts in dogs are inherited; less commonly cataracts can be secondary to trauma, other ocular diseases, including uveitis, glaucoma, lens luxation and retinal degeneration, or secondary to an underlying systemic metabolic disease, including diabetes and cushing’s disease. Signs include a progressive loss of the bright dark appearance of the pupil, which is replaced by a blue-grey hazy appearance. In this respect, cataracts need to be distinguished from the normal ageing process of nuclear sclerosis, which occurs in middle-aged or older animals, and has minimal effect on vision. Lens dislocation occurs in dogs and frequently leads to secondary glaucoma; early removal of the dislocated lens is generally curative.

RETINAL DISEASE

Retinal degenerations are usually inherited, but may be associated with vitamin E deficiency in dogs.

While signs are variable, most frequently one notes a decrease in vision over a period of months, which typically starts out as a night blindness. The cause of a more rapid loss of vision due to retinal degeneration occurs over days to weeks is labeled sudden acquired retinal degeneration or SARD; the outcome, however, is unfortunately usually similar to inherited and nutritional conditions, as the retinal tissues possess minimal regenerative capabilities. Most pets, however, with a bit of extra care and attention, show an amazing ability to adapt to an avisual world, and can be maintained as pets with a satisfactory quality of life.

Detachment of blood between the retina and the underling uvea, which is called the choroids can occur secondarily to retinal tears or holes, tractional forces within the eye, or as a result of uveities. These types of detachments may be amenable to surgical repair if diagnosed early.

OPTIC NERVE

Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the nerve that connects the eye with the brain stem, is a relatively uncommon condition that presents usually with rather sudden loss of vision and widely dilated non responsive pupils.

When you purchased your St. Bernard you should have made it clear to the breeder whether you wanted one just as a loveable companion and pet, or if you hoped to be buying a St. Bernard with show prospects. No reputable breeder will sell you a young puppy saying that it is definitely of show quality, for so much can go wrong during the early months of a puppy’s development. If you plan to show, what you will hopefully have acquired is a puppy with show, potential.

WINNING THE TICET

Earning a championship at kennel club shows is the most difficult in the world. Compared to the united states and Canada where it is relatively not challenging, collecting three green tickets not only requires much time and effort, it can be very expensive! Challenge certificates, as the tickets are properly known, are the building blocks of champions-good breeding, good handling, good training and good luck!

To the novice. Exhibiting a St. Bernard in the show ring may look easy but it takes a lot of hard work and devotion to do top winning at a show such as the prestigious Grufts, not to mention a little luck too!
The first concept that each dog first competes against members of its own breed, provided that the show is judged on a Group system, that chosen dog will compete with other dogs in its group. Finally the best of each group will compete for best in show. The second concept that you must understand is that the dogs are not actually competing against one another. The judge compares each dog against the breed standard, Which is a written description of the ideal specimen of the breed. While some early breed standards were indeed based on specific dogs that were famous or popular, many dedicated enthusiasts say that a perfect specimen, described in the standard, has never been bred and, to the woe of dog breeders around the globe, does not exist. Breeders attempt to get as close to this ideal as possible, with every perfect dog is so elusive that it is impossible. (and if the perfect’dog were born, breeders and judges would never agree that it was indeed ‘perfect.)

If you are interested in exploring dog shows, your best bet is to join your local breed club. These clubs often host both championship and open shows, and sometimes match meetings and special events, all of which could be of interest, even if you are only an onlooker. Clubs also send out newsletters and some organize training days and seminars in order that people may learn more about their chosen breed. To locate the breed club

Closet to you, contact the kennel club, the ruling body for the british dog world. The kennel club governs not only conformation shows but also working trials, obedience trials, agility trials and field trials. The kennel club furnishes the rules and regulation for all these events plus general dog registration and other basic requirements of dog ownership. Its annual show, called the crufts dog show, held in Birmingham, is the largest benched show in England. Every year over 20,000 of the UK’s best dogs qualify to participate in this marvelous show which lasts four days.

FCI INFORMATION

There are 330 breeds recognized by the fci, and each breed is considered to be owned by a specific country. Each breed standard is a cooperative effort between the breed’s country and the FCI ‘s standards and scientific commissions. Judges use these official breed standards at shows held in fci member countries. One of the functions of the fci is to update and translate the breed standards into French, English, Spanish and german.

The kennel club governs many different kinds of shows in great Britain, Australia, south Africa and beyond. At the most competitive and prestigious of these shows, the championship shows, a dog can earn challenge certificates, and thereby become a show champion or a champion. A dog must earn three challenge certificates under three different judges to earn the prefix of shch ‘ or ch note that some breeds must also qualify in a field trial in order to gain the title of full champion. Challenge certificates are awarded to a very small percentage of the dogs competing, and dogs that are already champions compete with others for these coveted CCs. The number of challenge certificates awarded in any one year is based upon the total number of dogs in Each breed entered for competition there are three types of championship shows: an all-breed general championship show for all kennel club- recognized breeds; a group championship show that is limited to breeds within one of the groups; and a breed show that is usually confined to a single breed. The kennel club determines which breeds at which championship shows will have the opportunity to earn challenge certificates (or tickets). Serious exhibitors often will opt not to participate if the tickets are withheld at a particular show. This policy makes earning championship even more difficult to accomplish.

TIDINESS COUNTS

Surely you’ve spent hours grooming your dog to perfection for the show ring, but don’t forget about yourself! While the dog should be the centre of attention, it is important that you also appear clean and tidy. Wear smart, appropriated clothes and comfortable shoes in a colour that contrasts with your dog’scoat. Lock and act like a professional.

Open shows are generally less competitive and are frequently dogs. There are hundreds of open shows each year that can be delightful social events and are great first show experiences for the novice. Even if you’re considering just watching a show to wet your paws, an open show is a great choice.

While championship and open show are most important for the beginner to understand, there are other types of shows in which the interested dog owner can participate. Training clubs sponsor matches that can be entered on the day of show for a nominal fee. In these introductory level exhibitions, two dogs are pulled out of a hat and ‘matched,’ the winner of that match goes on to the next round, and eventually only one dog is left undefeated.

Exemption Shows are much more light hearted affairs with usually only four pedigree classes and several ‘fun’ classes, all of which can be entered on the day. Exemption Shows are sometimes held in conjunction with small agricultural shows and the proceeds must be given to a charity. Limited shows are also available in small numbers of the club which hosts the show, although one can usually join the club when making an entry.

Before you actually step into the ring, you would be well advised to sit back and observe the judge’s ring procedure. If it is your first time in the ring, do not be over-anxious and run to the front of the line. It is much better to stand back and study how the exhibitor in front of you is performing. The judge asks each handler to ‘stand’ the dog, hopefully showing the dog off to his best advantage. The judge will observe the dog from a distance and from different angles, approach the dog, check his teeth, overall structure, alertness and Muscle tone, as well as consider how well the dog ‘conforms’ to the standard. Most importantly, the judge will have the exhibitor move the dog around the ring in some pattern that he or she should specify ( another advantage to not going first, but always listen since some judges change their directions, and the judge is always right!). finally the judge will give the dogs one last look before moving on to the next exhibitor.

If you are not in the to three at your first show, do not be discourages. Be patient and consistent and you may eventually find yourself in the winning line-up. Remember that the winners were once in your shoes and have devoted many hours and much money to earn the placement. If you find that your dog is losing everytime and never getting a nod, it may be time to consider a different dog sport or just enjoy your St. Bernard as a pet.