Ophthalmology is the specialty service that sees problems like corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, dry eye, glaucoma, SARDS, eye infections, cataracts, cherry eye, problems with eyelids such as entropion, masses or cancers of the eye or lids, and trauma to the eyes. Specialized tests done by ophthalmologists include measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), Schirmer tear test, fluorescein stain, and ERG (electroretinography). Our ophthalmology service conducts many studies, including genetic studies to help develop screening tests for certain diseases like glaucoma, so please check back often!
*Dogs having enucleation
This study will compare carprofen and pregabalin sent home with dogs after enucleation surgery.
The enucleation can be for any reason. Dogs need to stay in the hospital one night and be assessed frequently for pain control. The do not qualify if they have had pain medication or anti-inflammatories within 24 hours of surgery.
Qualifying participants will receive $200 toward enucleation plus the cost of either carprofen or pregabalin.
For more information, call UW Vet Care Ophthalmology at 608-263-7600 or email Amy Elbe at clinicalstudies@vetmed.wisc.edu.
*Cataracts and Cognition in Dogs
This study will investigate how vision loss, hearing loss, and dementia in dogs relate to each other, We anticipate that restoring vision will improve cognition (reduce dementia), but dogs with co-existing hearing loss will have less improvement. This work will help dog owners and veterinarians have better, evidence-based discussions about the predicted outcomes of cataract surgery and determine how cataract surgery in older dogs impacts quality of life.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Dog has bilateral, vision impacting cataracts and is eligible for cataract surgery; surgery is planned to be completed in the near future (within 3 months). Surgical outcomes are irrelevant, and surgery can be unilateral.
- Dog has lived with owner for a minimum of 3 months prior to surgery and will live with them for the duration of the study (min. 6 months post-surgery)
- Dog has cataract surgery performed at a participating site
- Once the owner has completed both preoperative questionnaires and 6-month postoperative questionnaires, the participation is complete for that individual dog owner.
For more information, please contact Clinical Studies or explore the AVMA Study Website. Thanks!
Ocular Melanosis in Dogs
The Ophthalmology Service is actively recruiting Cairn Terriers for a study investigating the genetic foundations for ocular melanosis. Ocular melanosis is a slowly progressive disease that can result in painful blinding glaucoma. In collaboration with the Comparative Genetics and Orthopedics Laboratory at the School of Veterinary Medicine, our team is using advanced DNA analysis tools to try to identify those mutations or abnormal DNA variations that may predispose Cairn Terriers to this condition. Ultimately, identification of those mutations and/or DNA abnormalities may allow us to develop a genetic screening test, allowing breeders to more effectively avoid the persistence of this disease and even potentially eliminating this disease from the Cairn Terrier population.
While the Cairn Terrier is at highest risk for ocular melanosis, other dog breeds including the Boxer, Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may also be at risk. Therefore, breed risk studies supported by this work may also result in tests for ocular melanosis in other breeds.
Any Cairn Terrier with a diagnosis of ocular melanosis is qualified to participate. We are also recruiting Cairn Terriers 12 years of age or older without ocular melanosis as control subjects. If you are interesting in submitting a sample for a Boxer, Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that has been diagnosed with ocular melanosis, we are also recruiting collection of data from these breeds. For any enrolled dog, the study requires a swab of the inside of the cheek for DNA testing.
For more information, please contact the Comparative Genetics Laboratory at genetics@vetmed.wisc.edu or Dr. Seth Eaton at (608) 263-7600.
Glaucoma in Entlebucher mountain dogs
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Glaucoma study
The Ophthalmology Service is currently recruiting Entlebucher Mountain Dogs for a study of the genetic basis of glaucoma. Recent research reveals that the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is one of the breeds which is at higher risk of being affected by this painful and rapidly blinding disease. This study will harness the power of new canine DNA sequencing tools and technologies to try to identify the genetic mutation (or mutations) that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds.
The study goal is to identify the mutation (or mutations) in DNA that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds. Due to the current lack of effective treatments for glaucoma, a DNA test would provide an invaluable tool in efforts to fight this disease as dog breeders would be able to avoid affected dogs and carriers of the disease in their breeding strategies and ultimately could eliminate this exceedingly painful, disabling disease from the dog population.
Any Entlebucher Mountain Dog with a history of glaucoma is qualified to participate in the study. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, over 10 years of age, are being recruited as healthy control patients for DNA comparison. The study requires a swab of the inside of the cheek for DNA testing. For more information, please contact the UW Veterinary Care Ophthalmology Service at 608-263-7600.
Glaucoma in siberian huskies
Siberian Husky Glaucoma Flyer
The Ophthalmology Service is currently recruiting Siberian Huskies for a study of the genetic basis of glaucoma. Past research reveals that the Siberian Husky is one of the more commonly affected breeds of this painful and rapidly blinding disease, which leads to irreversible loss of sight. This study will harness the power of new canine DNA sequencing tools and technologies to try to identify the genetic mutation (or mutations) that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds.
The study goal is to identify the mutation (or mutations) in DNA that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds. Due to the current lack of effective treatments for glaucoma, a DNA test would provide an invaluable tool in efforts to fight this disease as dog breeders would be able to avoid affected dogs and carriers of the disease in their breeding strategies and ultimately could eliminate this exceedingly painful, disabling disease from the dog population.
Any Siberian Husky with a history of glaucoma is qualified to participate in the study. Siberian Huskies, over 10 years of age, are being recruited as healthy control patients for DNA comparison. The study requires a swab of the inside of the cheek for DNA testing. For more information, please contact the UW Veterinary Care Ophthalmology Service at 608-263-7600.