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UW Veterinary Care > Clinical Studies > Clinical Studies in Ophthalmology

Clinical Studies in Ophthalmology

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!

*NEW Online Survey*

Do dogs watch TV? Do they have favorite things to watch?
Dr. Freya Mowat is conducting a survey of dogs to learn about TV viewing preferences and how they relate to vision and aging. HERE is a link to the article for more information.
CLICK HERE for the link to the 20-minute survey. It's a fun and easy activity for you to do with your dog.
We would love to spread the word to dog owners all over the world, so feel free to tell your clients and post on social media! You can also share from the UW Veterinary Care's Facebook Page.

Clinically healthy rabbits

Spontaneous Posterior Segment Disease in Pet Rabbits

  • This study is currently ON HOLD. If you are interested in participating once the study is enrolling again, please email Amy Elbe to be placed on a list.
  • The Ophthalmology Service is looking for clinically healthy pet rabbits.  The goal of this study is to screen for abnormalities or diseases of the retina and optic nerve in rabbits.

Eligibility:  Any clinically healthy pet rabbit presenting to the UW Veterinary Care Special Species Service for examination may qualify for this study.

A complete examination of the eyes will be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, along with noncontact and noninvasive advanced retinal imaging.  Patients will be held by an experienced handler for examination and imaging.

Please contact Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at 608-890-3484 or Dr. Seth Eaton at 608-263-7600 for more information regarding this study.

Dogs Needing Enucleation

Enucleation flyer

We are currently enrolling dogs who need to have one eye surgically removed for any reason. Dogs cannot have a chronic pain condition such as arthritis, or be receiving a pain medication for longer than 2 weeks. Dogs will need to be able to stay in the hospital for 24 hours following surgery.

Enrolling in this study will help evaluate different options for pain control following enucleation. Patients will receive $200 off their bill and dogs will be able to be seen sooner than next available.

Please call UW Ophthalmology at 608-263-7600 or contact Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT for more information.

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 study

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.