Understanding Breeding Eye Exams for Dogs

As a responsible pet owner, especially if you’re involved in breeding dogs, it’s important to understand the importance of breeding eye exams. These exams, conducted by veterinary ophthalmologists, play a vital role in identifying inherited eye problems that could affect your dog’s vision or be passed on to their offspring.

What to Expect During a Breeding Eye Exam

The breeding eye exam is administered by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for the Companion Animal Eye Registry. This examination is a yearly requirement for breeding dogs and is designed to detect inherited eye issues.

During the exam, the veterinary ophthalmologist will:

• Check for inherited eye problems that may affect your dog’s vision or their ability to pass on healthy eyes to their puppies
• Perform a retina and optic nerve examination to inspect the back of your dog’s eyes for any signs of inherited conditions

Why Breeding Eye Exams Matter

Breeding eye exams are not just about ensuring the health of the parent dogs; they’re also essential for the puppies. By identifying inherited eye diseases early, you can:

• Take steps to slow or stop the progression of the disease, if possible
• Make informed decisions about breeding to prevent passing on these conditions to future generations

Watch our video to learn more about the process and its significance. Dr. Vanessa Kuonen Cavens from MedVet shares her expertise on what to expect during a breeding eye exam with a veterinary ophthalmologist.

By prioritizing breeding eye exams, you’re taking a proactive step towards responsible dog breeding and ensuring the health and wellbeing of your dogs and their offspring. For more pet care resources and tips, visit the MedVet Pet Care Resources library.

Learn more about veterinary ophthalmology.