Eye examination

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How does an eye examination work?

When your dog or cat is examined it must be ID-marked (ear-tattooed or microchipped). Bring the pedigree so the veterinarian can verify the marking. You fill in the animal's identity and your name and address on a certificate and, with your signature, approve that the result is sent to the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK), where it becomes public. It is useful to bring earlier examination results.

Your animal receives eye drops that dilate the pupil so it does not contract from the examination lamps. The effect comes after about 20 minutes and can last 2–4 hours, so strong sunlight should be avoided while the pupil is large. The examination is carried out in a darkened room using at least two lamps: an indirect ophthalmoscope for the fundus (retina and optic nerve) and a slit lamp for the lens, cornea and eyelids.

Usually the examination is quick. Being examined with a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope does not hurt; the strong light may be slightly uncomfortable. The veterinarian completes the certificate and states whether the animal is free from disease. You receive a copy, the veterinarian keeps a copy and the original is sent to SKK.

Many breeds require that the parent animals are examined before being used for breeding. What applies to your breed can be found on the Swedish Kennel Club website.

Appeal

Sometimes an owner disagrees with the diagnosis given. To have the first diagnosis removed from the SKK register, an appeal of the first diagnosis must be made according to the applicable procedure.

Gene tests

Several gene tests exist for eye diseases. As an owner it is up to you to contact your breed club to see whether a gene test is relevant.