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New form of glaucoma found in basset hounds
Basset hound
James Oliver discovered signs of POAG during a routine examination of three basset hounds.

AHT launch DNA test to help breeders control the disease

A new form of glaucoma in basset hounds has been discovered by the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

The condition - primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)  -  was discovered by an AHT vet during a routine examination of three basset hounds.

Experts from the AHT's Kennel Club Genetics Centre have now identified the mutation responsible for the condition and a DNA test has been launched to help breeders control the disease.

Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition which is split into two types:  closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) and POAG. Both forms result from reduced drainage of fluid within the eye, causing a build up up pressure which eventually leads to pain and blindness.

James Oliver, a specialist ophthalmologist at the AHT, discovered signs of POAG during a routine examination of three basset hounds. He was investigating PCAG in several popular dog breeds for his PhD.

"I’ve examined thousands of dogs as part of my PhD study into PCAG but this is the first time I’ve stumbled across a form of the disease in a breed that I wasn’t previously aware of," says James.

"POAG has never been recorded before in the Basset Hound, so it’s a really interesting and important discovery for the breed.

“What’s more, as it seems to be an emerging disease in the Basset Hound, the fact that we’ve been able to find the genetic mutation and launch a DNA test so quickly means that breeders should be able to nip this form of glaucoma in the bud before it becomes a wide-spread problem.

“Although we may not have seen many Basset Hounds affected by this form of glaucoma the carrier rate is estimated to be at about 16% in the UK Basset Hound population, which is relatively high. Therefore DNA testing before breeding is going to be really critical in order to get this form of glaucoma under control in this lovely breed.”

The DNA test will cost £48 and is now available to order from the AHT's DNA Testing Service

Image (C) Animal Health Trust

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.