An Item of Interest for Golden Retriever Owners

If you own a Golden Retriever this is an event you should consider attending. If you have friends or family with a Golden Retriever, please share this information with them.

 “PIGMENTARY UVEITIS IN GOLDEN RETRIEVERS”

 Presented By:

Dr. Wendy Townsend

Purdue University

Veterinary Ophthalmologist

  December 8, 2012

9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

STONE CITY KENNEL CLUB

13606 Laraway Rd

New Lenox, IL 60451

 Dr. Wendy Townsend is a veterinary ophthalmologist on the faculty of Purdue University in Indiana.  She has had research grants investigating Pigmentary Uveitis for several years.

 “PIGMENTARY UVEITIS”

 Pigmentry Uveitis, also known as Golden Retriever uveitis or pigmentary and cystic glaucoma, is a serious disease of the eye which often progresses to glaucoma and causes pain.  There is no treatment or cure for the disease.  Pigmentary Uveitis is believed to be hereditary but is usually not detected and diagnosed until the dog is 9-12 years old after they have produced offspring.

The primary focus of current research is to identify the gene responsible for the disease.  Once this is done, a test for the disease can be developed and further spread of the disease can be prevented.  At this time, Dr. Townsend and colleagues are collecting samples from Golden Retrievers for this research.  Samples from unaffected dogs as well as dogs affected by the disease are needed.   Samples from both genders and all ages are also being collected.  It is through this type of research and cooperation of Golden Retriever breeders and owners that a treatment and eventually a cure will be found.

The Health and Genetics Committee is encouraging  all Golden Retriever owners, kennel clubs, and veterinarians to participate in this research effort.  It recommends yearly eye exams and online records of eye exams for a lifetime in Golden Retrievers who have been bred.  It is hoped that these recommendations will allow breeders to identify dogs who have had healthy eyes for a full lifetime. For early detection and more effective treatment, annual eye exams are recommended for all Golden Retrievers beginning in early adulthood and continuing to an advanced age.

If your Golden Retriever has been diagnosed with Pigmentary Uveitis or if you own a Golden Retriever and want it checked out for the condition take part in this event.

“Pigmentary Uveitis in Golden Retrievers”

Presented By:
Dr. Wendy Townsend
Veterinary Ophthalmologist-Purdue University

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Stone City Kennel Club

New Lenox, IL 60451

COST: $10.00 (to be donated to Dr. Townsend’s research)
FREE EYE EXAMS AND PIGMENTARY UVEITIS EVALUATION FOR ALL PARTICIPATING DOGS!!!!!