English Toy Terriers can be affected by eye conditions but there is no prevalence of any specific eye conditions in English Toy Terriers. However, we recommend that all English Toy Terrier owners check their dog’s eyes as part of a regular Home Health Check. Veterinary advice should be sought if any changes are noticed. All dogs should have an annual health check with a vet where the vet will also check a dog’s eyes.
In addition, we advise all breeders to participate in Canine Health Scheme (CHS) Eye Screening run by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in conjunction with the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) and International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS).
- About the CHS Eye Screening Scheme
- What the eye screen test involves
- What happens with the results
- How to book a CHS Eye Screening Test
About the CHS Eye Screening Scheme
The CHS Eye Screening Scheme is a UK programme that screens dogs for hereditary eye diseases, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. All of these eye conditions can cause blindness in dogs and the CHS Eye Screening Scheme is designed to help breeders to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary diseases to future generations.
What the eye Screen Test Involves
A certified veterinary ophthalmologist accredited by the BVA performs a physical eye examination to look for specific eye issues. Examination under the eye scheme is not restricted to the identification of inherited eye disease but also includes general assessment of the health of the eye (eyelids, tear ducts and other parts around the eyeball).
What happens with the results
Dogs that pass the eye examination receive a certificate indicating they are free from the conditions screened for at the time of testing.
Copies of the results are distributed to the owner, the owner’s veterinary surgeon, the BVA, and the examining eye panellist. If a dog is Kennel Club Registered, the results are also shared with the RKC for publication to the RKC’s Health Test Results Finder.
How to book a CHS Eye Screening Test
Many canine societies will arrange for BVA eye testing to be carried out at their shows, alternatively you can visit the BVA website and find an eye clinic near you.