Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine offers free eye exams for service dogs
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine will offer free eye exams for certified service dogs on May 9.
"Strong vision is crucial for any service dog, whether the animal is assisting law enforcement or an individual with disabilities," said Wendy Townsend, an assistant professor of veterinary ophthalmology. "In previous years, we've discovered eyelid abnormalities, cataracts that were impairing vision and other cataracts that needed to be monitored for progression, and dry eye, which is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and can be very uncomfortable. Dry eye also can lead to vision limiting scarring of the cornea. Early detection of eye problems is critical to successful treatment strategies."
To qualify for the free exam, dogs must be certified, active working dogs or currently enrolled in a formal training program. Types of working dogs that would be eligible include guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, and dogs used by police and fire departments. There are 15 available slots for these screenings at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and owners can register starting April 1 online at http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/dog/dogframe.html
Once registered, the appointment can be scheduled at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital by calling 765-494-1107. The available exam slots will be filled on a first-come basis.
This is part of the fourth annual American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists initiative. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialists and is recognized by the American Veterinarian Medical Association.
The Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only veterinary teaching hospital in Indiana, and it treats both large and small animals. The hospital, established in 1959, serves as a full-service veterinary medical referral center, providing services that include ophthalmology, internal medicine, surgery, emergency and wellness care.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Wendy Townsend, townsenw@purdue.edu