As part of their advanced ophthalmology elective, veterinary students from Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine are diving deep into the world of eye care. Leader Dogs for the Blind’s breeding team invited these students to help perform some routine eye exams on our breeding stock dogs. The students that participated have a keen interest in ophthalmology, making this opportunity an ideal way to gain hands-on experience and improve their skills in examining eyes.
During their training, they perform indirect ophthalmology exams using a specialized lens and a head-loop to get a clear look at the back of the eye. This method allows them to observe the retina and other vital structures, ensuring they can identify potential issues.
In addition to this, they also use a slit lamp to examine the lens of the eye, a technique commonly used to detect cataracts or other abnormalities. These exams are crucial, as they help students understand how to spot conditions that could affect a dog’s ability to see properly, potentially impacting their ability to work as guide dogs.
Why These Exams Matter for Leader Dog
Eyes can change rapidly, and abnormalities may not always be detectable in young dogs. Many eye conditions only become apparent after a dog reaches the age of three or older, which is why regular eye exams are essential. At Leader Dog, we ensure that our breeding stock dogs undergo annual ophthalmologic exams. This practice not only helps us catch any potential problems early but also gives us confidence that our dogs are in top health and capable of producing healthy offspring.
With these exams, we can monitor the eyes of our breeding dogs to ensure they’re free from hereditary conditions that could be passed on to future generations. It’s all about setting up the next generation of Leader Dogs for success.
A Mutually Beneficial Collaboration with MSU
The partnership between Leader Dog and MSU goes beyond simply providing us with valuable eye exams for our dogs. Since MSU is a teaching hospital, having their students visit a few times a year offers multiple benefits. It gives us the opportunity to have our dogs examined regularly, and if any abnormalities are detected during these routine exams, we can address them promptly.
But it’s not just a win for us — it’s also a fantastic learning experience for the veterinary students and residents. Working with Leader Dog’s breeding stock allows them to observe a population of dogs that may not be seen as frequently at MSU’s clinic, offering them a rare and unique learning opportunity. These dogs are part of a specialized program, and their eye health is of utmost importance. By interacting with this different population, students get exposure to a range of conditions and cases they might not otherwise encounter.
“As someone who has completed both an internship and residency at an academic institution, I can say firsthand that these types of learning experiences are invaluable,” says Leader Dog’s Assistant Director of Canine Health and Reproduction Dr. McRae.
