Open‐angle glaucoma in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTo report the prevalence and clinical characteristics of an open‐angle glaucoma in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) dogs in the United Kingdom (UK).Animals studied and methodsAt breed society clinics extending over a 6‐year period, 366 dogs of varying ages and both sexes were clinically examined for signs of glaucoma using slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, indirect and direct ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and gonioscopy.ResultsThe prevalence of glaucoma was 10.4% (38 dogs). Clinical signs of the disease presented from 3 years of age onwards, the commonest initial feature being the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in 15 dogs (39.4%). In addition to elevatedIOP, another 13 dogs (34.2%) presented with other features of glaucoma, some with lens subluxation and globe enlargement and all with possible or known vision defects. In the remaining 10 dogs (26.3%), phacodonesis or lens subluxation was observed before subsequent elevation ofIOP.ConclusionsHigh prevalence and similarity to the primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) seen in the Beagle and Elkhound breeds indicate that an open‐angle glaucoma is present in thePBGVin theUKand that this disease may be genetically determined in this breed. Although increasedIOPis the commonest early diagnostic feature, lens instability prior to an increase inIOPmay be part of the clinical picture.