05/16/2026
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The adult girls will be off to get their eyes (re)checked at an OFA clinic tomorrow!
The OFA eye certification is an exam performed by a canine ophthalmologist. The dogs will have their eyes dilated then the doctor will look through a kookie scope to see if there are any abnormalities.
Some eye diseases, such as Collie Eye Anomaly, are genetic and can be tested for usng a genetic panel. CEA is common in certain herding breeds and can occur in Silken Windhounds thanks to the hint of Shetland Sheepdog in their ancestry. Other genetic eye diseases have many unknown gene components and must be tested for manually.
Eye certs through OFA are good for 1 year. I generally recheck every other year unless the optho sees something or if the dog will be bred soon. We are about six months behind since I couldn’t make it up to the MSU show this year.
Health testing isn’t just for breeding dogs. Pidgeon is no longer a breeding candidate but since Pannus has been seen further up in her lines, I make sure to have her eyes looked at, too. Last time the doctor noted she has perfectly clear vision but does have some age related wear and tear. I noted some cloudiness beforehand and was very concerned!!! Initially, I had her looked at by our local vet team and we confirmed it was unlikely to be Pannus (or something else scary). At her OFA cert, the doctor assured me it was simple fatty deposits and corneal scarring.
If you notice visual changes to your dog’s eyes or a change in their perceived vision, it’s best to contact your regular veterinarian for a check up. Most general practices can manage acute or chronic eye problems. Occasionally you may be referred to a specialist for further care of complex ocular cases. If you notice sudden perceived vision loss, squinting, unusual discharge, or a strange cloudy/dryness to your dog’s eyes, seek immediate vet attention. They say that eyes are always an emergency!
