Healthy eye seminar attended by vets
The Kennel Club Healthy Eye Conformation Seminar, which took place in Stoneleigh on 4th July, clarified what judges and vets need to look for when assessing eyes at dog shows.
Sheila Crispin, retired Bristol academic and ophthalmic consultant at the Hampton Veterinary Group, presented the seminar. Approximately 160 vets, high profile breed exhibitors, breed club representatives, breed health co-ordinators and judges attended the presentation.
Professor Crispin explained the visible signs that indicate a dog is suffering from low level discomfort or pain to the eyes. She also described the basic principles that should guide a judge’s assessment of a dog’s eye, which includes considering whether the eye is abnormal; whether that abnormality is relevant and causes pain and discomfort; and if it affects that dog’s ability to be fit for function and therefore fit for life. Presentations then followed from representatives from the chow chow, Pekingese, French bulldog, bloodhound, Neapolitan mastiff and mastiff breeds, detailing the work that was being done to improve the health within the breeds.
Kennel Club chairman, Steve Dean, said: “The Stoneleigh eye seminar has been an important step forward, setting in motion a discussion about canine eye health. We do not want judges or exhibitors to feel uncertain about what to look for when assessing a dog’s eye.”
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
