[Dailydrool] Yes! The value of opthalmologists

[Pat Dill]

"I would encourage those whose dogs have eye trouble to ask for a referral 
to a good eye specialist, since glaucoma is so common
in bassets and regular vets are not prepared to deal with it."

I need to re-state my comments about Lucy and how her glaucoma was 
discovered.  I realized when I read Pam's post that it may have sounded as 
though I preferred to have my regular vet treat her glaucoma rather than a 
veterinary ophthalmologist.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Once 
we recognized her diagnosis, we have had multiple appointments with the 
specialist, regardless of the distance and cost, because glaucoma IS a 
serious condition that requires specialized treatment.  Pam is absolutely 
right--an eye specialist is certainly indicated in this case.  My post was 
really just lamenting the fact that my regular vet wasn't even in a position 
to CHECK for high eye pressure; if the practice could have done so we could 
have sought specialized treatment MUCH earlier and possibly saved her vision 
in the affected eye.

Thanks, Pam, for clarifying things.

Pat