[Dailydrool] Eye vet essential and bassets and other breeds

[Pamela McQuade]

Our experience with regular vets and eye checks was that they would do 
one test to check pressure. The eye vet did three and averaged them 
together for a more accurate appraisal. It takes about two seconds to do 
each test, so I don't know what the problem is for regular vets, except 
I think it is a real skill to take the test properly, since the techs at 
the eye doc's office did it more easily and accurately. Dogs don't 
really like having the test done, and the skilled eye-doc vets make it 
easier for them.

Naturally, I live in an area where you can get just about any vet, if 
you are willing to travel a reasonable distance; if you don't have this 
option, you may have to use a local vet. But my vet doesn't have a 
tonometer (the doodad that takes the test). They cost a couple thousand 
dollars, and I guess it would not be profitable for her.

On another note, having Lily the Demoiselle Dragonfly Queen visiting us 
has made me appreciate the basset breed. Italian greyhounds may be a lot 
faster than bassets, but they are also a lot more nervous. The placid 
basset style is more suited to me, it turns out. While Lily flits around 
like a dragonfly, my guys plod on at my speed. Lily is very sweet and 
adorable, but I think we'll stick with the bassets.

Pam, the basset queen, and happy to be so