History

• Dandie Dinmont terriers were originally bred near the English-Scottish border. At the breed's inception, families used them to hunt small rodents, but they have since become predominantly companion dogs.
  
  

Definition of Glaucoma

• Primary glaucoma in Dandie Dinmont terriers is a genetic condition in which the eye's drainage points are obstructed but the eye continues producing fluid. This results in an abnormally high level of internal fluid pressure, which eventually destroys the retinal and optical nerves, resulting in blindness.
  
  

Disease Progession

• Symptoms of primary glaucoma typically begin in only one eye, but will progress in severity until it eventually leads to total blindness in both eyes. The condition is considered chronic. Though treatment can be attempted, it is only useful in prolonging vision; it cannot restore vision, and is not a permanent solution.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A veterinary ophthalmologist can perform slit-lamp biomicroscopy or indirect ophthalmoscopy to check your terrier's eye health. If primary glaucoma is found, gonioscopy is often used to determine how the disease will likely progress. During this procedure, a special lens is placed over the eye. From this a veterinarian can determine the drainage angle of the eye and other information regarding the eye's condition.
  
  

Responsible Breeding Habits

• According to Peter G.C. Bedford, Ph.D., professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology of the Royal Veterinary College, London, responsible breeders should have their dogs' eyes checked three times in their lifetime: between the ages of two and four, six and seven, and nine and 10. Animals who show signs of, or who are diagnosed with, glaucoma should not be used for breeding.