UPDATE: so I did some searching and also asked my breeder for opthamologists references and one name seemed to keep coming up so I scheduled Oakley for an exam on Wednesday the 3rd at ocean state veterinary specialists to see Dr. Marcia Aubin. It's about 40 minutes and the exam isn't necessarily cheap but I'm happy and confident its the best choice so it looks like I'll have feedback to share then; and in the meantime I'll just survive on ramen noodles and water (lol). Luckily we got a quick appointment and my regular vet didn't put up a fight about giving the referral so I'm about as happy camper as you can get spending 170$ bucks at once.. Anything for a happy and healthy bop
Are you doing a CERF exam? If so and that's what you want then that's fine. But if you just want to figure out what the issue is, you probably don't need an official CERF and there might be a cheaper exam option. Only reason I bring it up is that is what I did and the eye doc I went to gave me a break and charged me for a cheaper exam when I was there rather than the CERF.
Hmm, good to know. I really only want the issue diagnosed: he's neutered and therefore doesn't really need the CERF… I just asked how much it was for the exam to see him for his issue and they quoted 170$plus anything additional the doctor needs to do. I'll ask when I'm there though- I'm not opposed to less money for the same outcome...But on the flip side of the coin I don't think there's any limit on what I'd pay for him to be healthy
I hope all goes well on the 3rd. Please let us know how things go.
I just can't understand the 'clumsiness' - so unusual in a Basenji. It could be because of his sight. Hugs to Oakley.
He has been a clutz all his life- never really graceful unless he's at a good pace. Going from couch to coffee or side tables is almost a sure bet he will miss, and like a said, if he's straddling between two objects then plop he goes… It's funny sometimes because he's a goofball but other times I think, "what's wrong"... If its not his eye then I am just going to assume he didn't get the memo on being catlike...he is a goofball so maybe that's just his thing!
Wow, for a change things are way cheaper in California… That is pretty high
Just my luck Pat! I could probably get it a little less expensive if she wasn't at Ocean State Vet Hospital but from everyone I talked to, her name kept coming up as the best. The 170$ is just to get in, see her and do the exam which I'm told includes a few tests she does. It's what I was quoted with the notation it could be higher if something additional needs to be done… I pray he won't need the "additional" category..lol. From what I hear she also has been doing the yearly eye clinic which saves money but I won't wait until September... O the joys of dog ownership!
As a second option did you consider Dr. Kenneth Abrams in Warwick RI. I choose him over Ocean State last year when I had to take Sonny for his diagnosis. Dr. Abrams was wonderful with Sonny. Just wanted you to have info 
Keeping my fingers crossed all is well with Oakley!!!
Hmm, I didn't know of Dr Abram… Can I ask what made you choose him over Oean State?
So I just checked out dr. Abram and am impressed at his resume, I will call them tomorrow morning to compare notes, I may change my mind… Thanks for the option, let you know tomorrow how that goes
Just keep an open mind but go with what you think is best for you and Oakley. Living in RI most of us here try to avoid Ocean State if at all possible. It tends to be more about the money then the animals, That's not referring to the specific doctor is just how a lot of us in RI feel about Ocean State as a whole. Please let me know how you guys make out no matter what you decide
I do know the stigma of OSVS…which is why when Oakley needed to be hospitalized for the xylitol I chose It's sister hospital, baystate vet hospital and found they are friendlier and less expensive but also have the time moreso than OSVS whose facility is geared towards emergency med on a larger scale..But I figured their specialists would be different and if nothing else I've heard from many that Dr.Aubin is wonderful. I do however really like Dr. Abrams resume and his family practice is enticing. I think their resumes stand up to each other and the distance/time is about equal so it may come down to cost... I like to have options rather than settling for what I can find. Tomorrow I'll be able to better tell, appreciate the advice and will update tomorrow with more info.
Thanks again everyone
…so I got to talk to dr. Abram and also really like the staff that I got to speak with, and since I wouldn't be able to speak with Dr.Aubin I felt much more comfortable with going with Abrams optomologists practice, on the upside the exam is a little less coming in at 155$. The extra money practically pays for his frontline ( this years Mosquitos and ticks are AWFUL since we didn't get a deep freeze this winter). Another plus is I was able to get an appointment this Friday which so happens to be on my day off. Appreciate the advice Sonnyboy, I'll throw dr. Abram a hello from Sonny! Definitely more excited to get a personal feel where I might like the practice enough to continue maintenance eye exams there.
Sounds like a good plan Chealsie508…. still high compared to California where everything is totally higher in price... Our CERF exam last year was 58.00 for each bitch...
But then our hips/elbows/thyroid just done Sunday was 385.00 for each... that did include the OFA fees and also the fact that is was with a mobile Vet on the Show Grounds and on a Sunday... and done "natural"... in the end I didn't have to pay for sedation so it works out to about the same price considering.
When people think that "health testing" or just keep proper upkeep on any dog is a cheap proposition.. they are totally mistaken. The price of the pup to begin with is the cheapest.. when you think about it
Oof, even at 58$ I'm sure we still make out better by average $/ regular maintenance fees…I guess I don't bat an eye at the cost because "it is what it is", for me it's like gas, no use in ranting about it since it won't change the fact that it needs to get done.! Glad I can get it done Friday so we can go for a long jog beforehand go wear him out a little more.
And so this is what forums should be about. Helping each other help our dogs. Now we just have to wait to hear how it goes!
I hear that….
I'm so glad you got to speak with him directly…When he gave me Sonny's PRA diagnosis and I fell apart in his office he was so sweet and comforting to me. Good luck on Friday and I know Oakley will be in good hands
Today Oakley and I went to the opthamoligists and he was diagnosed with corneal dystrophy. It usually presents with opaque or cloudy spots and while he only has it in one pupil the doctor said its likely he will get in in the other eye. The spots are actually cholesterol deposits, Good news is that it's never been shown to cause blindness an the dr said its not affecting his vision and is causing no pain. The downside is that the deposits can get gritty causing irritation and then I'll have to use a lacrilube. Overall he said it is fairly common in our breed and they don't know the cause of it but it had a good prognosis.
Glad I have an answer and it will just be something to keep an eye on.
Peace of mind
I have not heard that it was a big problem in our breed? Maybe in certain bloodlines and maybe because a certain bloodline might be concentrated on the East Coast it is more widely seen by some Vets. It is considered genetic but in our breed due to the incident being low (as far as I know) there has not been a lot of study.
However, goes to show that health testing is important and even for pet owners Eye Exams are importand as is reporting the results to breeders.
Question for Oakley… was a CERF done? Reason that I ask is that ACVO does keep records of eye disorders by breed.
