Expects to Evaluate 40 Patients as Part of National Program to Provide Free Eye Exams for Working Dogs
Boston, Mass., May 5, 2015 – The MSPCA’s Angell Animal Medical Center announced today that its Ophthalmology team expects to examine dozens of service dogs in May as part of a national program spearheaded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) to provide free eye exams for these critically important animals.
Angell ophthalmologists Dan Biros and Martin Coster—both board certified in veterinary ophthalmology—will examine a variety of working dogs during the month, and in so doing reinforce Angell’s steadfast commitment to continuously give back to the community.
Service Dogs of All Stripes Flock to Angell
The number of dogs examined during this period is likely to be matched only by the variety of breeds. The team as already examined 10 dogs—a mix of Golden Retrievers, hound mixes, Australian Cattle Dogs, labs and more—and expects dozens more throughout the month.
The team also evaluates therapy dogs that perform various functions, from comforting cancer patients at Boston Children’s Hospital, to participating in readings in Boston-area libraries and assisting people with Autism. Several of the dogs also provide assistance to people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and other debilitating conditions.
Fortunately, said Dr. Biros, the early exams revealed the dogs to be in very good health: “We’re very glad to find that the dogs we’ve seen so far have generally excellent vision with no apparent eye disease.”
All dogs receive a comprehensive ocular exam; the doctors check for health issues spanning redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Angell Animal Medical Center expects to continue participating in the national program as a way to give back to the Boston-area community, and reinforce just how crucial these dogs are for the people who rely on them.
For more information about Angell Animal Medical Center’s array of specialty services, including Ophthalmology, please click here.
###
Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 50,000 animals every year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell’s76 doctors, including 36 board-certified specialists, work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With 36 board-certified specialists and medical capabilities that include nuclear medicine and high speed 3D imaging, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, and delivering this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell at Nashoba provides low cost basic veterinary care for low income pet owners while Angell’s Boston and Waltham locations are open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offer night and weekend appointments with our specialty services.
