The Sealyham is a lucky dog, indeed. Owned, bred and loved by a small but devoted number of human beings, the breed is also among the healthiest of purebred dogs. There are very few genetic diseases that affect the breed. Of those, lens luxation is currently the only disease threatening our dogs that really worries us.

In the past several years the ASTC has developed two programs to help reduce the prevalence of lens luxation in the breed.

1. The club is involved in a DNA research project with Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of Missouri. Using blood samples from affected Sealys and their close relatives, Dr. Johnson's goal is to identify the primary gene involved in the disease. That research includes several other terrier breeds as well.
2. The club created the SIGHT registry, a data base that now includes more than 125 Sealyham terriers, as well as their parents. The purpose of the registry is to include as many dogs as possible. As the registry grows, breeders will be able to use the data to lower the risks of producing affected dogs. And owners will be able to learn whether a particular dog may be at higher risk for the disease than realized. An owner can then watch that dog more carefully for any of the symptoms of the disease and seek treatment earlier.

1) Have your dog’s eyes examined every 1-2 years.

2) Know the Symptoms of lens luxation and the location of the nearest veterinary ophthamologist in case of emergency. Ask your veterinarian or see this list ACVO Clinic List on the CERF website.

If you see these symptoms call your vet immediately!!:

• Excessive pus-like matter in the corner of the eye
• Indications of pain or discomfort in the eye
• Changes in the inside appearance of the eye

3) REGISTER YOUR DOG WITH THE SIGHT REGISTRY!!

How to Register your dog (For more info click SIGHT Registry homepage)

1) Eye Exam (optional): You can register your dog without an eye exam. Simply fill out the SIGHT registration form and send it to the registry.

However, we strongly encourage eye exams for Sealys every 1-2 years. You can have your veterinarian do a basic eye exam.

Or you can schedule a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye exam for your dog. This is a standand exam done by any ACVO ophthalmologist (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists). The cost is usually $20-40. If there is no ophthalmologist in your area, ask your regular veterinarian for an exam. You can register your dog with SIGHTwith a standard veterinary eye exam, but this is not a substitute for a CERF exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Click here to download a SIGHT Registry Application Form (Acrobat PDF)

Click here for the SIGHT Registry homepage