Health testing at dog shows

 I don't know what reactions may come up because of testing but I do think that testing at these types of things is a good idea. It gives statistical data that would otherwise be hard to get. This way researchers can know what is going on with each breed and what they need to focus on.

I am by no means an authority (well, I don't even have a dog right now) but I would think that as long as you trust the person performing the test, and you do it like you have outlined above with less stress and after the bulk of the weekend, you should be fine.  I think it comes down to who you feel more comfortable having check out Emma...the person at the show, or the one closer to home.

Well, I haven't met either of them. At the show would be... very convenient. I also don't know *how* they test eyes, or how much handling is involved. Emma doesn't have the most stable of temperaments. I'm guessing that she'd be defensive after having her eyes dilated. She'd need to be muzzled, to keep the situation calm (she is very calm in a muzzle, she's not the type of dog that fights and tries to get it off).

You will be fine doing it any of the days, as long as she is done showing. With a well socialized dog it really is not a big deal. It is convenient to do at a show, because canine ophthamologists do not have extended hours like many vets do. To make an appointment at a regular clinic means taking time off of work.

My dogs have never behaved any differently because of having their eyes dilated. They don't depend on vision as much as we do so I don't think they are as affected as humans.

She's socialized, but she's.... had a lot of vet care, LOL. Not all of it has been pleasant, and we generally muzzle her for anything beyond basic bloodwork, anymore. It's more a preventative measure than anything, but she does bite in response to pain. 

The vet will have to hold their head pretty steady, and turn it different ways. I don't think any part of the exam is uncomfortable for the dogs. The worst part is putting in the drops, because they sting just a little.

I would be worried about her associating the potentially unpleasant experience of the dilation with the show/showground. If you think you can avoid that, well... might be worth a try! 

That is the biggest thing I worry about. Maybe I'll just go watch, at the next show, and decide whether I want to do it. 

I just had Suds & Josie tested at an agility fun run, after they ran, they actually gave me the eye drops and I put them in....then the eye test was really quick -both dogs 2 minutes tops.  Both normal .   I have tried to do them at regular shows but we always ended up with late ring times and I did not want them done before we showed... 

It's good to hear from people who've had it done and not had an issue. 

I've had my dogs CERFed at shows and a private office....neither experience was more stressful than the other.  I wouldn't hesitate to do CERF, microchip, BAER test, or even OFA at show clinic.  I had a friend that OFAed 6 dogs at a show for a GREAT price...they were having a health clinic.  She checked up on the vet, liked what she saw, and spent the day getting dogs xrayed.