From the start of 2020 the Kennel Club includes PLA (Pectinate Ligament Abnormality) in its Health Test Results for Hungarian Vizslas. The grades of tested vizslas are published in the quarterly Breed Record Supplements.
These results are repeated below and they will be updated with each new BRS. As at October 2022 (AZ3) 322 vizslas had been scored under the new system
What is primary glaucoma ?
Here in the UK the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association have recently added the Hungarian Vizsla to its list of breeds predisposed to Primary Glaucoma. This is a condition where there is a high pressure build up inside the eye. It is very painful for the dog – and there is often loss of the eye(s)
What causes primary glaucoma ?
The most common cause of primary glaucoma in the vizsla is Pectinate Ligament Abnormality (PLA). The condition used to be known as Goniodysgenesis. PLA is an inherited defect where the drainage angle is faulty leading to a failure of normal drainage of fluid
Can PLA be detected ?
Yes – the condition is detected by Gonioscopy – an examination of the drainage angle with a special lens (goniolens) Gonioscopy is a procedure separate from routine eye examination.The risk of an individual developing primary glaucoma can be predicted by the degree of abnormality of the drainage angle.This is graded from 0 to 4 – with 0 being unaffected and 4 being severely affected.
Is PLA hereditary ?
Yes. Not all dogs with PLA will develop glaucoma but affected dogs should not be bred from.The BVA /KC give advice on how to use the scoring system to better inform breeding decisions.
Gonioscopy is a requirement for membership of the KC Approved Breeders Scheme