[Gpdd] HEALTH Guinea Pigs needed for eye study in Tampa

[DFHAKES at aol.com]

I'm not sure how many gpdd'ers are near Tampa, FL, but I  wanted to share an 
opportunity for your pigger to participate in important  research. 
Many guinea pigs develop a condition called osseous  metaplasia (OEM) during 
their lifetime.  Left undiagnosed and untreated, this condition can  cause 
cataracts and blindness.  Older pigs with OEM frequently have  milky white 
eyes or bright white patches in their  eyes. 
Dr. Michelle Stengard is a board certified veterinary  opthamologist at 
Florida Veterinary Specialists. She is studying OEM and  wants to examine 
guinea pigs to recognize early signs of OEM and learn  more about the 
disease.   
Your guinea pig will receive a free eye exam by Dr.  Stengard.  If  your 
guinea pig has OEM, you will have the opportunity for  Dr. Stengard to start 
treatment.  You might also be asked to follow up with your guinea pig  vet. 
To participate, call Florida Veterinary Specialists at  813-933-8944.  Tell 
the receptionist that you need an OEM appointment.  You will be asked  to 
drop off your piggie(s) in the morning and pick them up  in the afternoon. 
FVS will care for your piggie(s) during the day.  You'll want to bring  them 
in a roomy carrier with a water bottle and baggies of  pellets, hay, and 
greens.  Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and  Friday. 
The exam is painless although most guinea pigs won't  like having a bright 
light shined in their eye.  You'll receive the exam results and  instructions 
for next steps. 
Thanks in advance for your help with this important  study.  If you have  any 
questions, you can call FVS at  813-933-8944.
 
Regards,

Dana F.  Hakes
Chapter Manager
Tampa Bay House Rabbit Society

Please check  out our rabbit information and lists of adoptable rabbits 
at:_www.tampabayhrs.org_ (http://www.tampabayhrs.org/) 
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL92.html