(EYE
REMOVAL)
Why
does my pet need to have the eye removed?
There are many different cases in which eye removal is warranted. The most common reasons for eye removal are:
Glaucoma
that is causing severe pain and irreversible blindness. Glaucoma is an
increased pressure inside the eye which can be caused by either a primary
inherited disease, or secondary to other conditions such as uveitis
(inflammation inside the eye), luxation of the lens, or detached retina.
Tumor
growing inside the eye.
Severe
Infection inside the eye, such as fungus.
If
you are not sure what the reason is, please do not hesitate to ask us to
clarify.
Will
my pet “miss” the eye?
Your
pet will not know that the eye has been removed. In fact, most owners are
amazed at how much better their pet feels once the painful eye is gone!
What
happens the day of surgery?
Your pet will be given pain control and sedative medications before surgery to help keep him/her calm. An IV catheter is then placed in the leg to administer fluids during and after surgery. For surgery a breathing tube will be placed in the windpipe to administer gas anesthetic. His/her heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels will be closely monitored for the entire surgery (which usually lasts about half an hour to 45 minutes). During surgery, the entire contents of the orbit are removed, including the eye and surrounding tissues. The eyelids are then removed and the skin is stitched up with absorbable stitches that will fall out on their own in about a month.
How
will my pet look after the surgery?
The
fur will be shaved off in a circular pattern around the incision (it will grow
back over the next month or so). The number of stitches used to close the wound
varies, but there are usually about 5 or 6. The area will be swollen and bruised for a few days after surgery, this
is normal and will subside with time. Some animals experience some blood
oozing from the incision or nose for a few days, this is also normal and can be
prevented or controlled by keeping your pet calm and quiet.
Will
I need to care for the incision?
You do not need to do anything to the incision. It does not require bandaging or dressings of any kind. We only ask that you watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus-like discharge. Your pet will be sent home with antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Most
pets do not rub at the area because it does not bother them (as discussed
before, most pets feel much happier once the painful eye is gone), but if you
notice excessive rubbing/scratching at the area, your pet may need to wear a
head collar (“cone”) until healing is complete. Please call us if you have ANY
concerns or questions.
Will
I need to bring my pet back for a recheck?
This depends on what the initial problem with the eye was.
If the other eye is at risk for developing problems, we will need to monitor it
regularly – Dr. Wolfer will let you know how often. If the other eye is not at
risk, chances are we do not need to see your pet back unless you have concerns.
As mentioned before, the stitches are dissolvable, but may be removed at your
regular vet’s office in 10-14 days if they are bothering him.