Ophthalmology Services

Ophthalmology Service

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) -- Dry Eye Condition

KCS is a common condition found in dogs that affects the production of tears. The cause is usually related to an immune-mediated condition, and is most common in certain breeds, like; Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and English Bulldogs. 

Symptoms include discharge from the eye, redness around the whites of the eyes, constant blinking and rubbing of the face. A special test called a Schirmer’s Test is given to determine the amount, or lack thereof, tears produced by the eye glands.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are a very common condition that both dogs and cats can get from trauma to the eye like a scratch or bump.
Some signs of corneal ulcers that pet owners recognize are:

· Redness and inflammation 
· Constant blinking and squinting 
· Constant rubbing of the face
· Discharge from the eye

Certain dog breeds, especially dogs with short snouts, are more susceptible to corneal ulcers. Most of the time, corneal ulcers develop from a scratch on the eyeball while playing outside, with other pets, or from scratching an itch around their face. Fluorescein Dye Stain is the test of choice to diagnose corneal ulcers and can be done quickly with minimal discomfort to your pet.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a result of increased pressure in the eye, and affects certain breeds, like; Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Chow Chows, Samoyeds, and Huskies more so than others. 

Some signs of glaucoma that pet owners recognize are:

· Redness of the blood vessels 
· Constant blinking and squinting 
· Cloudy appearance of the eyeball 
· Dilated pupils 
· Vision loss
· Enlarged eyeball 

Glaucoma



Glaucoma is an increase in the pressure of the eye. Certain breeds of dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Chow Chows, Samoyeds, and Siberian Huskies are predisposed to getting glaucoma. 


Some signs of glaucoma that owner recognize:

  • Constant blinking of the eye
  • Redness of the blood vessels in the whites of eyes
  • Cloudy appearance at front of the eye
  • Dilated Pupil
  • Possible Vision loss
  • Enlargement of the eyeball


Tonometry is a test that measures the pressure inside your pet’s eyes. The test is used to screen for glaucoma right here at our facility.

Corneal Ulcer - (2 green lines on the eye)
Healed Ulcer - several days post treatment

Diamond Burr Superficial Keratotomy



For Non-Healing Ulcers, we recommend doing the Diamond Burr Superficial Keratotomy. In some papers its reported to has 92.5% success rate in healing an ulcer. Its especially useful for a boxer ulcers that tend to heal poorly with conventional treatments. 

Our Happiness is

Healthy Pets,  Happy Owners

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