Testing a dog or cat's vision requires specialized equipment and techniques, because patients who can't read an eye chart call for a different approach entirely. Veterinary ophthalmologists use a battery of behavioral and instrument-based tests to evaluate not just whether an animal can see, but how well each part of the visual system is functioning, [...]
Not all changes to a senior pet’s eyes turn out to be normal aging, and the changes that do threaten vision are often the most manageable when they are caught early. A bluish haze in the lens is usually lenticular sclerosis, a normal aging change with minimal effect on functional vision, but a white or [...]
When you bring your dog in for a red, inflamed eye, tick-borne disease isn't usually at the top of your mental checklist. But Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasma can all produce ocular signs that range from uveitis to retinal hemorrhage to sudden blindness, and missing the systemic connection means treating the [...]
If you're getting ready to breed a dog, you're probably already swimming in acronyms: OFA, PennHIP, BAER, CAER. Each one represents a way to look under the hood and check for inherited problems before they get passed along to the next generation. The CAER eye exam is the one that focuses specifically on the eyes, [...]
Puppies and kittens are born with their eyes closed, and over the first few weeks of life, their visual system develops rapidly. Most of the time, this process unfolds exactly as it should. But some young animals are born with congenital eye conditions (structural abnormalities present at birth) or develop hereditary eye diseases (conditions passed [...]
When Eyelid Surgery Requires a Specialist: Complex Entropion, Ectropion, and Concurrent Eye Conditions If your pet's regular veterinarian referred them to a veterinary ophthalmologist for eyelid surgery, it is worth understanding what that referral actually means. It does not mean something has gone wrong or that the situation is alarming. It means that eyelid surgery, [...]
Tear Staining, Sun Sensitivity, and Ocular Care in Light-Coated Pets White-faced pets are undeniably adorable, but come with health risks. Families may start noticing things like reddish-brown staining beneath the eyes, pink skin around the eyelids that looks a little raw after a sunny afternoon, or eyes that seem smaller or different in structure than [...]
One Pupil Bigger Than the Other: Should You Be Concerned? You're playing with your dog and you notice something: one pupil looks noticeably larger than the other. Most owners in that moment have the same instinct, a quiet unease followed by the question of whether this is worth worrying about. The answer is yes. [...]
When pets develop eye problems, treatment often falls into two categories: medical management or surgery. The choice depends on the condition, the pet, and what you as the pet owner can manage at home. What works for one pet or family may not work for another. Choosing the right path starts with understanding what each [...]
Maybe you've noticed your rabbit squinting more than usual, or your guinea pig has a little crusty discharge around one eye. Perhaps your ferret's eyes look cloudier than they used to. Seeing eye issues in small pets can be worrying, especially because rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets are experts at hiding discomfort. By the time [...]