As pets age, their eye’s lens—the normally clear, light-focusing structure that sits behind the iris and pupil—begins to stiffen, in a similar process that humans experience around age 40 that involves near vision and depth perception changes. The process, called nuclear sclerosis, gives a pet’s lens a slightly cloudy or bluish appearance but does not [...]
Collies are highly intelligent, trainable, and loyal dogs, suitable for a wide range of lifestyles. Originally bred for herding, the collie now occupies homes as an ideal family dog, competes in dog sports, and steals hearts on the silver screen. Collies are generally regarded as healthy, but their eye health is a major concern. Most [...]
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dachshunds rank as the ninth most popular registered dog. With good reason—these fierce yet affectionate dogs are relatively low maintenance. However, dachshunds can develop several breed-related health problems, with intervertebral disc disease, heart disease, and eye disorders the most significant. The Veterinary Vision Center team and other veterinary [...]
Horses have large, beautiful eyes that, unfortunately, are prone to trauma and disease. Many common equine eye diseases are treatable with prompt intervention, but others can progress to blindness or necessitate surgical eye removal. Our Veterinary Vision Center team treats all equine eye diseases, although some occur more frequently. Here is our guide to the [...]
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common disorders affecting the aging pet population and also occasionally impacts pets in earlier life stages. CKD often develops over months to years, but signs usually do not become apparent until pets lose greater than 75% of their kidney function. CKD complications can occur at any [...]
Pets are curious, adventurous, and often rough-and-tumble, which can put them in harm’s way and result in eye injuries that can be an emergency situation. In addition, some serious eye conditions may seem to appear or worsen suddenly, and also necessitate emergency treatment. The average pet owner struggles to determine which conditions qualify as emergencies [...]
If you name any part of the canine eye, our Veterinary Vision Center team can probably name a disease or two associated with that part. Dogs are prone to a myriad of eye conditions—too many to all be listed here. Instead, our team wants to inform pet owners about the most common canine eye problems. [...]
Veterinary ophthalmologists treat eye disorders in many different species, from dogs, cats, and horses, to wildlife and zoo animals. Although all species have eye similarities, each has a slightly different eye structure and function that leads to unique, species-specific problems. Our Veterinary Vision Center team is skilled in treating many species, including our feline friends. [...]
When people see a blind pet, they instinctively feel sorry for the pet or the pet owner. However, blind pets can enjoy an excellent quality of life, because they do not mourn vision loss the same way as people. Pets are adaptable—they go with the flow, play the hand they are dealt, and can cope [...]
Many eye diseases and injuries can potentially impact your pet’s vision and lead to complete sudden or gradual vision loss. Although blindness can significantly challenge dogs and cats, most need only a short adjustment period to live fulfilling, happy lives similar to their sighted counterparts. Without vision, your pet’s other senses kick into overdrive, and [...]