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 [...]
Many ophthalmic diseases are inherited, but research has only scratched the surface to uncover the responsible genes. However, science does have a good handle on progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal dysplasia conditions in dogs. Any dog can develop this blinding condition, and although the genetic basis is not always clear, specific gene mutations have [...]
The cornea is the highly specialized clear tissue that covers the front of your pet’s eyes. The highly specialized tissue has multiple cell layers and functions to nourish and protect the eyes and allow crisp, clear vision. Sometimes the corneal cells can malfunction or be injured, leading to lesions that appear as white spots or [...]
Your pet’s genes greatly influence their appearance, behavior, and health. Humans have learned to manipulate pet genetics to produce breeds that fit our needs—from hunting rodents, to herding sheep, to looking adorable sitting on their owner’s lap. Unfortunately, genetics are highly complex, and breeding pets for specific traits and appearances can unexpectedly create gene combinations [...]
A healthy pet’s eyes produce a tear film that helps to lubricate, protect, and nourish the eyes, giving them a healthy, bright appearance. Tears have several layers, including watery, mucous, and oil portions that work together for optimal health, but an eye irritation, infection, or chronic disease can upset this balance and lead to excessive [...]
Occasionally, an astute pet owner will ask us if their pet’s ear problems could contribute to their eye issues. Most of the time the answer is “No,” except for a specific dry eye condition called neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (neurogenic KCS). KCS results when the nerves responsible for stimulating tear production are damaged, which can be [...]
In veterinary ophthalmology, we are often tasked with diagnosing pets who appear to have an eye problem, but when examined more closely, they actually have a neurologic, dermatologic, or oncologic problem that also affects the eyes. This is often the case with nystagmus, a rhythmic, jerking, back-and-forth, or circular eye movement usually caused by an [...]
If your pet’s facial or eye symmetry has changed, an orbital condition could be to blame. The orbit is the space in which your pet’s eye sits, and provides little extra space for more than than the eye. When lesions, inflammation, or infection invade this area, the eye is displaced and pushed progressively forward. Too [...]