What Is Eye Enucleation?
If you live in the Etobicoke, ON, area and have a pet with severe eye problems, it might be time to consider a surgical procedure known as eye enucleation. The decision to have this surgery is serious because it has permanent consequences for your pet. In some cases, however, it might be the only way to save the life of your pet.
Richview Animal Hospital is here to help answer your questions about eye enucleation.
Surgery Description
Eye enucleation is a surgery that removes the eyeball but leaves the eyelid and the structures surrounding the eyeball intact. Typically, this surgery is done when an eye is badly damaged, either through a serious accident or disease. When completed, the patient is left with an empty eye socket.
When Is This Done?
The surgery is only considered when the damage to the eye has become so great that the eye will never be able to function again. Typically, this means that no sight is expected to be recovered from the eye.
In the case of an accident, the eyeball is usually so badly damaged that it cannot recover and heal on its own. When this happens, it means that large parts of the eyeball are already missing, and the remaining tissue needs to be removed before it becomes infected or necrotic.
In the case of a disease such as cancer, tumors have grown through the eyeball to the point that the pet is in a lot of pain and cannot use the eye. This surgery is only considered if it is believed that the patient will never regain use of the eye. Usually, in this situation, the animal cannot see at all out of the eye by the time this type of surgery is considered.
Recovery
In the short term, your pet will recover from this surgery much like any other major surgery. Your pet will be given pain medication, and the veterinarian will give you extensive directions on how to care for the wound. In the long term, nearly all animals adjust very well to only having one eye. Vision will only be slightly affected.
Call Us Today
If it's time to consider eye enucleation surgery, or if your pet is having vision problems and you need to have it evaluated by a professional, call Richview Animal Hospital as soon as possible at (416) 245-8805. When you search for a "veterinarian near me" to help your pet, be sure to pick a doctor who has a lot of experience with eye surgeries.
