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In week three and four after surgery, walks can be a bit longer but still on the lead. Short, relaxed walks are allowed on a short lead, and with the collar on at all times for two weeks after surgery. Should be restricted to prevent eye injuries. Eating and drinking can be tricky on the supplied collars, but smaller collars do not protect the eye. It is vital that the collar is not removed for the length of this period. ProtectionĪll animals have to wear a protective collar for two weeks after surgery to shield their eyes from accidental trauma. They are discharged from the hospital with a set of instructions. Patients undergoing cataract surgery routinely spend two nights in hospital – the night before and the night after surgery. After careĪfter care is the most important part of the post-surgical recovery period as it can affect long-term prognosis. Some retinal detachments may be treated with surgery or laser treatment in dogs. A total retinal detachment causes vision loss. The retina can become detached from the back of the eye, partially or completely. Medical and surgical treatments exist but, generally speaking, glaucoma carries poor prognoses for sight in the long term. This complication rarely interferes with vision but may require surgery if very severe.Ī long lasting and serious problem that is associated with a persistently elevated pressure in the eye leading to blindness. This happens more rapidly in young patients undergoing surgery. This occurs when the lens forming cells grow after surgery. Long term follow up of all patients is vital to help control uveitis. Some particular cases might require a surgical intervention. Control with medical therapy (drops) usually helps. Long-term uveitis can lead to serious problems like glaucoma or retinal detachment. Diabetic dogs have more pronounced uveitis. At the RVC we hospitalise animals overnight after surgery to look for POH.Īll cataracts cause uveitis and this may persist after surgery. Although POH is usually short lasting, self-limiting and carries a good prognosis, it requires treatment with drops. POH occurs when the pressure in the eye is elevated after surgery. Cataract surgery and IOL placement in both eyes 1. Complications occurring in both eyes are uncommon. Complications can increase over time, thus it is very important that an ophthalmologist examines your pet at least once every 9 to 12 months after surgery, for life. The most serious are glaucoma and retinal detachment. The most common are inflammation and lens fibre regrowth. Given the high success rate, complications are considered low (one in every ten animals is expected to suffer from a particular complication). Cataract surgeons at the RVC are trained specialists, working with specialist anaesthetists. There are inherent risks to any ocular surgical procedure and also to general anaesthesia. What are the risks and complications of cataract surgery?
#Detached retina dog full#
After the full examination, we will indicate the risks and benefits of surgery and help you to make the best decision for your pet. Concurrent ocular problems to the cataracts can make the surgery less successful. The success rate is higher in cataracts that have appeared relatively recently than those that are months or years old. The success rate is considered high, at approximately 90% - nine out of ten eyes have a favourable surgical outcome. What is the success rate of cataract surgery?Ĭataract surgery in small animal patients (dogs and cats) is considered a routine ophthalmic operation. Other tests: blood tests and urine analysis may be required to assess if your pet is fit for the general anaesthesia.This test is usually performed under general anaesthesia just before the surgery. Electroretinography (ERG): will allow us to check if the retina works.This test is usually performed before the surgery under topical anaesthesia. Ocular ultrasound: will allow us to look into the eye behind the lens.A thorough examination, followed by some tests are routinely performed to detect this These problems could make cataract surgery more risky. Some pets have concurrently additional problems, such as dry eye, inflammation (uveitis), retinal degeneration, retinal detachment or glaucoma (high pressure in the eye). Prior to surgery, we need to determine if your pet’s eyes are healthy, apart from the cataracts – if they are ready to see again when the cataracts have been removed. Surgery is usually recommended when cataracts cause a significant visual deficit, when the cataract is progressing and vision loss is predictable and/or when the presence of a cataract is likely to affect the health of the eyes for other reasons.
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Fact File Is cataract surgery suitable for my pet?
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