Cataracts
Cataracts are defined as any opacity of the lens. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in dogs worldwide. There are many causes of cataracts, however, in dogs, cataracts are typically either inherited or a result of diabetes. 75% of dogs with diabetes will develop cataracts within one year of diagnosis of diabetes, and all dogs with diabetes will eventually be diagnosed with cataracts. Unfortunately, there is currently no medication that can prevent or slow the progression of cataracts, and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard of care.
The key to success of cataract management is early diagnosis, monitoring, medications, and surgery. The earlier your dog has been seen by a veterinarian devoted to ophthalmic medicine, the better the success rate. Surgical success is typically 90% or higher if seen early!
Your loved one will be evaluated by Dr. DJ Haeussler and further diagnostics will be recommended. An electroretinogram (ERG) is needed in order to assess that your dog has adequate function of his/her retina. Additionally, an ocular ultrasound is needed to assure your dog’s retina is attached. These tests are necessary to achieve the best surgical outcome and vision for your loved one. In addition, your dog will need routine bloodwork performed prior to anesthesia to monitor for safety.
Phacoemulsification is the process used surgically to break up and remove the cataract. This is typically performed on one or both eyes, and is done under general anesthesia. Your pet will have its own surgeon (Dr. DJ Haeussler) and anesthetist.
After surgery, your pet’s intraocular pressures are monitored hourly for 5 hours and a complete examination is performed after surgery. Your pet will not need to stay the night in our hospital if it is not medically necessary. They can go home to be with you! Your loved one will go home with topical eye medications, oral antibiotics, and an E-Collar. In two weeks, your pet is seen again by the team at The Animal Eye Institute to evaluate vision and will be given a schedule of rechecks. Then it’s back to enjoying vision!
Canine Eye Care
Does your dog or patient have an eye problem? If so, then Dr. DJ Haeussler wants to see and perform a complete ophthalmic examination. Many times, undiagnosed eye problems result in blindness, pain, and irritation. Dr. Haeussler and his staff are qualified to help your loved one with his or her ophthalmic medical and surgical needs. Examinations include the medical or surgical consultation to prolong your pet’s vision.
Feline Eye Care
Does your cat or patient have an eye problem? If so, then Dr. DJ Haeussler wants to see and perform a complete ophthalmic examination. Many times, undiagnosed eye problems result in blindness, pain, and chronic irritation. Dr. DJ Haeussler and his staff are qualified to help your loved one with his or her ophthalmic medical and surgical needs. Examinations include the medical or surgical consultation to prolong your pet’s vision. Areas of evaluation include, but are not limited to the following:
Feline Herpes Virus - Corneal Disease and Ulcers - Eosinophilic Keratitis - Uveitis (Inflammation within the eye) - Glaucoma - Eyelid Agenesis - Cataracts - Lid Tumors - Ocular Trauma - Iridal Melanosis - Many more!
Equine Eye Care
Does your horse or patient have an eye problem? Horses get a wide variety of diseases, such as equine recurrent uveitis (moon blindness), squamous cell carcinoma, corneal ulcers, cataracts, traumatic diseases, immune mediated keratitis, corpora nigra cysts, and many more! Many times, a simple ophthalmic disease can result in permanent blindness and poor future performance of your horse. Dr. DJ Haeussler is available for complete medical and surgical care and is available for farm consults. Call or email today to have your horse evaluated by Dr. Haeussler.
Exotic Eye Care
Does your exotic pet or patient have an eye problem? If so, then Dr. DJ Haeussler wants to see and perform a complete ophthalmic examination. Many times, undiagnosed eye problems result in blindness, pain, and chronic irritation. Dr. DJ Haeussler and his staff are qualified to help your loved one with his or her ophthalmic medical and surgical needs. Examinations include the medical or surgical consultation to prolong your pet’s vision.
Farm Animal Eye Care
Does your farm animal or patient have an eye problem? If so, then Dr. DJ Haeussler wants to see and perform a complete ophthalmic examination. Many times, undiagnosed eye problems result in blindness, pain, and chronic irritation. Dr. DJ Haeussler and his staff are qualified to help your loved one with his or her ophthalmic medical and surgical needs. Examinations include the medical or surgical consultation to prolong your pet’s vision.