Eye Care for Animals, Gold Coast, Queensland
About Us | Indications for referralAbout Us
Examination of Raptor
Eye Care for Animals offers specialist eye care for all animals and accepts referrals from general practice veterinarians. Your regular veterinarian is the first person who should examine your animal’s eye if there is any change of appearance or sign of pain, and they can determine if referral is indicated.
Eye Care for Animals will examine and treat all species: dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, birds and exotics including wildlife.
This information and services provided are intended for Australian residents only.
Indications for referral:
Any abnormality of the eye including:
Changes in Vision
A change in vision may be difficult to assess by pet owners when only one eye is affected or when vision loss is gradual. It is not normal for animals to gradually lose their vision with age. A sudden loss of vision is an emergency in the majority of cases, and your pet should be taken for a veterinary examination as soon as possible so that treatment can be started to restore vision. A gradual loss of vision may be associated with a more chronic change in any part of the eye from the cornea to retina.
Eyelid and Third Eyelid Abnormalities
The upper and lower eyelid should rest against the globe. Abnormalities of eyelid conformation can result in either hair rubbing against the cornea if the lid rolls inwards, or over exposure of the cornea or surrounding tissue if the lid rolls away from the eye.
The third eyelid sits at the lower and inner corner of the orbit, nearest to the nose. Common abnormalities of the third eyelid include prolapse of the third eyelid gland (Cherry Eye), ultraviolet damage to the leading margin and inflammation.
Corneal Ulcers
An ulceration is a break in the surface of the normally clear cornea, at the front of the eye. A large number of nerve fibres are present within the cornea, which become exposed during ulceration resulting in pain. Corneal ulcers can involve all layers of the cornea, and vary in their rate of deterioration. All corneal ulcers should receive veterinary attention.
Cataracts
A cataract is any opacity within the normally transparent lens. The lens is situated behind the iris and can be seen through the pupil of the eye. A cataract may be detected as a grey/white speck or progress to a diffuse or dense cloudiness within the lens. Surgery is the only effective treatment to remove a cataract.
Glaucoma and Measurement of Intraocular Pressure
Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye in association with damage to the optic nerve that transmits signals from the retina to the brain. Glaucoma is a painful and sight-threatening disease which usually presents with redness of the tissue surrounding the eye and cloudiness of the surface of the eye. It is an ophthalmic emergency and requires accurate measurement of the intraocular pressure.
Orbital Disease
The eye is surrounded by bone, muscle and fat. A swelling within the orbit may result in displacement or compression of the eye. Common causes of an orbital swelling include infection, inflammation, tumour or cyst.
Any eye problem that does not appear to be responding to medication or is worsening despite treatment.
Information for Breeders
Eye Care for Animals participates in the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES). ACES certificates are issued to adult breeding dogs and puppies to certify them free of hereditary eye disease. Dogs need to be microchipped prior to ocular examination.
