Most people know that there are large animal vets and small animal vets, with some practicing under the same shingle. However, did you know that there are also ophthalmology veterinarians, or animal eye specialists, focusing solely on your pet’s eye health? These vets keep your pet’s eyes in tip-top shape with preventative care, early eye disease diagnosis, and more.
While not every animal hospital will have an animal eye clinic, ensuring your pet’s eyes are being treated properly is essential. Specialists in an animal ophthalmology center can diagnose and treat cancer in the eyes, immune-related diseases, and trauma to the eye and surrounding tissues. The proper treatment and intervention can often save your pet’s vision, so it’s important to consider animal ophthalmology services.
Unsure of whether you need to visit an animal eye specialist? A visit to your local vet’s office will help determine if your pet has any eye issues you should be aware of. Still, a few eye conditions may give you vital warning signs that it might be time to visit an animal ophthalmology clinic sooner rather than later.
Signs Your Pet May Need to See an Animal Eye Specialist
You probably see an eye doctor at least once yearly for your annual eye checkup. Believe it or not, your pet may require the same care. Sure, your vet probably takes a short peek at your pet’s eyes at their annual wellness exam, but an ophthalmology vet takes the eye exam a step further to focus on your pet’s eye health.
This is especially important as your pet ages. Wondering if your furry friend needs a little extra eye care? Here are some signs that it may be time to visit an animal eye clinic:
- Your pet is older: When you take a puppy for its first wellness exam, its eye health may be the least of your priorities. However, if your dog or cat is getting older, it may be time to see an animal eye specialist. An animal eye specialist can spot degeneration in the eyes and work with you to create a treatment plan that works for you and your pet. Proper preventative care and early intervention is the best way to ensure your pet’s eyes last into old age.
- Your pet sustained an eye injury: At some point during your pet’s life, it will likely sustain some injury or need emergency treatment. Ophthalmology vets are trained specialists who could treat your pet if it suffered an eye injury, such as a foreign object entering its eye or in the event another animal scratched their eyes. Your pet’s eyes are incredibly sensitive and require special care after an injury.
- Your pet has eye allergies: Springtime can wreak havoc on your pet if they suffer from seasonal allergies, which typically flare up in the spring and summer. While there are several things you can do to mitigate the impact of springtime on your furry friend, it’s essential to see the proper professional if their eyes seem affected by the seasons. While most eye allergies are more annoying than anything else, your pet’s eyes can become infected if their eye allergies are not addressed. This can lead to further injury or premature loss of sight.
- Your pet is at higher risk for eye issues: Unfortunately, some breeds of animals are at a higher risk of eye injuries and diseases than others. For instance, some dog breeds are more likely to develop eye diseases and complications. A few dog breeds that suffer from eye problems are flat-faced breeds such as pugs, Shih Tzus, and bulldogs. Also, dogs with long hair on and around their faces, like sheepdogs, poodles, and Maltese, tend to develop eye infections more readily.
If you think your pet requires the special care of an ophthalmology vet, talk with your practitioner to discuss your options. For more information about ophthalmology vets near you, contact Oklahoma Vets today. Take control of your pet’s eye health before it’s too late.
