Small Animal Patients

 

For small animal patients, please have your pet on a leash or in a carrier prior to entering the Eye Clinic.

 

Check in with the receptionist when you arrive at the Eye Clinic. You will be given forms to fill out, after which the receptionist will create a medical record for your pet.

 

You will be escorted to a scale and your pet will be weighed. The assistant will ask about your pets eye problem. Please have all of
your pets medications with you to show the assistant.

 

The ophthalmologist will examine your pet with an assistant or veterinary technician to assist in holding your pet. This exam is performed in a darkened, quiet room, with the pets owner present.

 

The eye examination is performed with high magnification slit lamp biomicroscopy to assess the eyelids, cornea, aqueous, iris, and lens.

 

Indirect ophthalmoscopy is performed to assess the vitreous, retina, and optic disc.

 

Tonometry to assess intraocular pressure, is highly recommended for the majority of patients. Intraocular pressure can change daily, and can provide significant information about your pets eye disease.

 

Other Examination Tests may be recommended by the doctor depending upon the initial findings with the slit lamp.  These tests include the Schirmer Tear Test, Fluorescein Staining, or Rose Bengal Staining. These tests are not performed in every eye or every patient.

 

Schirmer Tear Testing is performed by inserting a standardized test strip paper across the lower eyelid and is folded into the space between the cornea and the eyelid. This test can determine the ability of your pet to make tears.

 

Fluorescein Staining is performed to assess for microbreaks, scratches (erosions), or pits (ulcers) in the cornea surface.

 

Rose Bengal Staining is performed to assess irritation of the cornea.

It can be useful for more subtle detection than that evidenced by fluorescein staining.

 

Exam Findings

The doctor will take a few moments to input the results of the eye examination into your pets medical record. The doctor discusses with you the eye examination findings. Depending upon the eye problem, additional testing (see services) may or may not be recommended. Options for treatment are discussed. You the client, decide which treatment option works best for you and your pet.

 

Discharge Summary

You are provided with a discharge summary that has the diagnosis,

medication recommendations, and explanation of your pets eye problem. You leave the Eye Clinic with this summary, and medications and/or an Elizabethan collar (cone) may be dispensed, depending upon the diagnosis.

 

A Referral Letter is sent to your family veterinarian just after you leave the Eye Clinic.

 

Second Opinions

The Eye Clinic both provides second ophthalmologist’ opinions, and understands if a second ophthalmologist’s opinion is desired after your visit to the Eye Clinic.

 

Elizabethan Collar (Cone)

If the ophthalmologist prescribes an Elizabethan collar, it is highly recommended to use the E. collar full time, 24 hours a day.  The collar is custom fitted at the Eye Clinic for best eye support. Do not have your pet groomed if an E. collar has been prescribed.

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Large Animal Patients

We are not seeing large animal patients at this time.

 

 

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