Ophthalmology

Our dogs and cats are increasingly suffering from ophthalmic ailments. Sick eyes are not only a reason for the animal’s ill health, in many cases they are also a symptom of a systemic disease. At the KUROSZ Clinic, we place great emphasis on getting to the source of the problem of the diseased eye and introducing appropriate treatment. For this to happen, we use a number of diagnostic methods:

• we examine the degree of tear production, nasolacrimal duct patency,
• with the help of specialised tools we assess the eyelids, conjunctiva, the surface of the eyeball, as well as the fundus of the eye,
• we measure intraocular pressure, which allows us to diagnose two serious eye diseases – uveitis and glaucoma.
• The first signs of illness and eye pain are usually tearing, squinting of the eyelids and rubbing the nose against objects. Often the owner does not notice these symptoms, with the result that within a short period of time the symptoms may worsen, or new symptoms may appear, and it should be remembered that sometimes simple conjunctivitis can develop into a troublesome disease to treat. We therefore encourage our owners to carefully observe their pets for ophthalmic complaints and, if in any doubt, to visit our clinic without delay. Thanks to such a reaction, we can quickly spot, among other things:
• fungal conjunctivitis, which is difficult to treat, or mechanical damage to the cornea, which can quickly develop into a corneal ulcer that is difficult to heal,
• serious eye diseases such as glaucoma or the so-called “eye disease”. dry eye syndrome, which are a common cause of the observed symptoms; these diseases can be largely successfully treated pharmacologically, through the systematic administration of ophthalmic drops or, if necessary, with systemic medication,
• somesome disorders of the eye, especially the eyelids, that require surgical intervention; such eyelid defects are most common in giant or short-skinned dogs during growth and can be caught and corrected quite easily before they lead to complications such as corneal ulcers. corneal ulcers, for example.
• Even in ophthalmology there are emergencies. These include penetrating wounds to the cornea (scratching by a cat, impaling on a stick…), acute glaucoma or ocular prolapse in short-skinned breeds. These are situations where, in order to save the eyeball, the immediate intervention of a veterinary ophthalmologist is necessary. The most important thing is not to panic in such a situation. If the eye has fallen out or protrudes slightly beyond the eye socket, moisten it with lukewarm water and see one of our specialists as soon as possible. In this type of situation we have a maximum of eight hours to save the eye.