If your pet has to undergo a surgery known as enucleation, it means that they have to have an eye removed as well as all associated structures including the eyelids. This procedure is done to prevent the spread of and pain associated with conditions like cancer and non-responsive glaucoma. You may schedule your pet to see a veterinary ophthalmology specialist if you feel they will need to undergo this procedure eventually. At Animal Eye Clinic of Pensacola, our pet eye doctor has been performing eye removal surgery for many years.

The Procedure

This is a procedure that is not lightly taken and only recommended by a vet once all other treatment options have failed. An overnight stay may be necessary for monitoring and additional pain relief. Your pet will also receive full general anesthesia before surgery. Some pets may need fluids during the surgery to decrease their risk of kidney complications.

This procedure involves the following:

  • Preparation involves withholding food the night before the surgery
  • Pre-op checks such as blood tests
  • Administration of intravenous fluids
  • Mediation injection to help with pain and prepare your pet to receive anesthesia
  • Hair around the face and eyes will be clipped
  • A surgical scrub is used to make skin sterile
  • The eyelids will be sutured and the eye will then be carefully removed while other bleeding vessels are clamped
  • The rest of the skin over the empty eye socket will be sutured

Once your pet wakes up, he must wear a cone to protect the site. Your pet will be discharged with antibiotics and pain relief medication. In two to three days, your pet will need to come in for a post-op check. All sutures will be removed within 10-14 days following surgery by a pet eye doctor. Vital signs will always be monitored during the surgery by a vet tech.

Recovery

Your pet must wear a cone until the sutures are taken off. For the first few days following enucleation, your pet may be quiet and experience mild discomfort. However, our veterinarian will supply you with medications to administer at home. Sutures will be removed at the recheck in 10-14 days, until then your pet should stay calm and quiet. We recommend kenneling while you are away from the home to reduce activity.

While complications may occur, they are rare. Potential complications include a breakdown of the wound or hemorrhaging. Revisional surgery may be completed if your pet experienced severe bleeding to help pack the socket. Most pets can expect to make a full recovery without any complications.

Contact Our Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialist for Enucleation

Call Animal Eye Clinic of Pensacola today at (850) 374-3500 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our pet eye doctor.