![]() ![]() Treatment can include medications and/or surgery. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the eye or permanent blindness. X-rays of the chest and abdomen to look for abnormalitiesĪ thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too little (in dogs) or too much (in cats) thyroid hormone. Screening tests to rule out infectious diseaseĬultures, PCR testing, and other specialized tests, which can identify if specific parasites or diseases could be the cause In addition to providing a thorough examination of your pet, your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the underlying cause.Ĭhemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levelsĪ complete blood count to screen for infection, inflammation, anemia, and other blood-related conditionsĮlectrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t suffering from an electrolyte imbalance They may also refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for additional evaluation. Your veterinarian will perform a complete history and physical examination, including a thorough ophthalmic examination. Other symptoms include dilated pupils (when the eye shows no response to changes in light), discoloration of the white of the eye, or leaking of the eye and clumsiness due to your pet’s inability to see well. The severity of your pet’s ability to see is directly related to the seriousness of how detached her retina is, or if it impacts both eyes. The most serious symptom of a retinal detachment is reduced vision or, in some instances, blindness. There are several factors that can cause this disorder. It is extremely important to get your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect they are having vision problems. When it becomes detached from the tissue supporting it, a very serious situation exists. There are currently no known preventive measures for a detached retina.The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye. In these cases, your veterinarian may equip you with lifestyle management training skills to improve the overall quality of life for your pet. It is also possible that the retina cannot be reattached, or that the dog's blindness is irreversible. In order to quickly identify these complications, your veterinarian will monitor your dog's blood cell counts and recommend frequent follow-up exams. There are several possible complications that can occur, including blindness, cloudy lens formation (cataract), glaucoma, and chronic eye pain. Your veterinarian will recommend that you restrict the dog's activity post-surgery. If surgery is deemed unnecessary, your veterinarian will treat the underlying medical cause for the retinal detachment by prescribing your dog medication. There are some surgical techniques that are available to reattach the retina, and there are also techniques that can assist in the regeneration of retinal tissue. Treatment for a detached retina will be determined based on the severity and cause of the medical condition. Your veterinarian will conduct a full eye exam, and order a complete blood work-up to examine whether the retinal detachment is due to a more serious underlying medical condition. Other causes can include trauma to the eyes, ocular neoplasia (tumor growth on the eye), and inflammation of the blood vessels in and surrounding the eye. Other metabolic causes can include hyperthyroidism, characterized by increased levels of thyroid hormone hyperproteinemia, which is increased protein in the blood and hypoxia, low levels of oxygen present in the body's tissues. High blood pressure (hypertension) in dogs has been shown to be causative factor for retinal detachment. Exposure to certain toxins can also cause the retina to detach. ![]() Glaucoma, for instance, is one such condition. If both retinas are detached, it is most likely a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Some animals are born with congenital defects that cause retinal detachment to occur immediately or in the long term. While retinal detachment can happen in any breed and at any age, it is more common in older dogs. In some cases, the dog's iris may stay dilated and will not adjust properly when exposed to light. Symptoms and Typesĭogs experiencing a detached retina may show signs of blindness or reduced vision. If you would like to learn more about how retinal detachment affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library. The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. There are some forms of treatment, although retinal detachment may lead to permanent blindness. This can be caused by a variety of genetic and non-genetic factors, and in some cases is a result of a more serious underlying medical condition. Retinal detachment refers to its separation from the back of the eyeball. The retina is the innermost lining of the eyeball. ![]()
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