At White Oaks Veterinary Clinic, we do our very best to provide the top care for your pet in any way we can. Our TonovetTonometer is a tool that allows us to quickly and accurately diagnose eye disease in your pets that could be very damaging if left untreated. If you have a dog, cat or horse that seems to be experiencing problems with the eyes, it is imperative you get him in to us as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Tonometer?
The TonovetTonometer is a simple-looking device that measures the fluid pressures in your pet’s eyes. This is a fast-acting instrument to ensure precise measurements without your pet even realizing the measurements were taken. This pain-free device will not harm or hurt your pet, but it helps us catch diseases, like glaucoma and uvietis, in their early stages.
What Eye Problems Could My Pet Have?
There are a few eye diseases that could be harming your pet and should be treated immediately so they do not worsen. These include:
Glaucoma
Especially common among purebred dogs, this disease is characterized by pressure in the eye that causes retinal and optic disc destruction. Specific breeds most likely to be affected by glaucoma include Beagle dogs, Siamese cats and Appaloosa horses. Older animals are also more prone to develop glaucoma.
Anterior Uveitis or Iridocyclitis
The middle layer (uveal tract) of your pet’s eye is inflamed, leading to possible glaucoma, corneal ulcers, ocular infections, retinal detachment, corneal scarring and more. Uveitis is most often associated with other diseases in your pet, such as Ehrlichiosis in dogs and Feline Lukemia Virus in cats, as well as many others. Local bacteria infections and parasitic diseases can also cause uveitis, so testing for the underlying disease causing the inflammation of the eyes is important for fully healing your pet.
Should My Pet be Tested?
Is your pet experiencing eye problems? Call us right away if you begin to notice:
- Dilated (enlarged) pupils that don’t get smaller when exposed to light
- Clouding of the cornea (the cornea is normally the topmost, clear layer of the eye)
- Red or bloodshot eyes not related to allergies
- Protruding or bulging eye (especially if one seems larger than the other)
- Squinting or tearing
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes (glaucoma is painful)
Your pet’s eye pressure should also be measured as:
- Young pets in order to have a baseline reading
- Geriatric pets (those older than 6-7)
- Pets predisposed to glaucoma (specific breeds)
- Pets getting an ocular examination
- Pets being checked for head or eye trauma
See Your Veterinarian in Edmond
Call White Oaks Veterinary Clinic today to set up a pet vision care appointment. As your veterinarian in Edmond, we will perform a full exam to create baseline measurements, look for early signs of disease and ensure all necessary treatments are suggested for the highest level of care for your pet.
Call us today at (405) 330-0676 and let’s keep your pet healthy together.