FAQ
When should I consult?
We advise you to consult an ophthalmologist or your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice:
- A sudden change in the appearance of one or both eyes
- A sudden loss or decrease in vision
- The presence of excessive eye discharge
- Symptoms of pain: for example, if your pet blinks abnormally more, if it keeps its eye closed, if the third eyelid is visible, if it hurts when you touch the area around the eye or if it rubs it
Your GP may be able to deal with many eye conditions, but sometimes it is necessary for your pet to be seen by a specialist if the problem is more complex or requires specialist equipment.
You may also decide to see a specialist, of your own accord, if the treatment you have been prescribed does not seem to be working or for a second opinion. It is also possible to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as symptoms appear.
Are the procedures performed by students?
No. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it is performed either by a surgical specialist assisted by a resident or by the resident under the supervision of the specialist.
Can I visit my pet during its post-operative hospitalization?
Of course you can. However, visits are not permitted on the day of the operation to ensure the tranquillity and comfort of your pet. Visits are allowed from the next day.
Why should my dog/cat wear a collar after surgery?
It is important to prevent the patient from rubbing their eyes after surgery, whether it is reconstructive eyelid surgery or surgery to the eye itself. The sutures used in ophthalmology are very fine and adapted to the fineness of the structures operated on. It is important to protect them so as not to compromise the prognosis and avoid complications.
My dog/cat has to receive several types of drops and ointments several times a day. Can I apply them at the same time?
In order to optimise the effect of the local treatment, it is important to leave a minimum of 15 minutes between the application of different eye drops on your pet's eye. It is also important to apply the eye drops before the gels (ointments or salves). Finally, the treatment should be spread out as evenly as possible over the day.
My dog/cat closes its eye. Should I bring it to you urgently?
If your pet has just lost its sight in less than 48 hours or if it shows significant signs of pain (if it rubs its eye, keeps it closed permanently, if it tears or if it is down), it is likely that your pet needs an emergency consultation. If in doubt, it is best to contact our department and speak with one of our members to determine the urgency of the problem.
My pet is blind. Can anything be done?
There are many causes of blindness that can affect our animals at any time in their lives. Some are treatable with medication, others are operable, but sometimes there is no treatment available for certain diseases (such as retinal degeneration). In case of rapid vision loss it is recommended to see a specialist as soon as possible (contact our emergency service by phone), for more progressive vision loss you can make an appointment with our secretariats.
What is a screening for (presumed) hereditary eye diseases?
This is a classic ophthalmological examination with the difference that your pet's pupils must be dilated. The dilation is not painful and is done by applying drops to your pet's eyes. A "Certificate of Eye Examination" is issued at the end of the examination. As this is a document issued by a European Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, it is recognised throughout the world.
Before attending an eye examination for presumed hereditary eye defects, you should ideally bring with you
- your pet's passport
- your pet's pedigree (essential!)
- a copy of this pedigree
- a copy of the previous official test(s)
- the results of the genetic tests for hereditary eye defects
For more information, you can visit the website of the Belgian panel recognised by ECVO: www.belgianecvopanel.be.
