Veterinary Ocular Procedures

Ocular Procedures for Cats & Dogs

Ocular procedures are treatments and minor surgical procedures used to diagnose, manage, and correct a range of eye conditions in cats and dogs. 

Some of the most common ocular procedures we perform at Northgate Veterinary Clinic include entropion surgery, ectropion surgery, eyelid tumor removal, cherry eye surgery, tear duct flushing, enucleation, and foreign body removal.

Our veterinary team is fully equipped to perform comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, diagnostic testing, and many routine eye procedures for pets.

Pet Eye Care FAQs

To learn more, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions about dog and cat eye issues.

• What are the signs of cataracts in dogs and cats?

  Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, preventing light from properly reaching the back of the eye. Depending on the severity, cataracts can cause blurry vision, impaired sight, or blindness.

  • Cloudy or milky appearance in the eye
  • Bumping into objects or walls
  • Difficulty navigating stairs or furniture
  • Hesitation when jumping or moving in unfamiliar areas
  • Increased clumsiness or disorientation
• What are the signs of glaucoma in pets?

  Glaucoma develops when fluid pressure inside the eye increases due to improper drainage. This condition can be extremely painful and may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

  Common symptoms of glaucoma in pets include:

  • Eye pain
  • Redness
  • Increased tear production
  • Corneal cloudiness
  • A visible third eyelid
  • Dilated pupils
• When should I take my pet to the vet if I think they have an eye issue?

  Eye problems in pets can progress rapidly and may become painful or threaten your companion’s vision if left untreated. Seeking prompt veterinary care can help protect your pet’s comfort and long-term eye health.

  Common signs of eye issues include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Increased/Decreased Tear Production
  • Visible Third Eyelid
  • Corneal Cloudiness
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Obviously Enlarged Eye
• What are the most common eye problems in pets?

  Our veterinarians diagnose and manage a wide range of eye problems in cats and dogs. Common issues we see include:

  • Cataracts
  • Scratches
  • Abrasions
  • Cherry Eye
  • Drainage
  • Corneal Ulcers
  • Infections
  • Vision Loss
  • Eyelid Masses
• What should I do if my dog or cat has something stuck in their eye?

  If your dog or cat has something stuck in their eye, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Foreign objects such as grass awns, dirt, sand, hair, or debris can quickly irritate the eye and may cause scratches, corneal ulcers, infections, or even vision loss if left untreated.

  Avoid rubbing the eye or attempting to remove deeply embedded objects yourself, as this can worsen the injury. In some cases, you may gently flush the eye with sterile saline solution if the debris is small and loose, but persistent symptoms always require veterinary attention.

  At Northgate Veterinary Clinic, our veterinarians can perform a complete eye examination to identify the cause of your pet’s discomfort and provide prompt treatment to protect their eye health and vision.

• Why should I consider cataract surgery for my dog or cat?

  Not all dogs and cats with cataracts require cataract surgery. In fact, many pets have small lens opacities that cause little to no noticeable vision impairment and can often be monitored without surgery.

  Your veterinarian can determine whether cataract surgery may be appropriate for a specific patient. Surgery is typically considered when cataracts significantly affect a pet’s vision and quality of life.

  Cataract surgery is considered a quality-of-life procedure rather than a life-saving one. For many pets, restoring vision can greatly improve confidence, mobility, interaction, and overall day-to-day comfort..

• What is cherry eye, and how is it treated?

  Dogs have three eyelids: two that are visible and a third one that is usually hidden from view in the inner corner of the eye. The third eyelid contains a tear producing gland. This gland is also usually invisible, but some dogs have a congenital weakness of the ligaments that hold it in place.

  When these ligaments fail, the gland pops out of its normal location, and it looks like there is a “cherry” stuck at the inner corner of the eye.

  To treat cherry eye, a veterinarian will perform a simple surgery to attach the gland back in a more normal position.

• How is entropion treated in dogs?

  Entropion occurs when a dog’s eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or surrounding facial hair to rub against the surface of the eye. This condition can be painful and may lead to excessive tearing, squinting, irritation, corneal ulcers, or permanent corneal damage if left untreated.

  Treatment for entropion depends on the underlying cause, severity, and your dog’s age and overall eye health. In some young puppies or temporary cases, your veterinarian may recommend medications and temporary eyelid sutures (tacking) to help protect the eye while the dog continues to grow or the underlying issue resolves.

  For dogs with persistent or more severe entropion, corrective eyelid surgery is often recommended to permanently reposition the eyelid and prevent ongoing irritation and eye damage.

  Your veterinarian can examine your dog’s eyes and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to help protect their comfort, eye health, and vision.