Eye Care for Animals - Upland, CA

12/09/2024

Hooray!! Our long anticipated final portion of our Enucleation (or Eye Removal) Education series has arrived at last!!

Part 3 in the series is presented by Merlyn, an 8 year old Domestic Short Hair and focuses on post-operative care and recovery.

HOW LONG DOES MY PET HAVE TO STAY AT THE HOSPITAL?
At Eye Care For Animals, enucleation surgery is generally an outpatient procedure. This means that once patients have recovered from anesthesia, we anticipate their release from the hospital that same afternoon. This allows your pet to continue to recover in the comfort of their own home. Remember though, medical care is personalized for each patient, so sometimes, overnight monitoring/hospitalization is recommended to ensure the safest possible recovery.

WHAT WILL MY PET LOOK LIKE AFTER SURGERY?
The first step in the surgical process involves clipping/shaving the area surrounding the affected eye. The skin is then scrubbed to effectively minimize the presence of bacteria. This process is necessary to help reduce the risk of infection after surgery. Don't worry! Your little one’s hair will grow back!

After the eye is removed, stitches are placed to permanently sew the eyelids closed and your pet will wear a protective cone until these stiches are removed. Some swelling and bruising is expected after surgery. Occasionally, families will even see tear drops of pink/clear serous discharge or blood from the incision and/or corresponding nostril. This can be normal but should resolve within 24 to 72 hours after surgery.

WHAT KIND OF CARE DOES MY PET NEED WHEN WE GET HOME?
When your pet arrives home from surgery, they will likely wish to rest. Sometimes it can be helpful to prepare a quiet, peaceful area, so your little one can enjoy some privacy in the comfort of their own home. Any prescribed medications will be reviewed at the time of discharge. A printed discharge summary will be provided and will include detailed medication instructions.

Some discomfort after surgery can be expected and any swelling should improve gradually over the next few days. Pain medications will help your little one rest and management discomfort as your pet continues to heal.

We recommend offering a small amount of food and water at your pet’s normal mealtime (about ½ normal portion size). It is best to refrain from offering any new foods or treats since doing so can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, and/or nausea. Keep in mind, it is not uncommon for some pets to have no interest in meals until 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Use of an e-collar (aka hard, plastic cone) is imperative to a speedy and problem free recovery after surgery. It can be challenging for us as care providers to adhere to use of a cone 24/7, especially when we feel our pet is not rubbing at their incision site. We assure you that your veterinarian’s recommendation is to help keep the surgery site protected from as many disruptions as possible; whether it’s your pet’s own paws, the carpet, blankets, or any other ingenious method our pets can manage to devise.

WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
Each day should be an improvement from the previous day! As mentioned previously, some minor seeping of serous discharge or blood and swelling can be expected for the first few days after surgery, but should be addressed by your veterinarian if not improving or becomes abundant. Notify your vet immediately if any thick, yellow/green mucoid discharge is observed, if any sutures appear to be loose, “out of place”, or if your pet’s discomfort seems to be declining.

Ultimately, no worry is too small! It is important to contact your veterinarian with ANY concerns you may have throughout the healing process so they can determine whether intervention is necessary.

WHEN WILL MY PET BE BACK TO NORMAL?
The average time for complete recovery from an enucleation is approximately 10 to 14 days.

✨🐈✨🧙‍♂️ JUST LOOK AT MERLYN🧙‍♂️✨🐈✨
Merlyn is an approximately 7 &1/2-year-old domestic short hair kitty whose adorable-ness cannot be contained!!! In fact, that is what inspired his name!
His family shared, “When he was a baby, he would consistently escape from his enclosure. He was a magician and an escape artist! As soon as he learned to climb, we could never contain him! That's how he got the name Merlyn!”
Merlyn came to visit our office after his family noticed that the color in his right eye was changing. Over a short period of time, his eye color changed from gold to almost completely brown! Even though Merlyn seemed unaffected by the changes, his family thought it would be best to schedule a consultation with our office. It’s a good thing too because, although the color change does not cause discomfort or impact vision directly, this type of iris change in cats can represent a malignant or benign condition that has the potential to impact overall health. Early diagnosis may allow for more treatment options such as lasering, but if the changes are rapid, enucleation is usually recommended due to its aggressive nature.
Eye removal will allow for lab testing (aka histopathology) which allows for a definitive diagnosis of Feline Diffue Iris Melanoma (FDIM). The histopathology can also let us know whether tumors may have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Thankfully, Merlyn’s histopathology, although it confirmed FDIM, revealed that the tumor was contained within his globe and has a very low risk of metastasis!
We are happy to report that Merlyn recovered superbly after surgery and has returned to his normal antics! He continues to chase birds and sprint around as fast as he can! He climbs his Mt. Fuji scratcher and snuggles his family whenever he sleeps! He is enjoying life as much as ever and is a testament to how important early diagnosis and treatment can be!

Click here for more info on Feline Diffuse Iris Melanoma https://www.thrivepetcare.com/service/feline-diffuse-iris-melanoma-fdim

11/27/2024

🍂🦃🍂We at Eye Care For Animals wish your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🦃🍂

Click the link below for tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association on how to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

Thanksgiving can carry some hazards for pets. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

11/16/2024

As we end our celebration of Practice Leader Week, we want to let out another big thank you to our amazing Practice Leader, Sandy! You show dedication and provide encouragement within our clinic every day.

Only you know the intricacies of making sure our practice runs efficiently day in and day out and we just hope you know that your hard work does not go unnoticed!
🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏🎉👏

10/22/2024

Our Veterinary Technician Week celebration was truly wonderful! Thank you again to our techs for all you do!

10/14/2024

Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices, and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare.

During National Veterinary Technician Week, we honor their commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for all animals.

Please join us in celebrating these important team members to ensure that they know how much we value veterinary technicians every day of the year and thank them for all they do.

09/27/2024

Part 2 of our 3 part Enucleation (or Eye Removal) Education series is presented by Lizzie, a 2 year old calico kitty, and focuses on questions commonly associated with surgery and anesthesia

HOW DO I KNOW MY PET IS IN PAIN?
It is challenging to accurately quantify the amount of discomfort our pets are feeling. Most pets are stoic in their discomfort and simply put on a brave face. They often focus on everyday things they enjoy such as meals, play time, and providing all the happy in our lives in spite of the chronic pain they feel! Symptoms of discomfort can be subtle: squinting, rubbing, lethargy, decreased appetite, and/or personality changes are commonly associated with eye pain.

IS ANESTHESIA SAFE?
The American Animal Hospital Association supports the statement: there is no such thing as safe anesthesia, only the safest possible circumstances. Risk of complications are inherent to anesthesia, however, using a thorough and personalized approach can decrease the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Up to date blood work and physical evaluation with your primary care veterinarian help to provide insight into the safest approach to anesthesia for YOUR pet. Use of multi-modal medical equipment combined with vigilant monitoring of skilled technicians before, during and after surgery enables a prompt response to help anticipate and prevent complications or address them immediately should they arise.

ISN’T THE SURGERY PAINFUL?
Some discomfort is normal after eye removal surgery. Our doctors will prescribe pain management/anti-inflammatory medications to administer at home and any pain should gradually improve within a few days. The use of an appropriately sized hard/plastic, traditional e-collar (aka “cone”) is imperative to avoid complications at the incision site or trauma due to rubbing. Enucleations typically have a speedy recovery time and most pets are back to their normal routines after about 2 weeks. Usually the discomfort after surgery is a “sigh of relief” from the pain associated with the condition that necessitated eye removal.

💖😻 💖😻 💖😻 💖 Just Look At Lizzie! 💖😻 💖 😻💖😻💖

Lizzie was found by a family friend in a ditch on their home’s property. Her family intended to provide foster care until she was healthy enough for adoption, but 2 years later she’s still running the house!

Lizzie was receiving treatment from her primary care veterinarian for a corneal ulcer that refused to heal, so her primary doctor referred Lizzie to our office for specialty care. Unfortunately, our doctors confirmed Lizzie was suffering from an infected ulcer that may have been caused by a traumatic injury. Our doctors even noticed evidence of a corneal rupture (aka. perforation) and suspected that the lens of Lizzie’s eye may have been involved! In kitties, lens trauma can be associated with intraocular tumor development in the future, so this added to Lizzie’s family’s worry for her overall health and well-being.

Her family considered, “She was a sickly kitten and has had eye issues off-and-on the whole time we’ve had her”.

They decided that eye removal was the best choice for Lizzie. Her family also opted to have the removed globe sent to the lab for histopathology. The laboratory confirmed no evidence of neoplasia and that her eye injury would not impact her systemic health in the future!

Lizzie has since recovered from her enucleation surgery and has a long, happy life ahead of her. Her family reports, “She is back to her silly self, running around and chewing on feet again...👣🐾 She’s so much happier and is adjusting to life without the eye so easily!!”

We would like to thank Lizzie's family, friends, and primary veterinarian for all they have done for her and for sharing her story!

09/11/2024

Our thoughts go out to all the families and businesses affected by the wildfires.

For those with pets that have been evacuated and in need of pet care/shelter, we have included the following information:

Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock): 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407. Call (909) 386-9820, or after hours: (800) 472-5609.

Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals): 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals): 5210 W. Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): 2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536. Call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival.

09/06/2024

Part 1 of our 3 part Enucleation (or Eye Removal) Education series is presented by Truly, a 7 year old Shepherd Mix, and focuses on 2 questions:

WHY ARE WE CONSIDERING EYE REMOVAL?

Eye removal is always cautiously considered when other treatment options for your pet's condition have already been exhausted.

Traumatic events, infected ulcerations, deep corneal ulcers, corneal perforations, and glaucoma are a few circumstances that may lead to the conversation of enucleation, since these conditions can be incredibly painful.

Treatment with medications or procedures may be suitable options for your pet's condition, but if these options are ineffective or not likely to be successful, enucleation can provide pain relief and allow for a happy future.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES?

The short answer is: Sometimes.

Alternatives to enucleation vary depending on your pet's condition and severity.

If your pet's injury involves a deep corneal ulceration, perforation or laceration, a corneal surgery or a conjunctival graft may be an option to provide long term corneal support and healing.

If we are treating glaucoma and medication therapies are unsuccessful at providing comfort, other surgery options such as a ciliary body ablation may be an option. Success of alternative procedures can vary, so its best to discuss with your doctor which option is best to address your pet's condition.

Ultimately, your pet's comfort and overall well being is at the heart of the conversation any time enucleation is being considered.

Whatever the approach, the end result is a happier and comfortable friend!

✨💖✨💖✨💖✨Just look at Truly! ✨💖✨💖✨💖✨

Truly's genetic predisposition resulted in glaucoma ultimately affecting both eyes. Her family made the brave decision to enucleate both eyes for her overall comfort and well being.

She is another perfect example of how your pet can conquer painful, debilitating circumstances. Whether she is at home lounging on her recliner or visiting the coffee shop, she shines proudly! 🌟

Eye Care For Animals would like to extend a great big thank you to Truly's family for encouraging advocacy on glaucoma care and supporting enucleation education! ❣

Stay tuned for part 2 in our series coming soon!

08/30/2024

Our recent posts spotlighting our patients that have undergone enucleation procedures have generated a lot of buzz!

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month so we have created an educational series: "Enucleation Education".

Enucleation, or eye removal, is sometimes the only option to help relieve discomfort and improve the quality of life for our little ones.

It can be overwhelming and difficult to consider this surgery. Our goal is to help shed light on the process of surgery, recovery and life after this procedure.

Stay tuned for updates and our heartwarming stories of families and their pets that have braved the journey resulting in a happy and rejuvenating life!

08/23/2024

Meet Cammer!

Cammer is a 12 & 1/2 year old Terrier Mix who is feeling as young and spry as ever after his enucleation procedure!

His family could not be happier to have witnessed his recovery. For the past few years Cammer's left eye has appeared abnormal with a whitish discoloration, but no other changes that gave any hints of a concern. Then one day his eye became very red and seemed larger than his right eye. His family immediately called to schedule an appointment!

During Cammer's visit, his family learned that the redness they noticed was due to blood filling his eye (hyphema) and he was diagnosed with glaucoma. Dogs are often very stoic and can be very good at masking their discomfort. Cammer was no exception.

Glaucoma is very painful, so the best option to give Cammer relief was to perform a surgery to remove his eye called an enucleation.

Cammer recovered amazingly well and his family was so happy to document his recovery process:

"Our dog Cammer needed his eye removed due to glaucoma. We could not be happier with the entire process! We felt he was safe and well cared for by the entire staff; they did an amazing job! He looks so much better, and he feels so much better; you can tell he is happier and feels more comfortable with his eye removed. The recovery was speedy and smooth. Dr. Kaminsky you are awesome!"

We are so happy to see his transformation back to a happy go lucky and peppy boy!

Glaucoma can develop for several reasons and its important to schedule an exam as soon as possible if you notice changes! For more information on glaucoma click here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/service/glaucoma

08/09/2024

We are thrilled to have 2 new additions to the Upland office team 🎉🎉
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Richard Pytak and Dr. Brianna Bergen!

08/05/2024

😻 This Week's Featured Friend 😻

Meet Maple

Maple found her loving family after being abandoned by her previous owners.

She was very brave when first meeting her adoptive family, especially when introduced to Axel - a 115pound Doberman Pinscher! It took some time for the two to get acquainted but no matter how nervous, Maple sat tall!

"We call her "Queen Kiki" 👑 because she keeps the rest of her family in line!" her mom said lovingly.

In spite of her brave independence, she is very delicate and LOVES attention. Every night she patrols the house, carrying a sparkly pink mouse 🐭 in her mouth and will always fight for (and win 😄) the best cuddle spots. 🐾💖🐾

07/26/2024

📸🐾Today is National Pet Photography Day! 🐾📸

We'd love for everyone to share some photos of your 4 legged friends.

Please send your submissions to: [email protected] so we can feature your pets on our page!

Our first post is a video submission from:
Stampie, the California Desert Tortoise, demonstrating how she patrols her yard 🐢

Great Job Stampie! We feel safer already!😜

07/20/2024

Remember our sweetie pie rescue L.Y.T. that was searching for his forever family....??????

Well, we have some wonderful news to share! Our adorable friend has finally found his forever home and we couldn't be happier!
We want to thank our Practice Leader Sandy who knew that L.Y.T. deserved more than what the streets had to offer, Cats In Need - Rancho Cucamonga for their guidance, support, and resources, and of course our amazing Eye Care For Animals community with their help in spreading the word and helping L.Y.T and his perfect family meet up and fall in love!

07/12/2024

🐶😍🐶😍🐶MEET RUSTY 🐶😍🐶😍🐶

Rusty is an adorably loving 2 year old dachshund

Rusty's mom noticed that he began having trouble navigating, so she scheduled an exam to have his eyes evaluated. Dr. Kaminsky explained that Rusty has developed cataracts which explains why he has been bumping into objects while walking about...he is now completely blind.

Did you know that cataracts can develop in young pups too???

A cataract is an abnormality of the lens in which an opacity prevents light from reaching the retina. They can result from injuries to the eye, inflammation, internal diseases that affect the eye (such as diabetes), or they can be inherited like Rusty's cataracts.

To date, no known medical treatment has been proven to slow the progression, prevent the formation or reverse the changes caused by a cataract. Surgical removal is the only known treatment for cataracts in animals and humans.

Cataract surgery is an option for many individuals and a series of diagnostic tests can help determine if your pet is a good candidate for removal procedure (phacoemulsification).

If your pet has been diagnosed with cataracts, routine exams and medications are recommended, regardless of whether surgery is performed, to help manage the side effects and changes they can cause within the eye. Monitoring helps to ensure sure your kiddo remains comfortable and their eyes stay healthy.

Rusty is living his best life and is adapting to a life without vision remarkably well. Of course his mom is always extra careful in new spaces especially around stairs and pools.

Rusty is still considering whether surgery is right for him, but in the meantime, he keeps enjoying all the fun that life has to offer and is the perfect ambassador for blind fur babies everywhere!! 💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕

🐾

Questions about cataracts or surgery? Click here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/service/cataract or call our office!

07/03/2024

Thank you to Pria's family for the sweetest shout out! We are grateful that you entrusted us with her care! We are so happy to celebrate Pria, in all her Himalayan beauty.. especially her gorgeous crystal blue eyes! 😻

"I had heard there was no treatment for them [hidrocystoma] unless they interfere with vision, but I took her to ECFA anyway and she was immediately booked for the least invasive procedure. Given her breed, anesthesia is always risky but with just a small amount of Buprenorphine via an IV catheter, her procedure was successful in a very short amount of time. Three hours later she was ready for pick up! There was no downtime and it was less invasive than a dental procedure. And with 2 weeks the cyst was completely gone! Her beautiful blue eyes shine again. Thank you ECFA 🐾💗🐾💗"

07/01/2024

🐾💙🐈💙🐾🐈🐾MEET PRIA!!! 🐾💙🐈🐾💙🐈🐾💙

Pria is an 8 year old Himalayan beauty who developed aprocrine hidrocystomas, a condition that is seen predominantly in Himalayan and Persian breeds. This condition can present as single or multiple smooth, round, fluid-filled cysts on the skin near inner corners and along the margins a cat's eyelids.

These cysts are generally benign and are not painful, but they can interfere with the functionality of the eyelids.

Dr. Kaminsky discussed options with Pria's family and determined that injections of a sclerosing agent would be the most appropriate treatment.

Pria, being the perfect patient she is, allowed us to perform her procedure using just a mild sedative! She recovered quickly and 2 weeks later she returned looking like purrrr-fection! 😻😻😻