15/09/2025
⚠️Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Pets😱
The eye is removed most of the time because it is painful or vision has been impaired which cannot be treated. Trauma to the eye, severe infection or inflammation, tumours, glaucoma or herpes-related corneal ulcers on the eye in cats are all disastrous. Any of these conditions create a painful and blinded eye.
🧐Should eyes damaged long ago be enucleated?
Eye damage eventually heals, leaving a blinded, shrivelled eye. Most dogs do not require enucleation in this situation, but cats have a special complication for eyes in this condition: they can develop a malignant tumour in a damaged eye. For this reason, most collapsed eyes in the cat should be removed for cancer prevention. Post- traumatic sarcomas are the second most common primary eye tumour in the cat.
🤔Is eye enucleation painful?
In surgery, the eye is removed, and the eyelids are sewn closed. Sometimes, there are stitches to be removed in 10 to 14 days. The eyelids will be swollen, and there may be some bruising. If an eye is painful, pet will tend to rub, wink, blink or having eye discharge. Pain-relieving medications are needed for the first week or so after surgery, but when healing is complete, the surgical area should be pain-free and comfortable.
🏥What can be expected after the surgery?
After surgery, some red-tinged fluids may seep from the incision. Over the first week following surgery, the swelling will go down, and the socket will flatten out. Pet must be put on an Elizabethan collar to discourage rubbing or scratching of the eye area for 10 to 14 days until the incision is healed. The pet should be able to eat and drink with the collar in place. Cats should be kept as indoor-only pets after an enucleation as the outdoor lifestyle will pose even more hazards than usual.
👩🏻⚕️👨🏼⚕️Consult with your veterinarian for more information
☎️ 013-993 1315
📩 majesticvets@gmail.com
📍 Majestic Animal Medical Centre
