The ophthalmology service at CARE is focused on treating eye diseases in dogs and cats to restore vision and prevent painful eye conditions.Just like people develop eye problems, animals suffer many of the same diseases that can threaten vision and cause pain. Conditions such as corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, eyelid disorders, dry eye and retinal detachments are just some of the diseases commonly seen in dogs and cats. Veterinary ophthalmologists at CARE use the latest technology and equipment to diagnose your pet’s problem. We then create a treatment plan to improve or restore vision and resolve any pain.
Treatment of ophthalmic diseases typically involve medical therapy or surgery. At CARE, we understand that it can be very emotional to watch your pet experience eye pain or vision loss. We also understand that seeing a “doggy eye doctor” can be a scary thought. Our job as veterinary ophthalmologists is to make the experience comfortable for your pet and informative and stress-free for you.
Many medical procedures can be performed in the exam room while owners wait, while other procedures may require anesthesia for surgery. Procedures and surgeries offered with the ophthalmology service at CARE include:
- Phacoemulsification (ultrasonic removal) of cataracts with artificial lens placement
- Laser and valve procedures for glaucoma
- Laser and surgical removal of eyelid tumors
- Correction of eyelid abnormalities
- Permanent correction of eyelash and abnormal hair growths
- Resolution of non-healing corneal ulcers
- Correction of cherry eye conditions
- Artificial eye placement for blind/painful eyes
Our goal at CARE is to offer the best treatment options available to provide comfort, preserve vision and maintain a good long-term quality of life. We want our pets to see us just as well as we see them!
Hospital Admit Guide
If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Hospital Admit Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.
Our Ophthalmology Doctors
Stories
Erin & Riley and the drive to save their sight
CARE Charlotte is celebrating its 7th anniversary by sharing seven stories of thriving patients. Erin and Riley are Cocker Spaniels and 11-year-old sisters. Dr. Josh Broadwater, who specializes in Ophthalmology.
According to Lynne Haddow, littermates Erin and Riley have had eye issues since they were five. When the Haddows moved to Hickory in 2016, Riley had lost one eye to glaucoma, and Erin, who is diabetic, had been referred to a clinic for cataract surgery. “Erin’s cataract surgery triggered glaucoma, and we were given two options,” says Lynne. “Let her go blind or drive to CARE, where you can get advanced treatment unavailable anywhere else for hundreds of miles.”
They immediately drove to Charlotte. Dr. Josh Broadwater examined Erin and discussed treatment options. The Haddows opted for surgery, the only way to preserve Erin’s vision. Pre-operative testing found additional complications. Erin’s bloodwork showed a potentially deadly platelet disorder but fortunately CARE has a broad spectrum of specialists, and Dr Broadwater was easily able to enlist the internal medicine service to help her. Once her blood disorder was treated Dr Broadwater performed a gonio implant and Endolaser Cyclophotocoagulation to save Erin’s vision. Internal medicine started managing Erin’s diabetes.
Riley was battling a glaucoma flare-up and a cataract in her one good eye. She had basically gone blind and was so depressed she stopped eating. Dr. Broadwater came to Riley’s rescue and successfully performed the same surgery Erin had.
Riley’s back to her spunky self, says Lynne. “We call her Miss Tippy Tap because that’s the happy sound she makes now that she can see where she’s going.” She’s also gaining weight. And Erin is still Erin, Lynne reports. “She’s into everything and full of energy and goes for a long walk every day. Not bad for almost 12 years old.”
The Haddows are grateful to have found CARE. “Our pups would have had very different lives if we had not been referred to, and so would we.”
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