What takes place during surgery?
Cataract surgery in dogs is very similar to cataract surgery in people. A small incision is made at the top of the eye, and a circular hole is created within the outer flexible capsule of the lens. Ultrasound energy is used to remove the internal cloudy lens material. The capsule is polished, an artificial lens is implanted, and the incision at the top of the eye is closed with suture.
The success rate for cataract surgery is quite high, with greater than 90% of cases undergoing a successful procedure and having improved vision following surgery.
Cataracts surgery schedule
Patients who are traveling with their pet from a distance should plan to spend three days in the area to accommodate for the surgery and after-care schedule.
Follow-up care
Before you depart for home, we will show you how to care for your pet, administer medicine (which we will provide) and explain the stages and what to look for with your dog’s recovery.
For best long-term outcomes, we recommend the following post-surgical evaluation schedule:
- 1 week later (1 week post-op)
- 2 weeks later (3 weeks post-op)
- 1 month later (6 weeks post-op)
- 3 months later
- 6 months later
- 6 – 12 months long-term monitoring
These evaluations are optimally performed with Animal Vision Center of Virginia, however we are also happy to provide medical records for your local veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist, as well as perform telemedicine evaluations when possible.
Animal Vision Center of Virginia offers a concierge pet service for clients who may need to leave their pet overnight during the surgery schedule. A trusted veterinary staff member provides this service in her animal-friendly home. Your pet will be tended to at all times by a caring veterinary professional. Please contact us for rates and information.
Stay in beautiful Virginia Beach!
For accommodations in Virginia Beach during your surgical stay or follow-up appointments, we recommend the following pet-friendly hotels. These properties offer a special rate for pets when you mention: ANIMAL VISION CENTER.
- Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Virginia Beach – 1900 Pavilion Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 422-8900. Daily rates vary per season for adults; special reduced rate of $25 per night/per pet. Located adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, this property is located 1.2 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and 4 miles from our practice. Check in 4 p.m.; check out 11 a.m. If booking a reservation online, click on the “special rates” button and enter 0003266283 in the Corporate Account box. If booking a reservation by phone, ask for the Animal Vision Center of Virginia reduced rate.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Virginia Beach – 2800 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 428-2203. Daily rates vary per season for adults; special $15 flat rate per night for pets (with no limit on number of pets, weight or breed restriction). Located one block from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, this property is located 4.8 miles from our practice. Check in 3 p.m.; check out 11 a.m.
For a complete list of Virginia Beach accommodations, please visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com
Things to do
Virginia Beach is very dog-friendly city, and there are lots of activities that you can enjoy while you are here with your pet.
- Take a stroll on the beach and famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse at Fort Story
- Tour the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
- Dine at an oceanfront restaurant and watch the world go by
- Take a woodsy trail walk at First Landing State Park
For more dog-friendly things to see and do, visit this site.
CATARACT SURGERY CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“When I adopted Lady Mae, a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, I knew she had mature cataracts resulting in limited vision. I made an appointment with Dr. Brookshire right away, and after a thorough ophthalmic exam she determined that Lady Mae’s retinas were functioning well and that with cataract surgery and lens implants she had a very good prognosis for regaining her sight. The scheduled surgery went very well and being a compliant pet dad, I followed her post op care as outlined. It was great fun to watch Lady Mae’s progress and her response to things she had not seen since her adoption; curiosity over a bug crawling across the floor, watching a bird fly overhead, barking at the squirrels and crows in my backyard and her vigilance looking out the window on car rides. I am very grateful to Dr. Brookshire for her expertise and surgical skill in returning Lady Mae to a visual state. She and all her staff are absolutely wonderful—two thumbs up!!”
Peter G Fisher, DVM – Pet Care Veterinary Hospital
“Dr. Brookshire and staff are miracle workers! My beautiful 4 year old Doberman went blind from diabetic cataracts and Dr. Brookshire completely restored his vision. They are so kind and caring. This is the only vet’s office that my dog actually gets excited to go to!” L. Niemela
“Greeted with smiles and someone helped calm my dog down as soon as we walked in. His new vision problems have made him anxious in new settings and everyone was more than helpful with him. I would recommend them to anyone having vision problems with their pets. I look forward to getting my pup’s vision back. A very calming and welcoming office!” K. Underwood
“Will never take our Gertie anywhere else. The staff and care are unmatched. They will do all they can for your pet, and to support you while you care for them. I cannot thank them enough. You will love it here!” K. Keefer
