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Eye removal in cats
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dowellv posted:
My cat was unfortunately involved in a freak accident with a picture 3 days ago. The picture fell off the wall and hit her causing blood vessels in and behind her eye to rupture. The vet and I have done our best to save it, but they are now saying it looks as if the eye itself has ruptured and will have to be removed. I am really struggling with this issue. My question is, has anyone else dealt with anything like this and what's the best thing I can do to make it easier for her? Will this affect her quality of life or possibly cause a change in personality?
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Eye removal in catsMy cat was unfortunately involved in a freak accident with a picture 3 days ago. The picture fell off the wall and hit her causing blood vessels in and behind her eye to rupture. The vet and I have done our best to save it, but they are now saying it looks as if the eye itself has ruptured and will have to be removed. I am really struggling with this issue. My question is, has anyone else dealt with anything like this and what's the best thing I can do to make it easier for her? Will this affect her quality of life or possibly cause a change in personality?
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d_caitlin responded:
I can't offer great advice, as it was not my own cat who went through this, but my best friend's cat, Eddy. I grew up with him like he was my own cat. He had a very bad eye infection and the thing swelled up and bulged from his head. Her dad was a vet and performed the surgery himself to remove the eye.

Eddy, who had been an onery old guy, was actually happier afterwards, becoming more affectionate and less snappy. I think the eye had been bothering him for some time and finally having it out was a huge relief. He was able to get around like he always could, though he had some close scrapes with the wall at first. Overall, you would never guess he was a one-eyed cat! He lived a long life afterwards and was happy and better than ever. Animals adapt very well to things like this. They are quite amazing.

Good luck with your cat! I hope all goes well!!
Report This| Share this:Eye removal in catsI can't offer great advice, as it was not my own cat who went through this, but my best friend's cat, Eddy. I grew up with him like he was my own cat. He had a very bad eye infection and the thing swelled up and bulged from his head. Her dad was a vet and performed the surgery himself to remove the eye. <br /> <br />Eddy, who had been an onery old guy, was actually happier afterwards, becoming more affectionate and less snappy. I think the eye had been bothering him for some time and finally having it out was a huge relief. He was able to get around like he always could, though he had some close scrapes with the wall at first. Overall, you would never guess he was a one-eyed cat! He lived a long life afterwards and was happy and better than ever. Animals adapt very well to things like this. They are quite amazing. <br /> <br />Good luck with your cat! I hope all goes well!!
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP responded:
Actually, she'll probably feel better after surgery as her eye is most likely painful. Once the internal structures in her eye are irreparably damaged, the eye may need to be removed. However, if there's a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area (your veterinarian will know) it is worth getting a second opinion. If the eye is non-visual (meaning she can't see with that eye) she will have less depth perception, whether it is removed or not. This means it may take her a little while to get the hang of jumping from one thing to another, but she'll likely adapt. Ideally, she should not be allowed to go outside anymore.

Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
Report This| Share this:Eye removal in catsActually, she'll probably feel better after surgery as her eye is most likely painful. Once the internal structures in her eye are irreparably damaged, the eye may need to be removed. However, if there's a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area (your veterinarian will know) it is worth getting a second opinion. If the eye is non-visual (meaning she can't see with that eye) she will have less depth perception, whether it is removed or not. This means it may take her a little while to get the hang of jumping from one thing to another, but she'll likely adapt. Ideally, she should not be allowed to go outside anymore.<br /> <br />Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP<br />The Cat Doctor<br />Board Certified in Feline Practice
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dowellv replied to Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP's response:
Thanks. She has actually always been an indoor car. She had the surgery 4 days ago. The veterinary ophthalmologist works at the cat hospital that we go to, he said the eye was definitely badly ruptured. She is doing well and getting better every day. She does have some depth perception issues right now. She has walked directly into the wall at night and moves a little slow right now (partly because of the cone). I appreciate your feedback.
Report This| Share this:Eye removal in catsThanks. She has actually always been an indoor car. She had the surgery 4 days ago. The veterinary ophthalmologist works at the cat hospital that we go to, he said the eye was definitely badly ruptured. She is doing well and getting better every day. She does have some depth perception issues right now. She has walked directly into the wall at night and moves a little slow right now (partly because of the cone). I appreciate your feedback. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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