Cataract surgery in dogs and cats is performed much like it is in people, with the main difference being that animals must be placed under general anesthesia for the surgery. An operating microscope is used to magnify your pet's eye for surgery. A small incision is made at the top of the cornea and a microscopic probe is used to dissolve and remove the cloudy cataract material from within its lens shell. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed within the lens shell in most cases. Microscopic suture is used to close the incision, and your pet is recovered from anesthesia.

The success rate of cataract surgery is high - over 90% of patients undergoing surgery have their vision restored! Your pet's specific situation may carry additional risks that could affect the outcome, and would be discussed with you before surgery.

Complications after surgery are possible, with most being minor and treatable. Ulcers around the corneal incision and inflammation inside of the eye may occur after surgery but usually resolve with medications. In a small percentage of pets, serious complications may develop after surgery such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or infection in the eye. Vision is often affected by these conditions, and affected pets may require added medications, additional procedures, or rarely eye removal.

If the initial eye exam indicates that your pet may be a candidate for cataract surgery, additional testing will be scheduled. The back chamber of the eye must be tested to ensure it is healthy, since most cataracts block this area from examination. Most often, two tests are necessary - an electrical test of the retina called an ERG, and an eye ultrasound to obtain images of cataract and retina.

Your pet's systemic health must also be assessed to ensure they can safely undergo anesthesia. A physical examination and routine bloodwork are required - these may be performed at the VVC during your testing day, or by your primary veterinarian with results reported to us at least 1 week before surgery. Additional tests may be necessary based upon your pet's underlying health status.

For the first two weeks after surgery your pet will need to be treated with eye drops and oral medications. After that, eye drops are gradually reduced based upon your pet’s recheck exam findings. Generally the long-term medical treatment plan is achieved by 2-3 months post-operatively.

A rigid E-collar is absolutely required at all times after surgery for the first 1-2 weeks. Your pet must not be allowed to rub at the eyes as they could disrupt the sutures, cause corneal ulcers, or damage the inside of the eye.

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Long term, most pets are treated with an eye drop to minimize chronic post-surgical inflammation. Preventing such inflammation will decrease the chances of future complications like glaucoma and retinal detachment.

A typical post-operative recheck schedule is:

• 1 day post-op (complimentary)

• 1 week post-op (complimentary)

• 3 weeks post-op (complimentary)

• 6 weeks post-op

• 4 months post-op

• 8 months post-op

• Annually

Post-operative recheck exams beyond the first 3 complimentary exams are associated with standard exam and testing charges. Additional visits or medications may be necessary based upon your pets recovery from surgery.

The quote that you've been provided for cataract surgery includes the following: -Pre-anesthetic examination, custom anesthesia plan

• IV catheter, sedative & pain medication injections

• General anesthesia with gas inhalant

• Anesthetic monitoring (heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure)

• Operating Room & Operating Microscope usage

• Cataract surgery equipment, instruments & supplies

• Phacoemulsification (surgical procedure to remove the cataract)

• Intraocular lens (IOL) implant

• Post-operative recovery & monitoring

• Initial stock of post-operative eye drops and pills

• Rigid E-collar

• The 1 day, 1 week, and 3 week post-op recheck exams