Canine Ophthalmic Emergencies: Part 1*

Canine Ophthalmic Emergencies: Part 1

Ocular emergencies can be daunting as they require rapid assessment and diagnosis. Treatment needs to be timely, appropriate and often aggressive to relieve pain and potentially save vision and the globe. Knowing how to recognise and treat the more common ophthalmic emergencies can lead to positive outcomes for all involved. Part 1 of this article reviews globe proptosis, glaucoma, lens luxation and sudden onset blindness. Part 2 in the next issue will cover trauma including eyelid and corneal lacerations, foreign bodies, melting ulcers and descemetocoeles. Key words: ophthalmic, emergency, canine, eye, proptosis, luxation, blindness.