Eye Vet is a dedicated Veterinary Ophthalmology practice seeing eye cases referred from practicing Veterinary surgeons from all over the North West,Wales and the Midlands. Eye Vet is based in Frodsham Cheshire which is easily reached as it is convenienty located near the M56.
We are equipped to treat all eye conditions especially Cataracts and Glaucoma. BVA/KC/ISDS eye testing is also available.
Peter McElroy BVSc CertVOphthal is the principal Ophthalmologist and his team comprises vets- Ruth McElroy BVSc MRCVS (Partner), Lorna Newman BVM&S Cert VOphthal MRCVS, nurses Kirsty McKee BSc(Hons) RVN, Kerry Arnold BSc(Hons) RVN, Lesley Teal and Tracy Webb in accounts.
If you are an animal owner and would like to know more information about eye treatment for your pet please visit the Client Information page.
If you are a Veterinary Surgeon and would like to refer a client for an ophthalmology consultation please visit the Referring Veterinary Surgeons page.
Glaucoma has been described as the Oncology of Ophthalmology. We all use a lot of expensive drugs for a condition with a finite end. Until now when these drugs eventually fail the surgical options are less than perfect. The best option her is an anterior chamber shunt. These silicone tubes which are implanted into the anterior chamber are effective but have a limited life. Ther eventually block or fibrose. Aqueous production can be reduced by either cryosurgical,laser or chemical ablation of the ciliary body. These are all imprecise and can lead to blindness. These treatments are best reserved for the already blind eye.
Now we have a method of accurately reducing aqueous production which can also preserve vision. Endoscopic cytophotocoagulation (ECP) is a method whereby a 20g probe containg a light,videocamera and laser are introduced into the anterior chamber.
The ciliary processes can then be visualised and the aqueous producing ciliary epithelium can be selectively ablated whith the pinpoint accurate laser. We now have this equipment at Eye Vet.
This procedure has been used for many years in humans and has been used extensively in animals in USA. The leaders in the Veterinary field are Dr Dineli Bras & Prof David Wilkie in Ohio both of which we work closely with.
At EyeVet we are now not only equipped to treat glaucoma cases but also have a prophylactic treatment for the at risk eye. If treated early enough glaucoma cases can be preserved with little or no medication lifelong.
The Breeds prone to primary glaucoma are , Basset Hound, Flat Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador retriever,Great Dane, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh terrier, Siberian Husky, Samoyed , Bouvier des Flandres and Dandy Dinmont.
In order to assist the diagnosis of Glaucoma we have our “Loanerpen” a Tonopen tonometer which is available for rental on a weekly basis. This can be very useful as the intraocular pressure in early glaucoma cases can fluctuate from high back to normal. These cases can often be mistaken for more simple conditions such as conjunctivitis.
If you have a suspect glaucoma case we would be happy to give advice on the diagnosis and most appropriate treatment then phone 01928734040 or email peter@eye-vet.co.uk.
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cataracts rarely remain stable, they progress. They can develop from immature to mature and then Hypermature. Hypermature cataracts swell and can release lens proteins into the anterior chamber. This produces a lens induced uveitis which can block the drainage angle and cause glaucoma. Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification can help prevent this. With ECP it is sometimes not too late for these eyes as we can perform cataract surgery and Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation at the same time thus restoring sight and treating the glaucoma.
