Section: Overview
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are essential in determining the exact cause of the blindness. Tests may include:
Complete physical examination
Complete ophthalmic examination, including direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, pupillary light reflex testing, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, Schirmer tear testing, navigation of the pet through an obstacle course, visual tracking and visual placing tests, and fluorescein staining of the cornea.
Complete neurologic examination
Other Diagnostic Tests
Complete blood count (CBC) and serum tests via blood samples
Blood pressure testing
Electroretinography
Visually evoked response test
Specific serologic tests
Corneal and conjunctival cell samples for cytology
Cerebral spinal fluid tap
Specialized imaging tests of the eye and skull, such as ultrasound examinations, CAT scans or MRI
Treatment
Successful treatment depends on obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Home Care
Pets with recent onset of blindness should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Minimize stress and injury by confining your pet to a safe area until the cause of the problem is determined. Place barriers across staircases, over hot tubs and around pools, and restrict activity on balconies if your pet could fall through the guardrails. Do not allow dogs to run free.
Establish a known location for the food and water bowls and guide your pet to them if necessary; do not change his environment. Use a harness or leash to walk your dog for better guidance and control.
Do not allow your pet to scratch or rub his eye if it is painful, as this may cause further damage to the eye. Use an Elizabethan collar if necessary.
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