We're pleased to offer the following services:
Diagnostic Services:
APPLANATION TONOMETRY:
The Tonopen™ is a precision electronic tonometer which measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) in domestic animals. Checking the IOP helps to diagnose conditions like glaucoma and uveitis, for example.
SLIT-LAMP BIOMICROSCOPY:
The slit-lamp provides a microscopic view of the eye. The doctor can see detailed changes to the interior and exterior surface of the eye with this specialized tool.
GONIOSCOPY:
Gonioscopy is the examination of the iridocorneal filtration (drainage) angle in the eye via a specialized gonioscopy lens. This allows the doctor to determine if the drainage angle is malformed and if the eye is at risk of developing glaucoma in the future.
INDIRECT OPHTHALMOSCOPY:
With the indirect lens the doctor can view the vitreous, optic nerve and retina to help assess your pet's vision. Dilation of your pet's eyes are required for the doctor to have an adequate view.
OCULAR ULTRASONOGRAPHY:
Ocular or orbital ultrasound can be helpful in imaging ocular anatomy, detecting retrobulbar cysts, masses or infections, retinal detachments and/or intraocular tumors. An ultrasound can often be performed on short notice with a patient either awake or under mild sedation.
ELECTRORETINOGRAM (ERG):
An ERG is like an EKG of the heart but measures the electrical activity of the retina. It allows the ophthalmologist to test the retinal cells (rods and cones) for proper function when retinal disease is suspected, or when the retina cannot be visualized due to some opacification of the eye (usually a cataract).
CANINE EYE REGISTRATION FOUNDATION (CERF) EXAMS:
CERF examinations are yearly examinations to evaluate dogs for inherited eye disease. They are performed on breeding dogs in an attempt to minimize the frequency of inherited eye disease in a certain breed. Breeders are encouraged to contact their breed-specific clubs or the AKC to find breed recommendations for age and frequency of eye certification exams. Generally, dogs used for breeding should be re-examined annually. Dogs which are free of such eye disease may receive a registration number from CERF which is valid for one year. The essential information needed at the time of examination is the sex, birth date, breed, and color. If you are applying for a CERF registration number, you also need a tattoo number or microchip number, in addition to an AKC number. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam to allow for pupillary dilation. Puppies should be at least eight weeks of age.
DOPPLER BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT:
High blood pressure can cause intraocular bleeding and retinal disease, especially in geriatric cats. The retinas can suddenly detach, causing acute blindness. In animals with suspected high blood pressure, blood pressure measurements are performed at American Animal Eye Care Center with a special diagnostic Doppler blood pressure unit. In a quiet room, a site on the patient's leg or tail is shaved, and a small cuff is wrapped around the leg or tail. A transducer is placed over the artery, the cuff is inflated, and a blood pressure reading is obtained as the cuff is allowed to slowly deflate. If the blood pressure is elevated, it is important for the patient to be placed on the proper blood pressure lowering medications as soon as possible, in an attempt to allow the retinas to reattach and vision to improve. Elevated blood pressure can cause other organ dysfunction. Therefore careful long-term monitoring is recommended.
LAB WORK:
Diagnostic blood and tissue samples can be collected and submitted to our state-of-the-art regional laboratory. Diagnostic blood work such as general health profiles, pre-operative profiles, liver profiles, thyroid and cholesterol checks can be performed in-house for your convenience with rapid results. These tests can be very important in reaching a rapid and accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition. Accurate diagnosis assures proper treatment and gives your pet the best possible chance for a full recovery.