COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS:
Comprehensive eye exams are performed Monday-Friday by our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. Click here to learn more about the types of diagnostic exams performed.

CANINE EYE REGISTRATION FOUNDATION (CERF) EXAMS:
CERF exams or eye certifications 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.

ULTRASOUND:
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.

RADIOGRAPHY:
Skull radiographs can be helpful in detecting or distinguishing retrobulbar tumors. While radiographs of this area are often difficult to read and interpret, the ophthalmologists are very skilled at such interpretation but do not hesitate to utilize a board-certified radiologist when necessary.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI):
At VRCC we have the ability to use MRI as an advanced diagnostic instrument. The MRI allows us to detect and measure masses or abnormalities in areas of the body that cannot be easily visualized, like the eye socket.

ELECTRORETINOGRAM (ERG):
An ERG is like an EKG of the heart but measures the electrical activity of the retina. It allows the ophthalmologists to test the retina for proper function when they suspect retinal disease or when they cannot see the retina due to some opacification of the eye (usually a cataract).

SURGERY:
Most ocular surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with your pet being admitted to the hospital in the morning and being discharged early that same afternoon. Surgeries range from minor eyelid tumor removals under mild sedation to cataract surgeries under a general anesthetic. Please contact our office with questions about specific surgeries or procedures.

HOSPITALIZATION:
Occasionally patients will stay overnight at our facility. Hospitalized patients are cared for by our overnight Specialty Patient Care technicians. The ophthalmologists communicate with the staff regarding overnight care and all patients are rechecked by the ophthalmology staff in the morning. Clients are welcome to call to check on or come in to visit hospitalized pets during their stay. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule a tour of our facility.

LAB WORK:
Diagnostic blood, urine or tissue samples can be collected and submitted to our state-of-the-art in-house regional laboratory (ANTECH diagnostic labs). These samples 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.