One Look at This Blind Dog’s Photo, and Rescuers Knew They Had to Save Him
Garfield, a senior dog from the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, was in a miserable shape: blind, in constant pain, and barely surviving. His life changed the day Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue saw his photos online. Moved by his suffering, they rushed to bring him into their care. (Watch Video Above)
Once safe at the sanctuary, vets confirmed Garfield was permanently blind in both eyes and suffering from intense pressure that caused him constant agony. But for the first time in a long time, Garfield isn’t alone—he’s now surrounded by people fighting to give him comfort, healing, and hope.
A New Chapter for Garfield: Surgery and Healing
Upon his arrival, it was clear Garfield needed a double enucleation surgery to address his severe eye issues. This vital procedure was scheduled not just to prolong his life, but to ensure his remaining years are pain-free.
Garfield was discharged from the hospital on May 22 after a successful surgery, and he’s now back with the rescue, recovering well. They’re hopeful this brave senior dog will heal completely in the weeks ahead.
The rescue is now appealing for donations to cover Garfield’s surgical expenses. Your contribution, no matter the size, would directly support his recovery and help this amazing organization continue its life-saving work. Click here to donate and make a difference!
Rocky Kanaka, a devoted pet rescue advocate, passionately states, “Garfield’s incredible spirit shines bright, and now it’s our turn to shine a light on the rescue’s vital work by answering their call for donations to secure his future.”
Enucleation in Dogs
Garfield’s painful, blind eyes necessitated a double enucleation. But what exactly is enucleation, and how is it performed? Simply put, canine enucleation is the surgical removal of an eyeball, as explained by veterinarian Dr. Rhiannon Koehler. Since both of Garfield’s non-visual eyes were causing him pain, both were removed.
Dr. Kohler states, “A cat or dog who has a painful and non-visual (blind) eye that isn’t responding to medical treatments may benefit from having the eye removed to promote comfort.”
Types of Eye Enucleation in Dogs
Veterinarians perform canine eye enucleation using two methods:
1. Transconjunctival Enucleation in Dogs
This method involves making an incision in the tissue surrounding the eyeball. The veterinarian then carefully cuts around the back of the eye to remove it. This approach typically results in less tissue loss and bleeding, reducing the likelihood of a sunken appearance in the orbit after healing.
2. Transpalpebral Enucleation in Dogs
In the transpalpebral approach, the veterinarian makes an incision through the eyelids and around the eyeball. More tissue is removed, making it a preferred method for suspected eye infections or cancers.
Enucleation is different from exenteration, in which the entire eye, including all soft tissues like extraocular muscles, is removed. This may be recommended for large tumors in the eye socket.
Why Dog Enucleation Might Be Necessary?
Dr. Wendy Brooks states that canine enucleation surgery is usually considered when an eye has become irreversibly blind and painful.
These are the common causes, as given by Dr. Brooks:
- Trauma (e.g., infected scratches, punctures, or sharp object injuries)
- Tumors
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
These conditions can render an eye both painful and sightless. Certain breeds, like brachycephalic dogs with flat faces and protruding eyes, are more prone to eye injuries and may require enucleation. When vision can’t be restored, the primary goal shifts to alleviating pain and improving the animal’s quality of life through the removal of the eye.
Dog Enucleation Complications
While generally safe, enucleation surgery in dogs can lead to complications. Dr. Koehler lists some common issues like surgical site infection, dehiscence (where the incision breaks open), bleeding from the surgical site, and pain associated with the surgery.
In some cases, if the surgeon doesn’t remove all secretory tissues, pets may develop cysts or drainage. This is uncommon and can typically be corrected with a second procedure.
A dog parent shares a similar experience on Reddit, writing, “I have had two dogs that only have one eye…First, make sure they remove all of the tear ducts. My first dog lost his eye after an attack, and the vet didn’t remove all of the ducts. I couldn’t afford to do the surgery again, so I spent hours each day soaking his socket to remove the goo that came out of it. Eventually, I found a vet that would do the surgery for me, and the issue was fixed.”
As with any surgical procedure involving anesthesia, there is a risk of rare adverse events. These can include reactions to anesthetic medications, seizures, aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrest, or death. However, the risk of anesthetic-related death is relatively low, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 cats and 1 in 2,000 dogs undergoing general anesthesia in primary care clinics.
Dog Enucleation Aftercare
After removing the eye, the dog’s eyelid will be swollen and stitched closed, as per Dr. Brooks. Depending on the type of sutures used, they may need to be removed in 10 to 14 days after surgery or may be buried under the skin. Some bruising and red-tinged fluid seeping from the incision are normal.
In the first week, swelling will decrease, and the socket will flatten. To protect the incision site, an Elizabethan collar is often provided to prevent rubbing or scratching. For the best dog enucleation post-operative care, it’s crucial to keep the collar in place for 10 to 14 days until the incision is fully healed. The pet can eat and drink with the collar on, but if necessary, it can be removed under supervision during meals.
After surgery, dogs may need to adjust to lost peripheral vision on the side of the enucleation. With proper care and time, dogs can recover well and adapt to their new condition.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the canine enucleation cost?
The dog enucleation cost varies depending on several factors, including location, number of eyes removed, clinic type, diagnostic tests, dog size, and surgical approach. The cost can range from $475 to $2,000, with routine enucleations in private practices typically falling on the lower end of this range.
What are the alternatives to enucleation in dogs?
Yes, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can explore other treatment options like repairing wounds, intrascleral prosthesis, or glaucoma procedures. Ask your veterinarian for a referral, but note that these specialized procedures are typically more expensive than enucleation.
Is dog enucleation painful?
After surgery, pain medications are needed for about a week. Once the healing process is complete, the surgical area should be pain-free and comfortable.
