Dogs that have lost their eye to glaucoma or to a major trauma may regain a normal appearance thanks to the many technological advances of veterinary care. Indeed, thanks to the use of prosthetic eyes, the medical term ''enucleation'' should no longer bring in mind dogs with an empty eye socket.
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Considerations
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Dogs that must have their eye removed undergo a surgery called ''enucleation." Once the eyeball is removed, generally the eyelids are then sutured closed.
Effects
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Suturing the eyelids shut means that the eye socket below remains empty. Often, this causes a ''sunken eye'' appearance that owners may not find visually appealing.
Benefits
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Today, the ''sunken eye'' appearance may be avoided thanks to the possibility of placing a prosthetic eye in the empty socket. There are different types of prosthetic eyes for dogs.
Orbital Prothesis
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An orbital prosthesis prevents the ''sunken eye'' appearance. A black prosthetic ball is placed in the empty eye socket once the eyeball is removed, and the eyelids are then permanently sutured shut.
With an intrascleral protheseis, the contents of the eye are removed and a grey prosthetic ball is placed in the socket. The eyelids in this case are not sutured shut. Rather, the prosthetic eye will be visible and in some cases may even mimic a real eye by moving and blinking.
Warning
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Not all dogs may be eligible for prosthetic eyes. A veterinary ophthalmologist should be consulted in order to determine whether your dog is a good candidate for receiving a prosthetic eye.
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