What is exotic animal eye disease?

We see various exotic animals such as rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, etc. Exotic animal eye diseases/problems include conditions (heritable, age-related, or infectious) or post-traumatic injuries related to any structure of the eye, the eyelids, or surrounding tissue. Oftentimes, discomfort and/or a loss of vision can accompany these issues, subsequently interfering with your pet’s normal activities and impairing quality of life. Ocular issues can occur at any stage of a pet’s life. For many conditions, early diagnosis and treatment are key for maintaining comfortable, cosmetic and visual eyes.

What are common exotic animal eye conditions?

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Rabbit: Pastuerella multocida, E. cuniculli
  • Guinea pig, ferret, birds and reptiles: dysecdysis, pseudobuphthalmia

When should I bring my pet to Eye Specialists for Animals for an evaluation?

Eye diseases can present in varying degrees of visible symptoms depending on the type of condition and severity of the issue. Common signs of an ocular problem include the following: squinting, rubbing the eyes, excessive tearing/discharge, redness, swelling, cloudiness, or a loss of vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately to schedule a consultation.

If your pet suffers an injury to the eye, we recommend immediate attention. Should the injury occur after normal business hours, we advise that you take your pet to an emergency clinic for prompt evaluation. Once the eye has been stabilized and your pet has been discharged, please contact our office to schedule a follow-up appointment.

At Eye Specialists for Animals, we provide expert knowledge in diagnosing and treating exotic animal eye disease and injuries. We strive to provide the highest level of ophthalmic medical care with an emphasis on compassion and client education. Each of our staff members is dedicated to providing personal attention to the unique needs and concerns of each individual pet owner.