👁️ Vet Guide 2025: Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Pets

Dr Duncan Houston breaks down when, why, and how we remove an eye in pets—and how to care for them after. 🐶🐱

1. Why Eye Removal May Be Necessary 💔

Most often, enucleation is performed when the eye is blind and painful. Causes include:

• Severe trauma (scratches, punctures, blunt impact) ⚠️
• Eye tumors (primary or secondary growths)
• Glaucoma with resistant pain despite treatment 🌡️
• End-stage herpes-related ulcers (in cats)

In basset-faced breeds (pugs, Shih Tzus, Persians), their shallow eye sockets increase risk for injury—so enucleation is often the kindest option. 👍

2. Should an Old, Healed Eye Be Removed?

Eyes that have collapsed, scarred, or calcified may seem “quiet,” but:

• Dogs often handle a lensless eye just fine;
• Cats are at risk of developing post‑traumatic sarcoma years later—
• —a fast-growing, aggressive cancer. ⏳

Thus, most cataract-riddled or scarred cat eyes are removed during early screening to prevent cancer later.

3. Alternatives—Can We Save the Eye?

When owners want to preserve appearance or function, specialist eye surgery may offer these options:

• Corneal reconstruction with microsutures;
• Evisceration & black‑ball prosthesis—filling the eye socket for cosmetic look;
• Glaucoma relief surgery (less common).

These are high-cost, advanced procedures best performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist—often costing 3–4× more than enucleation.

4. How the Surgery Works 🛠️

🩺 Preparation:

• Pre-surgical bloodwork;
• Anesthesia to ensure painless, immobilized surgery;
• Specialized eye tools and technique.

🔪 The Procedure:

Under anesthesia, the entire globe is removed, periocular tissues trimmed, and an incision stitched closed. Sometimes the sutures are internal.

💡 Post-surgery:

• Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing;
• Pain meds prescribed;
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments.

5. What to Expect After Surgery

Immediate post-op: Puffiness and redness are normal. Mild bloody discharge for a few days is expected. The eye may just look “closed.”

📅 First Week:

• Swelling subsides;
• Incision heals;
• Collar stays on for 10–14 days;
• Pet adapts to one-sided vision.

🛏️ Long-Term:

Pets typically tolerate the change—no missing limbs, no handicap, just a new normal. Cats should be indoor-only post-op to avoid hazards from their “blind side.” 🐈

6. When to Call Your Vet

Contact your vet if you see:

• Persistent swelling beyond 10 days ⚠️
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage (sign of infection)
• Ongoing bleeding or fluid seepage after postop week
• Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite

In rare cases, leftover eye tissue may continue producing fluids—requiring a second cleanup surgery.

7. Any Limitations for the Pet?

Peripheral vision: They lose vision on one side, so may bump into things or be startled unexpectedly. With gentle guidance, they adapt quickly.

In multi-pet households, monitor for any bullying or play imbalance temporarily.

If the remaining eye has an ongoing issue (like glaucoma or dry-eye), make sure to follow your vet’s care plan diligently. It’s the team effort that matters! 🙌

8. Cosmetic and Emotional Factors

Many owners are concerned about appearance. With proper post-op care and grooming, a single closed eyelid doesn’t look “weird”—especially on long-haired breeds where fur can be styled over the area. ❤️

Most pets don’t even seem to notice—they’re just glad the pain is gone.

9. Cost & Accessibility

Enucleation is widely available—even in general practice—so it's more affordable and urgent-care-friendly than specialist prosthetic surgeries. Cost varies by region—but expect anything from $800 to $2,500 depending on facility, anesthesia, follow-up, and meds.

If access to a veterinary ophthalmologist is limited in your area, enucleation remains a reliable and humane option.

10. Life After Enucleation

After full recovery:

• No noticeable pain;
• Normal activity and mobility;
• Adapting to depth/peripheral vision;
• Continued wellness care for your pet’s overall health.

Keep Vet’s Recommended Check-ups—especially for the remaining eye. And most importantly, offer reassurance and movement slow and steady during the adjustment phase.

✅ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Enucleation is often the kindest and safest solution for a pet with a blind, painful eye. It ends suffering swiftly and gives them a second chance at comfy, playful life. While it may seem drastic, it’s a loving, compassionate choice.

❤️ A one-eyed pet is still a whole-hearted companion—ready to love unconditionally. With proper care, they’ll thrive and keep your heart fuller than any pair of eyes ever could.

— Dr Duncan Houston, 2025 🐾