What is Enucleation?
Enucleation, commonly called cat eye removal, is a surgical procedure involving obliterating the eye. This surgery is typically recommended when an eye is severely damaged, infected, or diseased beyond repair, causing pain or posing a risk to the cat's overall health.
Enucleation in Cats
Finding out that your cat needs an eye removed can invoke many emotions, including shock, alarm, sadness, and concern for your cat's health during surgery and recovery.
A veterinary ophthalmologist or ocular specialist performs enucleation, a procedure to remove a cat's eye surgically.
Your veterinarian may recommend this permanent and irreversible solution if:
- Your cat's eye is badly or irreparably damaged
- Your cat's eye pain is unmanageable
- Your cat has an untreatable eye condition or tumor
There are two types of enucleation surgery: transconjunctival and transpalpebral. The transconjunctival approach reduces orbital tissue loss and subsequent orbital sinking. There is less risk of hemorrhaging, and the overall procedure time is faster.
Your veterinary ophthalmologist may opt for the transpalpebral approach if the eye is damaged beyond repair. During this surgery, the entire eye globe is removed, including the elements of the conjunctival sac (eyelids, conjunctiva, and nictitating membrane).
Sometimes, a veterinary ophthalmologist may be able to replace the inner contents of the eye with a prosthesis, which creates a more natural-looking eye. However, this is not appropriate for eyes with tumors or infections.
Cat Eye Removal Surgery: Procedure & Cost
The hospital staff will take your cat's vital signs before administering pre-anesthetic drugs. Once sedation is achieved, general anesthesia will be started. The staff will then shave the fur around the affected eye and trim the upper eyelashes with fine scissors before using tape to remove fine hair from the skin.
The surgery will be completed depending on the surgical approach you and your veterinary ophthalmologist choose based on your cat's eye condition and needs. The eyeball and eyelids will be carefully removed and their wounds stitched.
Stitches are used to close wounds. Some stitches are made of absorbable, invisible material and will not have to be removed because they gradually dissolve. Stitches are often non-absorbable and visible on the skin's surface. Your vet can discuss which kind of stitches were used and provide instructions on when to return to have them removed.
Once the surgery is complete, the empty eye socket will be covered by skin. While the eye may remain swollen for a week, the scar should hardly be visible once the fur grows back.
The cost of your cat's enucleation surgery will depend on many factors, including its pre-operative and post-operative care needs. Ask your vet for a specific, detailed cost estimate of the procedure.
Cat Eye Enucleation: Potential Complications
If an infection occurs, the eye area will remain swollen for an extended period, longer than it normally takes to heal, and you may notice pus draining from the incision. In this case, the infection would require drainage and antibiotics. If you notice these symptoms and suspect your cat may have a post-surgical infection, check in with your vet as soon as possible.
When veterinary ophthalmologists remove a cat's eyes due to severe damage, they sometimes have difficulty removing the eye in one piece. A small fragment of the rear eye membranes may remain. If enough of this tissue is left, fluid secretion may continue to ooze from the incision. If this is excessive, a second surgery may be required to thoroughly clean the cat's eye socket.
Recovery After Cat Eye Removal Surgery
The recovery period after cat eye removal surgery varies, but most cats recover within two to three weeks. During this time, it's essential to follow the veterinarian's post-operative care instructions, which may include:
- Administering prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers.
- Keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
- Preventing the cat from scratching or rubbing the area by using an Elizabethan collar (e-collar).
- Limiting the cat's physical activity to prevent strain on the surgical site.
Possible Complications
While enucleation is generally safe, there are potential complications that cat owners should be aware of:
- The surgical site can become infected if not properly cared for.
- Excessive bleeding during or after surgery, though rare, can occur.
- Mild swelling and bruising around the surgical site are joint but should subside within a few days.
- Some cats may exhibit changes in behavior as they adjust to the loss of an eye.
- Phantom Eye Syndrome can be rare but occurs when a cat acts as if the removed eye is still present by grooming it.
What happens when a cat loses an eye?
Cats are remarkably resilient and can adapt well to losing an eye. They rely heavily on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to navigate their environment.
After recovery, most cats lead an everyday, healthy life with little to no impact on their daily activities or quality of life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.