Ophthalmology
Veterinary ophthalmologists specialize in managing ophthalmology-related conditions and general eye health for the eyes of dogs and cats from across Halifax, Dartmouth, and the surrounding areas.
Helping Cats & Dogs See Clearly
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, our opthalmology department is dedicated to your furry companion's overall health, with a special focus on eye care.
They will work very closely with our entire veterinary team, as well as your primary veterinarian, to help address and manage a variety of conditions that might damage your cat's or dog's eyes.
These disorders can range from minor issues that can be treated with minimal intervention, to more severe or complex conditions that need comprehensive medical care. Conditions affecting the eyes of your pet may cause discomfort and can affect their vision. When caught early, treatment can reduce pain and preserve your companion's eyesight.
We can diagnose and treat virtually any eye disease, including cataracts, infections, tumours, glaucoma, dry eye, uveitis, corneal ulcers, and more for dogs and cats in Halifax, Dartmouth, and beyond.
Our goal is to not only address and resolve the immediate concern but to also help maintain an optimal quality of life for your cat or dog going forward, helping them see clearly for the rest of their lives.
Our Veterinarian (Practice Limited to Diseases of the Animal Eye)
Dr. Danica Lucyshyn is a veterinarian and ophthalmology resident. She is currently completing her residency at Cornell University, after which she will be proudly joining our team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital to help manage the eye health of dogs and cats from across Halifax, Dartmouth, HRM, and across Atlantic Canada.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We aim to make your experience with our veterinary ophthalmologist a positive one. From the moment you arrive, our receptionist will help you get settled and answer any initial questions that you may have. They will also have you complete our new patient forms to help your appointment move along smoothly.
We ask that you please bring any medications your pet is taking (eye, oral) to the first appointment. Any recent blood tests or pertinent records should be faxed to us in advance of your visit allowing us time to review.
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Patient History & Diagnostics
Once you have arrived and completed the new patient forms, we will bring you and your companion into an examination room and obtain a thorough medical history for your cat or dog.
We will also perform any testing required to assist in diagnosing your companion's eye condition. Some of the initial diagnostic tests that we will perform on your pet include a Schirmer tear test, applanation tonometry, and vital staining.
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Comprehensive Exam & Additional Diagnostics
After diagnostics are complete, our team will perform a complete eye examination on your pet. This can include vision testing, slit lamp examination (biomicroscopy), and indirect ophthalmoscope, along with any other testing deemed necessary.
Our team will then discuss the results of these tests with you, including the current ocular condition and make therapeutic and/or further diagnostic recommendations for your cat or dog.
Other diagnostic techniques that may be performed include gonioscopy, nasolacrimal flushing, harvesting of corneal and conjunctival cells, cytology, aqueocentesis, ocular ultrasound, electroretinography, genetic testing for inherited eye disease, and blood pressure measurement.
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Discharge & Next Steps
Once your pet's ophthalmology appointment is complete, you will receive detailed discharge information containing a diagnosis, instructions for medical therapy, and a description of the current ocular condition.
Dr. Lucyshyn will also send your primary care veterinarian a referral letter to inform them of their findings. We are committed to collaborative care and will work together with your primary veterinarian to provide your companion with the best care possible.
Symptoms of Eye Conditions
Knowing the signs can help keep your pet happy and healthy, and help maintain their vision and quality of life for years to come.
If your cat or dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms indicating an eye condition, your primary veterinarian can contact us for an appointment with our trained veterinary ophthalmology department.
- Discharge
- Squinting
- Tearing / Tear-Stained Fur
- Swelling
- Vision Loss (sudden)
- Cloudiness
- Eye Rubbing
- Change in Eye Colour
- Red Eye
- Vision Loss (gradual)
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our specialists are pleased to accept new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians. Our emergency service welcomes all clients – 24/7/365.