SMALL ANIMAL SERVICES AT THE AEC
The AEC sees regularly scheduled appointments daily throughout the week. These hours are listed on our home page. CERF examinations, Canine Eye Registry Foundation, for purebred dogs used for breeding, are scheduled regularly with discounts to breeders bringing in multiple dogs. In addition to these scheduled appointments of new clients and rechecks of established clients, emergencies are seen daily through referrals from our referring veterinarian base. A referral is not necessary for an appointment at the AEC but is best in regards to continuation of care with the regular attending veterinarian.
The basics of an ophthalmic examination include indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy. These are the tools of an ophthalmologist that are not generally available to a general practitioner. These instruments provide illumination and magnification of the ocular structures to detect any abnormalities intra or extraocularly. Based on these preliminary tests, further special diagnostic tests may be deemed necessary to provide a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Examples of these advanced diagnostics include biopsy, cytology, electroretinography, fluorescein stain , gonioscopy, Schirmer tear test, tonometry and ocular ultrasonography. The instrument that performs electroretinography was developed at the AEC by W. Eppler. The Retinographics machine is now used in veterinary ophthalmologists clinics and veterinary schools world wide. For more information on this important instrument, visit the web site at www. retinographics.com. All of the tests listed above are present in house as is our CT scan and MRI unit ,having proven most useful in ophthalmology in the diagnosis of retrobulbar problems.
The most advanced surgical instrumentation is available at the AEC. Cryosurgery, laser surgery, phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation are routinely performed. We take the responsibility of anesthetizing our patients very seriously. We have the most modern equipment to deliver and monitor anesthesia as well as the latest, safest, anesthetic drugs available to veterinary medicine. New products are reviewed by our staff as they are released to offer the safest anesthesia possible. Also of concern to us is the prevention and elimination of pain in our patients. Pain management is integral in our treatment of every case.
Most of our surgeries are planned as outpatient procedures for the convenience of the owners and comfort of our patients. Patients requiring overnight stays or intensive medication protocols are treated by our 24 hour ICU staff. If eye medication is needed hourly throughout the night, our staff is here for that treatment. Owner visits with their pets are easy to arrange during prolonged hospitalization.
click here to return to AEC home page