Should Dog With Red Eye Go To Specialist?

by Doug
(New York, NY)

Reader Question: Is It Time To Take My Dog For A Second Opinion?

My golden retriever is having Red Eye problem. Her right eye is Red while her left eye is normal. We started to notice her problem since June. I've taken her to vet nearly 7 times since June but I did not see any improvement. Her vet has given her gentamicin eye drops, antibiotic tablets, vetsporins and anti-inflammation tablets.

This time, her vet asked me to stop all the medicine and check for any changes. What should I do now? Should I bring her to another vet?

Veterinarian Answers Reader Question About Knowing When The Time Is Right For A Second Opinion

Hello,

It does sound like it is time for a second opinion. Your best option would be to see a veterinary ophthalmologist. These specialists are available at veterinary schools or in specialty, referral practices. Veterinary ophthalmologists have the training, experience, and tools needed to diagnose and treat eye problems in pets that are beyond the scope of what most “regular” veterinarians deal with on a day to day basis.

Seeing a specialist is a little more expensive than sticking with a general practitioner, but in the long run, you’ll save money by having a definitive diagnosis and targeted treatment plan.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM