Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Dogs and Cats

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Whittington Veterinary Clinic

Restoring Comfort When the Eye Can No Longer Be Saved

While it may sound drastic, eye removal—or enucleation—is often the most compassionate choice when a pet is suffering from chronic eye pain, trauma, or severe disease. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we perform this procedure with skill, care, and a focus on improving your pet’s quality of life.

When Is Eye Removal Necessary?

Enucleation is recommended when the eye is severely damaged, painful, or poses a risk to your pet’s health. Common reasons include:

Severe trauma or rupture of the eyeball
Glaucoma that cannot be controlled with medication
Chronic eye infections unresponsive to treatment
Cancer of the eye or surrounding tissues
Advanced corneal ulcers
Eye deformities present from birth

If your pet’s eye is causing pain or no longer functions, removal is often the kindest and most effective option.

What to Expect from the Procedure

Eye removal is performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring and pain control. The procedure involves surgically removing the eye and closing the eyelids to protect the socket. Your pet will receive:

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
Pain management before, during, and after surgery
Antibiotics to prevent infection
E-collar to prevent rubbing the area post-op

Most pets go home the same day or the next morning with detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery and Life After Enucleation

Pets adapt incredibly well to the loss of one eye—many don’t miss a beat. Vision in the remaining eye typically compensates, and once the pain is gone, most pets become more active, playful, and relaxed.

Recovery includes:

Pain medications and antibiotics
Monitoring for swelling, discharge, or redness
A follow-up visit to assess healing
Lots of love and reassurance as your pet adjusts

The incision typically heals within 10–14 days, and most pets return to normal routines very quickly.

Will My Pet Look Different?

Yes—but only slightly. Once healed, the surgical site blends naturally with your pet’s face. In some cases, we can discuss options like a silicone orbital implant to maintain cosmetic appearance if desired.

What matters most is that your pet is finally free from pain—and that’s a beautiful thing.

Eye Removal (Enucleation) in Dogs and Cats