Ophthalmology at South Paws

Southpaws is very pleased to announce that our new Ophthalmology service is up and running. This service is lead by Dr Allyson Groth and is fully equipped to examine and manage a wide range of ocular conditions in your dog, cat, exotic or pocket pet.

The ophthalmology service is fully equipped with the latest state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and is complemented by Southpaws’ on-site Computed Tomography (CT, “cat scan”) machine for imaging of retrobulbar tissues, as well as radiology, ultrasonography and laboratory capabilities.

Phaecoemulsification

Phaecoemulsification is a process used to remove a cataract affected lens from within the eye. It uses ultrasound frequency sound waves to break apart the lens while at the same time suctioning it from the eye.

At Southpaws we have a brand-new, top-of-the-line Alcon Infinity Phacoemulsification unit that enables cataract removal through a 3.2 mm incision in the side of the eye. Following removal of the affected lens, a new prosthetic lens is inserted through this same incision.

Operating microscope

Ophthalmic operations are often a very delicate requiring small, precision instruments and incredibly fine suture material. In order to perform these operations the surgeon uses an operating microscope. This allows the area to be magnified and ensures the best outcome possible for your pet.

At Southpaws we have invested in a brand-new Leica M220 F12 operating microscope, this allows incredible visualisation of the operating field, it has an integrated assistant viewing head and high definition image capture software.

Your veterinarian is more than welcome to come and observe your pets procedure from start to finish and will have an unimpeded view of all the action.

Clear View Optical Imaging System

The Clearview Optical Imaging System gives you and your referring veterinarian an
“ophthalmologist’s-eye view” of your pet’s eye! Capable of photographing all parts of the eye, this instrument provides you with the best understanding of your animal’s ocular disease, and optimizes collaboration within the health-care team. Enhanced monitoring capabilities enable more precise adjustment of therapy.

Tonometry

Glaucoma is a painful and vision-threatening ophthalmic disease characterized by an increased pressure inside the eye. The award-winning Reichert TONO-PEN AVIA VET tonometer is an easy-to-use, hand-held instrument that quickly and non-invasively measures your pet’s intraocular pressure.

TONO-PEN AVIA VET has a lightweight, ergonomic design and advanced electronic measurement technology that enables operators to take fast and accurate intraocular pressure readings.

Electroretinography (ERG)

Veterinary-specific AcriVet RetiPort electroretinography machine capable of performing pattern and multifocal ERGs, all from the convenience of a laptop computer.

Ophthalmic ultrasound

We have available 20 and 35 MHz ultrasound probes for detailed, non-invasive evaluation of the the entire eye.

Slit Lamp

The Kowa SL-15 hand-held slit lamp enables magnified examination of the eyes. It uses an extra-bright halogen lamp light source, allows the use of one of three slit widths or spot illumination and has 6 or 10X magnification. With this lamp even the most subtle abnomalities can be detected.

Indirect Opthalmoscope

The Keeler Vantage Plus Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope, together with condensing lenses, allows detailed and accurate examination of the retina and optic nerve. The ability for the examiner to use two eyes for examination provides optimum depth perception, while hands-free control makes the process quicker and less stressful for your pet.

This cutting-edge model features premium intelligent optics, is light weight and provides brighter images, uses unique wireless patented technology and is smaller and more compact in size.