Ophthalmic Emergencies in Dogs

Course overview

This program will provide foundational, clinically relevant information regarding commonly encountered ophthalmic emergencies in dogs. It is designed to equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, assess, and manage these ophthalmic emergencies. Through a focused exploration of urgent conditions affecting the orbit, adnexa, cornea, and intraocular structures, participants will learn to rapidly identify sight-threatening problems and initiate appropriate interventions. Emphasis will be placed on conditions that are reasonable to manage in practice and when referral should be initiated, if available. The curriculum covers a wide range of critical topics, including orbital and adnexal emergencies such as proptosis and eyelid trauma, corneal ulcers and perforations, acute glaucoma, anterior and posterior lens luxations, and the diagnostic approach to sudden blindness. By the end of the course, learners will be better prepared to stabilize patients, prioritize differential diagnoses, and make timely decisions that preserve comfort and vision. This program is ideal for primary care general practice and emergency veterinarians seeking to strengthen their emergency ophthalmology skills and improve outcomes for canine patients.