Helen Woodward Animal Center first met Kevin, a two-year-old Papillon blend, in early August 2024. He arrived from one of our rescue partners in Central California with a prolapsed third eyelid, commonly known as a cherry eye. While typically not painful, untreated cherry eye can become swollen and infected, requiring medical intervention.
Our medical team brought Kevin in for what they expected to be a routine procedure to replace the third eyelid gland. The surgery went smoothly, and everything appeared to be on track for his recovery. However, a few hours later, the team noticed Kevin appeared uncomfortable, repeatedly scratching at his eye. Concerned, our veterinarian, Dr. Alexis Siler, took a closer look and discovered that Kevin had developed a corneal ulcer.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the eye’s surface, causing significant pain, irritation, and even the risk of blindness. In severe cases, eye removal becomes necessary. The clock was ticking, our team had to find a treatment that would save Kevin’s eye before the damage became irreversible.
A Cutting-Edge Approach to Healing
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our donors, Helen Woodward Animal Center has access to advanced medical treatments that provide animals with pain-free, high-quality care.
The first step in Kevin’s recovery was pain management. “Pain management is so important in cases like Kevin’s,” said Dr. Alexis Siler, the Adoptions Center Medical Director. “Making them comfortable is the first step in their treatment.”
Alongside pain medication, the team administered topical antibiotics to combat any potential bacterial infection. But Kevin’s recovery needed something more, it needed an innovative treatment that would maximize his chances of healing.
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, our veterinary technicians took a sample of Kevin’s blood and processed it through a centrifuge. This high-speed machine separated the blood cells from a powerful healing component called “serum.” When applied as eye drops, this serum stimulates healing and prevents further complications.
For several weeks, Kevin received a tailored medical regimen of pain medication, antibiotics, and serum eye drops. Day by day, his condition improved. By mid-September, Dr. Siler confirmed the ulcer had completely healed, leaving only a faint scar as a reminder of his journey.
A Bright Future Thanks to You
With his vision intact and his health restored, Kevin made his adoption floor debut at the end of September. It didn’t take long for someone to fall in love and he found his forever home the very next day.
Kevin’s story is one of resilience, expert medical care, and the power of generosity. Thanks to donors like you, animals with complex medical needs receive the treatment they deserve, ensuring they have a second chance at a happy, healthy life.
