If you notice a problem in your dog’s eyes, it is important to take your pet to the vet for an examination. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the problem and prescribe medication. They can also give you instructions on cleaning the area around the eye. Since the eye is such a soft surface, it is easy for it to become injured. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term pain and damage, and in some cases, loss of sight.
Entropion
Dogs that suffer from entropion typically sit with their eyes closed. It can be a painful condition and a veterinarian may recommend topical treatments and pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort. In some cases, surgery is necessary. If your dog suffers from entropion, you should bring it to the vet as soon as possible. Even minor eye problems need treatment and follow-up.
Entropion can affect any breed, but some dogs are more prone to the condition than others. This may have to do with their facial structure, overall body size, or genetic line. Even if the condition is not hereditary, it is possible to develop it from a dog’s blood type or parentage.
If the problem is severe enough, your vet may recommend surgery to correct the entropion. This procedure is relatively simple and has a high success rate. Your veterinarian will remove excess skin from the eyelid to reduce the inward folding. The surgery will take about 10-14 days, and your dog should fully recover.
This condition usually affects the lower eyelids, although it can also affect the upper eyelid. While mild entropion does not cause discomfort, more advanced cases can result in corneal scarring and changes in the eye’s color. It can be difficult to recognize, which is why your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough examination.
Entropion is a common eye condition in dogs and can be corrected surgically. This procedure requires a specialized veterinarian with experience in treating this problem. While this procedure can help alleviate the discomfort, it is important to remember that overcorrecting the condition can lead to more complications, including corneal irritation and infection. Your vet may recommend additional procedures or lifelong protective eye medications to correct this condition.
Corneal ulcers
Corneal ulcers are common eye problems affecting dogs. Proper diagnosis and treatment can save your dog’s eye. While the epithelium of the cornea is typically highly capable of regenerating, this does not happen in all cases. Simple ulcers, or superficial abrasions, should heal within a couple of days, but complicated ulcers may require more aggressive medical treatment, including oral antibiotics and pain medication. Your veterinarian should perform frequent examinations to monitor your dog’s condition.
The symptoms of corneal ulcers include rubbing of the eye, cloudy eyes, decreased appetite and lethargy. In severe cases, the eye may need surgery. The underlying cause may include entropion or an underlying ailment. If your dog develops corneal ulcers, the most immediate treatment is to treat the underlying cause and remove the foreign body.
Corneal ulcers are extremely painful for your pet, and he or she may squint or paw at the eye in an attempt to relieve the pain. The white portion of the eye may look cloudy and the cornea may appear red. The cornea may also discharge a green, yellowish mucus. While corneal ulcers are usually not visible to the naked eye, veterinarians can detect them using a special dye called fluorescein. Fluorescein adheres to the ulcers and produces green fluorescence.
Fortunately, the majority of cases of corneal ulcers in dogs will heal without the need for surgery. However, if your dog suffers from a more complicated ulcer, you may need to visit a veterinarian for additional treatment options. A veterinary ophthalmologist will perform keratotomy surgery in your dog.
Indolent corneal ulcers, which are more serious than superficial ones, are caused by trauma to the eye. They usually affect older dogs and can take months to heal. Boxers are particularly susceptible to developing these conditions. If left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent further damage and restore your dog’s vision.
Corneal ulcers are painful and cause discharge. Your dog may try to rub the affected eye and may even keep his or her eyelids closed to protect it from the infection.
Glaucoma
If you have noticed changes in your pet’s vision, it may be time to visit your veterinarian to check for glaucoma. Depending on the severity of the disease, your veterinarian may recommend surgery or medication to reduce the pressure within the eye. However, some cases may require the eye to be removed entirely.
Luckily, pet insurance may cover the cost of your pet’s glaucoma treatment. It can also cover some cosmetic procedures such as spay/neuter surgery. Getting your dog checked for glaucoma is not a cheap proposition, but it will provide you with peace of mind. Glaucoma can lead to a lifetime of vision loss if left untreated.
Glaucoma can be genetic or acquired, but both are often caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP). This increases the amount of fluid in the eye, which damages the retina and optic nerve. The retina is the innermost layer of the eyeball and contains light-sensitive cells. This tissue transforms images into nerve signals for the brain. The optic nerve is responsible for transferring the signals from the retina to the brain. The disease can be accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain, droopy eyelids, and watery discharge.
Treatment for glaucoma depends on the severity of the condition and underlying health issues. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications that reduce the pressure in the eye and help preserve the animal’s sight. The prescription medications may be temporary, or your vet may recommend other treatment options. Sometimes surgery may be necessary.
Early detection is critical for treatment. Your veterinarian will take a complete medical history and perform an ophthalmic examination. If glaucoma is suspected, your veterinarian will use special instruments to measure the IOP in the eye. Early treatment can prevent damage to the optic nerve.
Treatment options for glaucoma in dogs vary. A combination of medications and surgery can help preserve your dog’s vision.
Epiphora
Dogs that suffer from epiphora often have red or bloodshot eyes and a continuous discharge of mucus. There may be incessant itching, too. Reddish-brown tear stains may streak from the eyes to the snout. A veterinarian can diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Dog owners can help prevent epiphora by becoming educated about the condition. They should also keep a constant check on their dog so that they can identify subtle changes early. They should visit their vet regularly to monitor any changes in the dog’s vision. While it may be difficult to prevent the condition from forming, if detected early, it can be treated successfully.
Treatment for epiphora is usually non-surgical. The affected eyelid area should be cleaned and dried regularly. Veterinary treatments can include topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications to decrease the irritation. However, if the condition is severe, you must see a veterinarian immediately.
This condition can be a sign of other eye problems. Inflammation of the eyelid tissues, also called conjunctivitis, can be caused by upper respiratory tract infections, irritants, and allergies. Symptoms of this condition can be similar to the signs of conjunctivitis in humans, such as a yellow discharge from the eye. Other symptoms associated with epiphora include hair below the eyes that appears stained or smelly.
Dogs with epiphora often have watery discharge from their eyes. In severe cases, the tears may overfill their eyes and cause the fur around their eyes to be wet and droopy. In addition, their fur may appear reddish brown due to a buildup of pigment called porphyrins. This condition is often very difficult to treat.
