Many eye disorders are common in pets, which can cause redness, too much tearing, and discomfort. Your pet’s cornea or other ocular structures could be damaged if the underlying cause isn’t detected and treated quickly. Squinting, tearing, irritation or pain in the eyes are signs of one of the following prevalent eye disorders in pets.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also referred to as “pink eye,” is a type of infection that causes swelling, redness, and a sticky discharge from the eye. The mucus membranes inside your pet’s eyes are called the conjunctiva, and they are concealed on both sides of the eye. When these membranes are exposed to natural pressures, they are easily infected. Pink eye is a reaction caused by numerous factors, like:
- A bacterial or viral infection
- Allergic reaction
- Dirt that gets into the eye
When there is a foreign object or an allergy, a simple sterile eye wash is normally needed to get rid of the symptoms. On the other hand, bacterial and viral infections need prescription antibiotics that a veterinarian or an ophthalmologist can only give.
Vaccinating your pet against infectious ailments like feline herpesvirus or canine adenovirus can also protect them from conjunctivitis. Visit veterinary facilities like Harbor Animal Hospital to learn more about how vaccinations can help keep pets from getting eye problems like conjunctivitis.
Corneal Wounds
The cornea is a transparent, skin-like tissue that covers the eye’s surface and can be easily damaged. Trauma, poor tear production, or abnormal ocular anatomy can cause corneal ulcers and other wounds, and the affected eye can be red, swollen, and overly draining. Your pet will rub or squint the infected eye in pain. Treatments for this problem include:
- Using antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate or cure infections
- Managing pain with medications like atropine
- Giving the cornea time to heal
In extreme situations, the cornea may need surgical intervention or other advanced treatment solutions to protect or address it and speed up the healing recovery. Some vaccinations, like the one for canine distemper, can also help in the prevention of corneal ulcers by boosting your pet’s immune system.
Glaucoma
When fluid production in the eye ends up being unbalanced, pressure builds up, causing glaucoma, a disease typically seen in pet dogs. These are some of the symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Excessive tears
- Dilated pupils
- Bulging eyes
- A cloudy look in the eyes
Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve if left without treatment. While medications can help, a surgical procedure performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist is usually the most reliable solution for minimizing the disease’s potential damage.
Cherry Eye
The cherry eye is one of the most prevalent ocular conditions in animals. While human beings have two eyelids, dogs and cats have three. The inner corner of the eye is the location of the third, typically concealed eyelid. In some pets, the eyelid ligaments that hold the gland that produces tears in place become weak.
When these ligaments become loose, the gland pops out of its position, resembling a red cherry stuck in the corner of the eye. To permanently treat this problem, you must take your pet to the veterinarian for a pet surgery operation to make a deeper pocket where the gland can sit.
Conclusion
While you can’t always prevent an eye issue, there are measures you can take to always keep your pet’s eyes healthy and free of injury. Bring them to your vet regularly for wellness care, vaccinate them, and keep their toenails short so they do not hurt themselves by scratching.
You can also keep the hair around their eyes short and carefully clean their eyes when they’re taking a bath. Whatever eye problem your pet may be experiencing, consult your veterinarian if you have any queries or concerns about your pet’s eye health.
