settlementcocaA wide variety of eye disorders are common in pets, and many of them can cause redness, too much tearing, and discomfort. Your pet’s cornea or other ocular structures could be harmed if the underlying source isn’t identified and treated quickly. Squinting, tearing, irritation, or pain in the eyes are signs of one of the following prevalent eye conditions in pets.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye,” is an infection that causes inflammation, 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 environmental forces, they are easily infected. Pink eye is a reaction caused by numerous factors, like:
- A bacterial or viral infection
- Allergy
- Dirt that gets into the eye
A simple sterile eye wash is normally required to eliminate the symptoms when there is a foreign object or an allergy. 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 provide protection to them from conjunctivitis.
Corneal Wounds
The cornea is a clear, skin-like tissue that covers the eye’s surface area and can be easily harmed. Injury, poor tear production, or abnormal ocular anatomy can lead to corneal ulcers and other wounds, and the affected eye can be red, swollen, and overly draining. Your pet will rub or squint the affected eye in pain. Treatment methods for this condition include:
- Using antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate or cure infections
- Managing pain with pain medications like atropine
- Giving the cornea time to heal
In extreme situations, the cornea may require surgical intervention or other advanced treatments to protect or address it and speed up the healing recovery. Some pet shots, like the one for canine distemper, can also aid in the prevention of corneal ulcers by boosting your pet’s immune system.
Glaucoma
When fluid production in the eye is out of balance, pressure builds up, causing glaucoma, a disease commonly 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 permanently damage the optic nerve if left without treatment. While medicines can help, a surgical procedure conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist is normally the most effective solution for minimizing the disease’s potential damage. To learn more info about glaucoma and the treatment choices available, talk to your vet if you think your pet may be suffering from it.
Cherry Eye
The cherry eye is one of the most prevalent eye problems 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, usually hidden eyelid. In some pets, the eyelid ligaments that hold the gland that produces tears in place become weak.
When these ligaments end up being loose, the gland pops out of its position, resembling a red cherry stuck in the eye’s inner corner. It is critical to get veterinary care right away if you think your companion has a cherry eye. Reliable vet clinics like Harbor Animal Hospital can diagnose the problem and provide care, which may involve surgery if necessary.
Conclusion
While you can’t always avoid an eye issue, there are measures you can take to 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 injure 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 condition your pet might be experiencing, consult your vet if you have any inquiries or concerns about your pet’s eye health.
