Dealing with Eye Problems in Your Dog

Features Editor: Ravi Teja Mandapaka

 

Eye issues can affect dogs, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, discharge, and even vision impairment. These problems are common in canines and should be addressed promptly to prevent lasting damage. Here's what you need to know about dog eye problems, their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

 

Causes of Eye Problems in Dogs

Dogs have complex eyes with various structures that are vital for vision. Several factors can lead to eye problems, and some of the common issues include:

  • Cataracts
  • Cherry Eye
  • Cloudiness
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal Ulcers and other injuries
  • Glaucoma
  • Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS)
  • Excessive tearing/eye discharge

These problems may result from injuries, hereditary factors, specific breeds' predispositions, infections, allergies, or secondary to other underlying health conditions. In some cases, the cause may remain unknown.

 

Diagnosing Canine Eye Problems

 

If you notice any signs of an eye problem in your dog, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly, as untreated eye issues can progress rapidly, leading to pain, blindness, or even eye loss.

 

During your vet visit, they will review your dog's history and perform an extensive eye examination, checking vision and eye reflexes and looking for abnormalities. This examination involves inspecting the eyelids, the eye's surface, and its internal structures. Specialized tools like an ophthalmoscope may assess the retina, optic nerve, vasculature, and vitreous humor. 

 

Based on the initial findings, your vet may recommend additional eye diagnostics and, in complex cases, refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Diagnostic tests can include:

  • Schirmer tear test to assess tear production
  • Fluorescein stain to detect corneal wounds
  • Tonometry for measuring intraocular pressure
  • Slit lamp biomicroscopy to evaluate the lens, aqueous humor, and detect cataracts
  • Ocular ultrasound for a detailed view inside the eye
  • Electroretinogram to measure the retina's electrical response to light

Treatment

The treatment for dog eye problems varies depending on the specific diagnosis. These conditions are often managed with one or more topical eye medications administered multiple times daily. It's crucial to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully when giving these medications, with intervals of five minutes between drops and 20 minutes between ointments. Never start or stop medications without consulting your vet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog's condition isn't improving or worsens.

 

Surgical intervention is necessary for many eye problems. While some issues may temporarily respond to topical treatments, they often require surgical repair in the long run. Conditions like cataracts and cherry eye can only be addressed through surgery.

For severe eye issues, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can provide advanced treatment.

 

Preventing Eye Problems in Dogs

Maintaining your dog's overall health and promptly reporting any new eye issues to your vet is essential for prevention. Attend wellness exams as your veterinarian recommends, typically once or twice a year. Regular check-ups can help identify and address minor problems before they escalate into significant issues.

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About Author

Ravi Teja Mandapaka is a multifaceted scholar, poet, and passionate advocate for animals. From English literature to agricultural sciences, from field hockey to music and the arts, Ravi's diverse interests converge in his unwavering commitment to animal welfare. He believes in a journey where compassion meets creativity, and academia blends with advocacy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimandapaka/

@RaviTMandapaka [aka Twitter]