Understanding Dog Eye Care and Treatments
What are some signs that my dog might have an eye disease?
If your pet is suffering from any type of eye condition, the most common signs you'll see are redness where the white parts of the eye normally are, and any type of discharge, whether it's clear or mucous-like. They might squint or rub at their eye. Any of these signs suggests they need to be checked out.
What causes eye infections and diseases in dogs?
That really depends on the underlying cause. One of the most common issues we see is eye trauma, such as something hitting or scratching their eye. Allergies can cause inflammation, and different metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus can induce cataracts. Some eye conditions are genetic. There are many possible causes.
What are the most common dog eye care issues you address in the clinic?
The most common issues I see are corneal abrasions, where your pet scratches the surface of their eye. We treat this with an eye ointment, pain medications, and most importantly, a cone so they can't cause further damage.
We often see dry eye and uveitis, which is an inflammation of part of the eye. These are fairly common, along with typical age-related changes like lenticular sclerosis and cataracts.
What eye problems in dogs are considered emergencies and need immediate medical attention?
If there's any sudden change in your dog's eye condition, it should be seen sooner rather than later. Many conditions can look similar initially, and it's hard to tell from home, but eye issues can worsen quickly if not addressed. It's even more urgent if there's a foreign body in the eye or if the eye appears to be bulging. Any change in the eye should be checked.
Are certain dog breeds at a higher risk for eye issues?
Yes, some breeds are more prone to certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma and dry eye. It can be breed-specific to a certain degree.
How do veterinarians treat a dog's eye injury?
Treatment depends on the injury. If there's a foreign body, it may just need to be flushed out and protected for a few days. For more significant injuries, the eye might even need to be removed. It really depends on the severity of the injury.
Will my dog need to see a specialist for an eye injury?
They may. It depends on what's going on and how your pet responds to initial treatment.
Is there anything I can use to protect my dog's eyes?
If your dog is having an eye issue, one of the first things we'll recommend is putting a cone on them to prevent scratching and worsening the condition.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, we’d love to hear from you. Call (704) 318-2228 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your pet.