Eye illnesses in dogs are very common and may lead to anything from slight irritation to total blindness and forced removal of the eye. Some of the most frequently seen dog eye problems are corneal abrasions, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and glaucoma.
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. It gives a shield and protects the internal components of the eye from foreign bodies and infection, but is itself at the mercy of one or two problems. Sometimes a dog will scratch the cornea, either during play with another animal or from a foreign object encountered while outside. Corneal abrasions are very painful and cause the dog to squint and paw at the damaged eye, which is frequently watery and reddened. Brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boston terriers are most susceptible to corneal abrasions because their eyes are bigger and more vulnerable. Corneal abrasions are evaluated by applying a type of green stain called fluorescein to the eye, which should adhere to the abrasion. Treatment of corneal abrasions depends on the severity of the wound, whether or not it appears infected. For mild, shallow scratches treatment may consist of a mild pain medicine sometimes coupled with an antibiotic. For deep or infected abrasions a variety of treatments, such as surgical grafts, might be critical to save the eye from removal..
Another exceedingly common corneal affliction is a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye. KCS in dogs is a result of inadequate tear production, most often due to immune-mediated elimination of the tear gland. The condition is strongly hereditary, and is ordinarily seen in particular breeds, e.g the cocker spaniel, the shih tsu, and the West Highland white terrier. Without the standard tear film, the cornea dries out and becomes irritated and can develop a dark pigment from lingering discomfort. Dogs with dry eye will also generally have a surfeit of stringy mucous present over the eyes. If dry eye is thought to be a possibility, a veterinarian will perform a Schirmer tear test, which involves placing thin bits of paper into the dog's eyes for 1 minute and measuring the volume of tears that the paper absorbs from the eye. If your dog is diagnosed as having KCS, your vet will most likely prescribe a medication called cyclosporine for the eye, which is intended to help stimulate production of tears.
A less common but quite serious eye disease in dogs is glaucoma, which is simply increased pressure within the globe of the eye. Glaucoma can occur for many reasons, and sometimes leads to a reddened, painful, enlarged eye. Unexpected onset of glaucoma is an emergency in dogs because if it isn't treated at once it may result in permanent blindness and loss of the eye.
If your dog shows any sign of pain in the eye, e.g squinting, watering, or pawing at the eye, or if your dog's eye appears enlarged, red, or has a mucous discharge you should set up an appointment with your vet right away. Only a vet has the tools to diagnose the issue, and putting off treatment might cause an undesirable consequence, like permanent blindness or necessary removal of.
The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. It gives a shield and protects the internal components of the eye from foreign bodies and infection, but is itself at the mercy of one or two problems. Sometimes a dog will scratch the cornea, either during play with another animal or from a foreign object encountered while outside. Corneal abrasions are very painful and cause the dog to squint and paw at the damaged eye, which is frequently watery and reddened. Brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boston terriers are most susceptible to corneal abrasions because their eyes are bigger and more vulnerable. Corneal abrasions are evaluated by applying a type of green stain called fluorescein to the eye, which should adhere to the abrasion. Treatment of corneal abrasions depends on the severity of the wound, whether or not it appears infected. For mild, shallow scratches treatment may consist of a mild pain medicine sometimes coupled with an antibiotic. For deep or infected abrasions a variety of treatments, such as surgical grafts, might be critical to save the eye from removal..
Another exceedingly common corneal affliction is a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye. KCS in dogs is a result of inadequate tear production, most often due to immune-mediated elimination of the tear gland. The condition is strongly hereditary, and is ordinarily seen in particular breeds, e.g the cocker spaniel, the shih tsu, and the West Highland white terrier. Without the standard tear film, the cornea dries out and becomes irritated and can develop a dark pigment from lingering discomfort. Dogs with dry eye will also generally have a surfeit of stringy mucous present over the eyes. If dry eye is thought to be a possibility, a veterinarian will perform a Schirmer tear test, which involves placing thin bits of paper into the dog's eyes for 1 minute and measuring the volume of tears that the paper absorbs from the eye. If your dog is diagnosed as having KCS, your vet will most likely prescribe a medication called cyclosporine for the eye, which is intended to help stimulate production of tears.
A less common but quite serious eye disease in dogs is glaucoma, which is simply increased pressure within the globe of the eye. Glaucoma can occur for many reasons, and sometimes leads to a reddened, painful, enlarged eye. Unexpected onset of glaucoma is an emergency in dogs because if it isn't treated at once it may result in permanent blindness and loss of the eye.
If your dog shows any sign of pain in the eye, e.g squinting, watering, or pawing at the eye, or if your dog's eye appears enlarged, red, or has a mucous discharge you should set up an appointment with your vet right away. Only a vet has the tools to diagnose the issue, and putting off treatment might cause an undesirable consequence, like permanent blindness or necessary removal of.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins, in addition to being the publisher of the number one website on dog diseases and conditions, the Dog Health Guide, is a frequent contributor of articles on subjects like dog eye ailments. When not writing about dogs, Cathy can be found playing with her two Jack Russells and volunteering at a local pet shelter.
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