Eye diseases in dogs are common and can result in anything from mild irritation to complete blindness and loss of the eye. Three of the most commonly seen dog eye problems are corneal abrasions, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and glaucoma.
The cornea is the see-through outer lining of the eye. It provides a shield and protects the internal components of the eye from foreign bodies and infection, but is itself susceptible to several problems. On occasion, a dog will incur damage to the cornea by getting a scratch on it, either during play with another animal or from a foreign object encountered while hunting or rooting around. Corneal abrasions are agonising and cause the dog to squint and paw at the eye in question, which is often watery and redder than usual. Brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boston terriers are most at risk for 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 will attach itself to the abrasion. Treatment of corneal abrasions depends upon the severity of the wound, irrespective of whether it appears infected. For mild, less significant scratches treatment may consist of a low level pain medicine sometimes coupled with an antibiotic. For deep or infected scratches a wide range of treatments, such as surgical grafts, may be unavoidable 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 very serious eye illness in dogs is glaucoma, which is increased pressure in the globe of the eye. Glaucoma can occur for numerous reasons, and usually causes a red, uncomfortable, enlarged eye. Sudden onset of glaucoma is a medical emergency in dogs because if it is not treated right away it may cause permanent blindness and forced removal of the eye.
If your dog shows any sign of discomfort in the eye, like squinting, watering, or pawing at the eye, or if your dog's eye appears enlarged, red, or has a mucous discharge you need to arrange an appointment with your vet at once. Only a vet has the knowledge to diagnose the issue, and putting off treatment could cause a dreadful outcome, such as permanent blindness or forced removal of.
The cornea is the see-through outer lining of the eye. It provides a shield and protects the internal components of the eye from foreign bodies and infection, but is itself susceptible to several problems. On occasion, a dog will incur damage to the cornea by getting a scratch on it, either during play with another animal or from a foreign object encountered while hunting or rooting around. Corneal abrasions are agonising and cause the dog to squint and paw at the eye in question, which is often watery and redder than usual. Brachycephalic dogs like pugs and Boston terriers are most at risk for 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 will attach itself to the abrasion. Treatment of corneal abrasions depends upon the severity of the wound, irrespective of whether it appears infected. For mild, less significant scratches treatment may consist of a low level pain medicine sometimes coupled with an antibiotic. For deep or infected scratches a wide range of treatments, such as surgical grafts, may be unavoidable 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 very serious eye illness in dogs is glaucoma, which is increased pressure in the globe of the eye. Glaucoma can occur for numerous reasons, and usually causes a red, uncomfortable, enlarged eye. Sudden onset of glaucoma is a medical emergency in dogs because if it is not treated right away it may cause permanent blindness and forced removal of the eye.
If your dog shows any sign of discomfort in the eye, like squinting, watering, or pawing at the eye, or if your dog's eye appears enlarged, red, or has a mucous discharge you need to arrange an appointment with your vet at once. Only a vet has the knowledge to diagnose the issue, and putting off treatment could cause a dreadful outcome, such as permanent blindness or forced 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment