Dogs, just like humans, are subject to a wide variety of eye diseases that range in seriousness from minor conjunctivitis to ocular tumors. Understanding the difference between a normal and a sick dog eye is important so you can recognise issues with your dogs eyes before they become even more severe and get the proper treatment when necessary.
There are several illnesses or conditions that could affect the external eye, which embodies the eyelids and conjunctiva, the cornea, and the sclera. Diseases of the external eye are commonplace, more so than those of the internal eye. Bacterial infections of the conjunctiva or cornea, called conjunctivitis and keratitis respectively, regularly cause inflammation and a thick, mucous discharge from the eye. Conjunctivitis will also cause distended eyelids and exaggerated redness on the inside of the eyelid. Traumatising injuries like corneal ulcerations or abrasions will most likely cause exaggerated watering of the eye and discomfort.
A dog with a painful eye will most likely squint and rub or paw at the concerned eye. Dry eye, a condition which causes the tear gland to malfunction and makes the eye unduly dry, causes an overabundance of thick, stringy mucous across the eye. Dry eye also over a period of time causes melanin pigment to be deposited in the cornea secondary to chronic inflammation. This black pigment can be exceedingly obvious in some dogs, and can eventually cover the entire cornea. Diseases of the external eye are generally fairly easy to diagnose through tests like a fluorescein stain, which diagnoses corneal ulcers, and a Schirmer tear test, which helps to disqualify dry eye. Treatment of external eye sicknesses is generally in the guise of topical drops or ointments.
Sicknesses of the internal eye are far less common, but frequently more severe and likelier to threaten vision and integrity of the eye than external eye illnesses. It is mostly far more difficult to recognise issues with the inside of the eye. Inflammation of the inner eye, which is known as uveitis, can happen secondary to a number of issues, and is often recognised due to an unnatural red tint to the iris or within the eye. Glaucoma, which is just an increased pressure within the eye, may also be secondary to numerous underlying causes. It is mostly noticed by the dog keeper when the eye becomes enlarged because of the excess pressure. Illnesses of the retina,eg atrophy or retinal detachment, are quite serious in that they threaten to render the dog permanently blind. Sadly, the 1st outward clinical sign of retinal illness is sometimes blindness or partial blindness.
Understanding the various signs of eye illnesses in dogs is important to all dog keepers so that if a difficulty ensues it can be addressed prior to it becoming harsh. If you happen to detect any indicators of external eye illness, eg watering, discharge, squinting, or pigment, or of internal eye illness, such as an enlarged eye, an abnormal hint to the iris or inner eye, or blindness, you need to seek vet care immediately.
There are several illnesses or conditions that could affect the external eye, which embodies the eyelids and conjunctiva, the cornea, and the sclera. Diseases of the external eye are commonplace, more so than those of the internal eye. Bacterial infections of the conjunctiva or cornea, called conjunctivitis and keratitis respectively, regularly cause inflammation and a thick, mucous discharge from the eye. Conjunctivitis will also cause distended eyelids and exaggerated redness on the inside of the eyelid. Traumatising injuries like corneal ulcerations or abrasions will most likely cause exaggerated watering of the eye and discomfort.
A dog with a painful eye will most likely squint and rub or paw at the concerned eye. Dry eye, a condition which causes the tear gland to malfunction and makes the eye unduly dry, causes an overabundance of thick, stringy mucous across the eye. Dry eye also over a period of time causes melanin pigment to be deposited in the cornea secondary to chronic inflammation. This black pigment can be exceedingly obvious in some dogs, and can eventually cover the entire cornea. Diseases of the external eye are generally fairly easy to diagnose through tests like a fluorescein stain, which diagnoses corneal ulcers, and a Schirmer tear test, which helps to disqualify dry eye. Treatment of external eye sicknesses is generally in the guise of topical drops or ointments.
Sicknesses of the internal eye are far less common, but frequently more severe and likelier to threaten vision and integrity of the eye than external eye illnesses. It is mostly far more difficult to recognise issues with the inside of the eye. Inflammation of the inner eye, which is known as uveitis, can happen secondary to a number of issues, and is often recognised due to an unnatural red tint to the iris or within the eye. Glaucoma, which is just an increased pressure within the eye, may also be secondary to numerous underlying causes. It is mostly noticed by the dog keeper when the eye becomes enlarged because of the excess pressure. Illnesses of the retina,eg atrophy or retinal detachment, are quite serious in that they threaten to render the dog permanently blind. Sadly, the 1st outward clinical sign of retinal illness is sometimes blindness or partial blindness.
Understanding the various signs of eye illnesses in dogs is important to all dog keepers so that if a difficulty ensues it can be addressed prior to it becoming harsh. If you happen to detect any indicators of external eye illness, eg watering, discharge, squinting, or pigment, or of internal eye illness, such as an enlarged eye, an abnormal hint to the iris or inner eye, or blindness, you need to seek vet care immediately.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the most active contributor to the Dog Health Guide, a leading source of information on dog diseases and conditions. She has written many articles on dog eyes. When not caring for the canine members of her family, Cathy can be discovered volunteering at a local shelter or talking for animal rights.
No comments:
Post a Comment