Infection

The eye and surrounding tissue can be infected by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Signs that the eye is infected is squinting, constant eye drainage, redness, or swelling.

Eye infections can result from contact with other animals, material in the eye, trauma, irritants, and eyelid issues.

Our team will perform an eye exam and recommend the testing and treatment needed. Most eye infections can be treated with prescription eye drops.

Allergies

Pollens, dusts, and irritants can cause the eye and eye tissue to become inflamed. Signs are similar to other eye conditions and result in redness, discharge, excessive tearing, pawing the face, and swelling. Seasonal flare-ups are common and the eye may become irritated immediately after spending time outside.

Our vet will check the eye and surrounding tissue. Eye drops and allergy medications may be needed to help alleviate the discomfort.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers or scratches need urgent medical care. Deep lesions are considered an emergency. The cornea is the clear part of the eyeball and is prone to erosions, trauma, infection, and scratches. Signs of corneal damage are squinting, drainage, redness, cloudiness, and pain.

Not all corneal changes can be seen with the naked eye. Our vet will examine the cornea using a special exam and eye stain. Minor corneal lesions are treated with pain medication and eye drops. More severe cases may need referral to an ophthalmologist. Please bring your pet to see us if you notice any eye changes.

Pressure Changes

Changes in eye pressure are related to the fluid in the eye, underlying conditions, and breed. Any change in your pet’s eye appearance should be checked immediately.

High pressures or Glaucoma is very serious and can result in vision loss. Certain breeds including Boston Terriers and Poodles are more prone. The eye may appear blue, cloudy, or enlarged. There may be sudden vision change and pain.

Low pressures or Uveitis is from inflammation of the inner eye. This condition is serious and can be painful. Changes of the eye include redness , squinting, and changes in vision or behavior. The inflammation of the inner eye can be from trauma, infection, immune issues, or metabolic conditions.

Our vet can check eye pressures in clinic and screen prone breeds to help catch changes early.

Dry Eye

Imagine not having any tears to lubricate your eyeball every time you blink. It would probably feel like rubbing your skin with sandpaper. Unfortunately, dry eye results when the body doesn’t produce a normal tear film. Dry eye can be caused by infection, immune changes, neurologic conditions, genetics and certain medications. Certain breeds such as Spaniels, Pugs, and Terriers are more prone.

Signs of dry eye include redness, discharge, squinting, pain, and cloudiness of the eye. Corneal ulcers are common with dry eye since the eyelid rubs against the surface of the eye.

Tear tests are available in clinic to help diagnose and monitor your pet’s dry eye condition. Treatment and monitoring is usually life-long and involves stimulating the tear gland and providing eye lubrication.