Our vets know you work hard to protect and care for your dog. Nonetheless, eye injuries can happen. Here, we discuss common types of eye injuries in dogs as well as the causes, symptoms, and what to do if your dog has an eye injury.
Developing Eye Problems & What To Do
Dog eye injuries often begin as a minor annoyance but can rapidly escalate into more severe and painful infections. It's important to note that even a seemingly small injury to the eye can have long-lasting effects, such as permanent scarring or even complete loss of vision, if not treated appropriately and promptly.
If your canine companion begins to display any of the symptoms listed below contact your vet right away to book an eye examination. Your veterinarian will examine your pup's sore eye to determine the cause and severity of your dog's eye injury and provide treatment or a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area for advanced care.
Common Eye Injuries Seen in Dogs
Eye injuries can occur at any time and can range in severity from mild to injuries that put your dog's sight at risk. If you search the internet for 'dog eye injury pictures' you will find images of pups suffering from many of the following injuries:
Eyelid trauma
A corneal ulcer caused by chemicals, debris or rubbing
A corneal laceration (a cut or scratch on the eyeball)
Proptosis (eye pops out of its socket)
A puncture wound resulting from a foreign object
Causes of Dog Eye Injuries
Needless to say, there are countless ways that dog eye injuries can happen including:
Riding in a vehicle with head out the window
Cuts and scratches caused by tree branches
Dog rubbing at the eye
Fights with other animals
Abnormal growth of eyelashes
Dangerous projectiles such as fireworks
Signs of Eye Injuries in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing an eye injury it will be both painful and irritating. To prevent your dog's eye injury from becoming more severe it is important to take your dog to the vet if you notice any of the following symptoms:
General discomfort
Twitching or spasming of the eyelid
Squinting
Blinking rapidly
Unable to open eye
Tearing, runny eyes
Bloodshot eyes
Pawing at eye/face
Cloudiness or discharge
Inability to close eye properly
Diagnosing Dog Eye Injuries
To assist your vet in identifying the cause of your dog's eye discomfort, it's helpful to provide them with specific details. Inform your vet about when your dog's symptoms first appeared, any changes in their condition (improvement or worsening), and the circumstances surrounding the possible injury.
If your vet doesn't immediately detect a foreign object in your dog's eye, they will perform an ocular examination to assess for any deeper injuries, irritations, or bruising caused by trauma. In certain instances, your vet may recommend a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for advanced diagnostic tests and specialized treatment.
Dog Eye Injury Treatment
The severity of your dog's eye injury and whether or not it is infected will dictate the best treatment. A simple injury may be treated with an e-collar to prevent your dog from rubbing the injured eye, and prescription antibiotics or drops. In some cases, if your dog is suffering from a severe eye issue, surgery may be required in order to repair your dog's eye and preserve your pet's eyesight.
When more advanced eye care is called for, your vet may refer your pup to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist for specialist diagnosis and treatment.
Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Is your dog's eye cloudy after injury, or showing other signs of trauma or infection? Contact our experienced vets in Cordova to book an examination for your pup.
