Eye disorders in dogs are rather prevalent. While some of them are minor and may be treated at home, others can be extremely serious and endanger your dog’s vision.
Wendy Hauser, veterinarian, said in her article, “Top Eye Problems for Dogs,” the following are the top eye problems a dog can have:
- Corneal damage
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Eyelid mass
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Cherry eye
- Entropion
Corneal Damage
A corneal damage is a scrape or lesion to the transparent area of a dog’s eye, the cornea, says Hauser. The front of the eye of a dog with corneal damage will be cloudy. Green, yellow, or clear discharge is possible.
Corneal damage in dogs can be caused by an injury or infection, or they can be caused by corneal inflammation induced by chronic dry eye. Dogs with “buggy” eyes, such as brachycephalic breeds, are particularly vulnerable to this.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or “Dry Eye”
Hauser tells us that dry eyes are caused by either a reduction in tear production or an increase in exposure.
Because brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs such as Pugs and Boston Terriers do not close their eyes fully, exposure-related dry eye is prevalent among them.
Tear production is often reduced owing to tear gland loss caused by an inflammatory illness or a nerve issue.
Dog-formulated eye lubricants aid to retain moisture, and particular dog eye ointments are used to prevent tear gland damage, which enhances tear output. To avoid major eye damage, lifelong care is required.
Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva of a dog, which is the moist mucosal tissue around the eye and beneath the eyelid, says Hauser.
Redness, irritation, and sticky eye discharge are all common symptoms. Your dog will require an antibiotic eye medication to help clean it out, so take him to the vet for the said treatment.
Eyelid Mass
Eyelid tumors are fairly prevalent in dogs of all ages, from middle-aged to old.
Meibomian cysts, which are benign tumors along the edge of the eyelid, are normally not an issue unless they are large enough to rub on the surface of the eye. If the cyst gets irritated or large enough to harm the dog’s eye, it must be removed surgically, says Hauser.
Malignant tumors on the eyelid, such as mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, must be surgically removed.
Cataracts
Cataracts can be hereditary or induced by other medical conditions. Diabetes is one cause of cataracts because extra glucose causes the lens to enlarge. Uveitis, or serious inflammation of the eye, can result from a ruptured lens. If you discover evidence of cataracts in your dog’s eyes, Hauser says owner must contact the veterinarian.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma in dogs is characterized by increasing intraocular pressure. Normally, fluid moves in and out of the eye to keep pressure constant. With glaucoma, either too much fluid enters the eye or there is a drainage issue, resulting in increased pressure, says Hauser.
Eye discomfort or redness, as well as visible capillaries on the whites of the eyes, are early indicators of glaucoma in dogs. As the condition worsens, a dog’s eye might swell and become uncomfortable, and the cornea can become opaque due to stretching.
Early glaucoma is treated with medicine that reduces fluid production in the eye and allows for improved outflow of fluid, lowering pressure.
If the medicine does not reduce the eye pressure and pain, your veterinarian may prescribe eye removal, commonly known as enucleation. This may seem drastic, but dogs may still live a full life without the damaged eye.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is caused by the protrusion (displacement) of the tear gland on the third eyelid of a dog. It is particularly common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like English Bulldogs, Beagles, and Pugs, as well as huge dog breeds with droopy eyelids like Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands, although it can affect any dog.
The tear gland in the dog’s third eyelid becomes inflamed and bloated, generating a ball of pink tissue that clogs the interior of their eye, says Hauser.
When the cherry eye in dogs is mild, an anti-inflammatory eye solution might occasionally induce the tear gland to reposition itself. However, surgery is usually necessary to replace the tear gland beneath the third eyelid. Unfortunately, the cherry eye might reappear after surgery.
Entropion
According to Hauser, entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. Chow Chows, English Bulldogs, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Shar-Pei, Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the most often afflicted breeds.
Mild entropion may not be a concern, but if the hair surrounding a dog’s eyes or their eyelid rubs against the surface of their eye, it can cause irritation, damage, and infection. It can cause irreversible corneal damage in chronic situations, resulting in visual loss. Surgery can correct entropion in dogs.
Proper care for your dog’s eyes
Prevention is always the key to good health. Proper nutrition, good grooming, and training of good habits for your dog will help ensure good eye health.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She has been a solo parent for 16 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
