It’s important to know what type of eye injury your dog may have. These are the 9 most commonly seen eye disorders in dogs.
- Conjunctivitis: One of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge.
Image credit: www.dogster.com - Dry Eye: Low tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge.
Image credit: www.cinqueportsvets.co.uk - Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland will form a cherry-like mass on your dog’s eye.
Image credit: www.petinsurance.com - Epiphora (Tear stain): An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur.
Image credit: www.animalfair.com - Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to increased pressure in the eyeball.
Image credit: www.worldaccordingtomaggie.com - Ectropion: A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to droop.
Image Credit: www.pethealthnetwork.com - Entropion: A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing.
Image credit: www.vision4pets.com - Cataract: An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and possible blindness.
Image credit: www.dog-health-handbook.com
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue; night blindness is often the first sign.
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Common symptoms of eye disorders:
- Discharge or crusty eye gunk
- Tearing
- Red or white eyelid linings
- Tear-stained fur
- Closed eye/s
- Cloudiness or change in eye colour
- Visible third eyelid/s
- Unequal pupil sizes
When you first notice these signs, try to clean your dog’s eyes gently with a clean, damp cotton ball. Wipe outward from the corner of the eye and be careful not to touch his or her eyeball – you don’t want to scratch the cornea. If the irritation persists, take your dog to his or her vet immediately.