Eye Injuries & Your Pet
Eye injuries in pets can range from mild to severe, and may include foreign bodies in the eye, scratches, chemical exposure or contact corneal trauma.
As soon as you notice your pet showing any symptoms, you should see a veterinarian to determine the cause and severity.
It's important to visit the vet because a number of eye conditions can lead to permanent scarring or even blindness if not properly treated.
Common Symptoms of Eye Injuries
If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, get to your vet right away:
- General Discomfort
- Squinting
- Rapid Blinking
- Inability to Open Eye
- Tearing Eyes
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Pawing at Eye / Face
- Cloudiness or Discharge
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
There are many causes for eye injuries in pets, but the most common include:
- Altercations with other animals
- Running in the woods or digging in brush
- Dangerous projectiles such as fireworks
- Riding in a car with head out the window
Diagnosis & Treatment
You can help your vet determine the diagnosis by providing specific information including when your dog’s symptoms began, if they seem better or worse, and details about the situation that caused the injury.
If your vet can’t immediately see a foreign object in your pet's eye, they’ll conduct a thorough ocular exam to determine if there’s a deeper injury, irritation or bruising as a result of trauma.
Treatment options will depend on the severity of your pet's injury. A simple injury can be treated with an e-collar and prescription antibiotics or drops while more complicated injuries may require surgery to repair your pet's eye and restore its function.
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.