Dog Health Eye"Dog health eye is affected by many conditions. See our brief descriptions below on common dog eye diseases and conditions or click on the links for more in-depth descriptions and pictures of each type of canine eye problem." There are many common eye diseases and conditions. These include: Cataracts
Normal Dog Eye Anatomy
Dog Eye Health - Normal Canine Eye Anatomy
Source: Washington State University Dog eye health can be suspected based on observation. Use your thumb to pull the upper eyelid so you can get a better view of the eye. The white area (sclera) should glisten white with very thin red blood vessels. Higher up on the edge of the eye is pink tissue called the conjunctiva. In a healthy dog eye, the dog conjunctiva color should match the color of the dog's gums. Signs of dog eye problems include blood vessels that look engorged, any bruises around the eye or a sclera which is yellow (could be dog jaundice). Cataract in DogCataract in dog means that a lens inside the eye is starting to become cloudy making vision difficult for your pet.The condition is common in certain breeds or is a result of another condition such as diabetes, eye injury or inflammation that is occurring in the eye. Treatment involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens. The prognosis for achieving better sight is excellent. You will have to administer eye drops for several weeks after the surgery. There is some talk that eye drops can actually cure cataracts. According to the American Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, there is no accepted evidence in the scientific community supporting this claim. Dog Cherry EyeThe condition known as dog cherry eye occurs when the tear gland behind your dog's third eyelid moves out of position (called prolapsed gland of the third eyelid). Since this gland provides 50% of your dog's tear production, it is important to ensure that the condition does not cause tear production to stop. Dog cherry eye is not painful. Surgery has a high rate of success and is used to create a pocket for the gland which is then put back into position. If left untreated it can hurt your dog health eye causing dry eye, irritation and if rubbed, bleeding, irritation and possibly infection.Canine Corneal UlcerCanine corneal ulcer is a wound or abrasion on the surface of the eye. Common causes include foreign objects, eyelashes or some type of injury. Minor scratches will heal on their own. Is the wound is deep then it might open the eye to infection and allow the wound to grow in size. Antibiotics are used if infection is setting in. Deeper wounds require surgery to restore dog health eye.Canine DistichiasisCanine distichiasis is a condition where glands that do not normally grow eyelashes start to grow them. Since the eyelashes are out of position, they could irritate the eye causing irritation, inflammation and possibly a corneal ulcer (eye wound). Treatment is only necessary if it is bothering your dogs eye and could include trimming the eyelashes, plucking them, electrolysis or surgical removal of the hair follicle. Even with these techniques, new hair follicles and eyelashes could form impacting your dog health eye.Canine EntropionDog entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls back into the eye. It is an inherited condition in younger dogs and or due to weakening muscles in older dogs. Treatment involves a surgical procedure.Picture of Dog Entropion
Glaucoma in DogDog Glaucoma is a condition where fluid in the eye doesn't drain properly causing an increase in pressure. If not correct it begins to erode cells in the retina causing increasing levels of vision loss. Initial treatment involves medication and topical ointments. If that doesn't control the pressure then surgery is necessary. Severe cases require emergency care to avoid vision loss. This condition can be painful. Other symptoms include lethargy, redness and loss of appetite. See your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist if you even suspect this condition in even one eye.From Dog Health Eye to Dog Health Guide Home |
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