A healthy pet’s eyes should be clear, bright and free from dirt, discharge and inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Illness
- Red inner eyelids
- Matter ‘stuck’ on the surface or in the corners of the eye
- Cloudiness within the eyeball
- A dull eye surface
- The ‘third eyelid’ coming across the eye
- Excessive tearing or unusual discharges
- Tear-stained fur around the eyes
Eye Tests used to Diagnose Eye Problem
- Fluorescein stain to identify the presence of corneal ulcers
- Schirmer Tear Test to determine the level of tear production
- Ocular pressure to detect glaucoma.
- Ophthalmoscope to see in the eye chamber
Common Eye Conditions & Symptoms
Conjunctivitis — Is an inflammation of the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the eyelid and the white of the eye. It may be caused by infections, allergies, inadequate tear production or irritation.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (DRY EYE) — Can result when the cornea’s surface is scratched by a foreign object or is damaged by inadequate tear production or bacterial infection. Very painful, it causes pets to “squint”. Breeds with bulbous eyes and aging pets seem to be prone to this problem.
Corneal Ulceration — Can occur when the surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged, either as the result of a fight or, more seriously, a bacterial or viral infection.
Epiphora — If your pet’s eye constantly ‘weeps’, or if the fur around it appears ‘stained’, the normal tear flow may be blocked.
Cataracts & Glaucoma — Pets, just like humans, can have these serious eye diseases. Cataracts cloud the lens inside the eye and are the most common cause of animal blindness. A hereditary condition in some breeds, early examination by your veterinarian is important, as such animals should not be bred. Glaucoma stems from too much pressure being exerted upon the eye’s interior as a result of a decrease in the amount of fluid draining from it.
How to Administer Eye Drops
- You may need to muzzle your pet.
- Remove any discharge around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
- See the instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary.
- Use one hand to hold the bottle between thumb and index and place the other under your pet’s jaw to support the head.
- Tilt the head back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelids open.
- Hold the bottle close to the eye but DO NOT touch the eye’s surface.
- Squeeze the drops onto the eye and once the drops are in, release the head.
- Your pet will blink, spreading the medication over the eye’s surface.
How to Apply Eye Ointment
- You may need to muzzle your pet.
- Remove any discharge around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
- Check the instructions on the tube for dosage.
- Gently pull back upper and lower eyelids.
- Holding the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its edge. DO NOT let the tube touch the eye’s surface.
- Lightly massage upper and lower eyelids together to spread the medication.
- Release the head. Let your pet blink.