Just like us our furry friends can experience a wide range of eye conditions. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs or Persian Cats, are more predisposed than other breeds. This is due to their facial structure resulting in more prominent eyes, which in turn affects their tear production as well as the nervous and vascular structure of the eye.

It is important to note that if you have any concerns about your pet’s eyes, then please ring us immediately. After all, they only get one pair and eye conditions can rapidly progress and deteriorate.

In this article we will discuss a few ‘common’ eye complaints that you may see in your pet.

Conjunctivitis

In this condition, your pet will be pawing or rubbing their eyes. The eyes are often red and can be swollen; there is also often a runny discharge, which can be green in colour. This condition can be self-limiting but often eye drops are required to soothe the irritation and treat the infection. In cats this can also be one of the symptoms of Cat Flu.

Ulcers

This is a painful condition and often arises from external trauma, such as a scratch whilst being in undergrowth. However, it can also arise as a consequence of other conditions, for example dry eye. Pet’s often present with red, watery eyes and often keep their eyes closed. Often in these cases your pet requires antibiotic eye drops, lubricating eye drops, as well as anti-inflammatory pain relief. If the ulcer is ‘simple’ then they should heal relatively quickly. However, some ulcers can take a long time to heal and can require surgery to help them do so. It is also very important to note that some ulcers can rapidly progress resulting in a high risk of corneal perforation. In this case, it is a medical emergency, often requiring referral to try and save the eye.

Dry Eye

This condition most commonly arises as a consequence of an immune mediated condition resulting in poor tear production. These pets also present with recurrent conjunctivitis and a very mucoid discharge. The eyes often look ‘lustreless’ and can even have pigmentation changes. This condition is life long and requires medication to manage it. We often use tear replacement drops alongside another ointment to help with tear stimulation.

Entropion

In this condition, the eyelids roll inwards resulting in the eyelashes and hair rubbing against the cornea. This is painful and can result in ulcers, perforations and pigment development. It is more common in certain dog breeds, for example Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers. Entropion requires surgery to fix. Often we ‘tack’ the eyelids as puppies and once they are fully-grown they will have a small section of skin removed to prevent the eyelid rolling in.

Cherry Eye

This is the common name for when the ‘nictitans gland’ prolapses. The purpose of this gland is to supply the aqueous portion of the tear film. You will often see a red and inflamed tissue in the corner of your pet’s eye. Treatment is replacing the gland. We do not remove the gland, as this can result in lifelong dry eye and associated complications.

These are just a few of the conditions we see commonly in first opinion practice. If this article has raised any questions, then do not hesitate to contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk