Our Renton vets diagnose a variety of eye diseases, infections, and conditions in dogs. In this post, we'll list some of the most common dog eye problems.
Your Dog's Eye Health
Your dog is a beloved member of your family. At Northwest Animal Eye Specialists, we understand that your pooch's health is a top priority for you, but one element of pet healthcare that often gets missed by pet parents is eye care.
However, it's important to remember that, like humans, dogs and cats are vulnerable to a wide range of eye conditions and diseases that can cause discomfort, even blindness, if not treated. This is why it's important to regularly check your dog's eyes for any signs of redness, discharge, or irritation, and to bring them to the vet if you see any abnormalities.
Most dog eye diseases can be managed with proper eye care and successfully treated. Below, we'll discuss a few common cat and dog eye problems and diseases that our team often sees in dogs and the signs to watch for.
Cataracts
These cloudy areas can develop in the lens of your dog's eye. Though genetics commonly cause cataracts, injury, diabetes, or aging can also be contributing factors. Cataracts can lead to gradual vision loss. Symptoms of this condition include hazy or cloudy eyes, difficulty seeing in dim light, and a change in eye color. Surgery is needed to remove cataracts from the affected lens of the eye.
Cherry Eye
This condition occurs in dogs when the tear gland in the third eyelid pops out of place and becomes swollen. The most common symptom of cherry eye in dogs is a red, fleshy mass in the corner of your dog's eye. Surgery is typically performed to reposition the gland.
Conjunctivitis
Also referred to as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the eyelids. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs include discharge, itching, redness, and swelling. Treatment options include antibiotics, eye drops, and ointments.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a very painful condition that occurs when there is too much pressure in your dog's eye. Glaucoma can damage the eye's optic nerge and lead to blindness. Signs of glaucoma in dogs include cloudy eyes, redness, pain, and a dilated pupil. Treatment options may include medication, eye drops, and surgery.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a common eye condition in dogs that causes the lower eyelid to sag or turn outward. This exposes the inner eyelid, which can become irritated, inflamed, and prone to infection. Ectropion can affect one or both eyes and is more common in certain breeds, such as bloodhounds and St. Bernards.
Epiphora
Epiphora (eye discharge) is more considered a symptom rather than an eye disease. Epiphora in dogs is characterized by continuous tearing. The constant moisture can cause the eye area to swell and become infected. This is commonly considered to be an aesthetic problem, but can also be a sign of a foreign object stuck in a dog’s eye, which is why veterinary consultation is warranted.
Tumors
Eye tumors in dogs can be benign or malignant growths that affect different parts of the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. Some breeds, such as the Golden Retriever and the Boxer, are more susceptible to developing eye tumors. Symptoms of eye tumors in dogs may include redness, swelling, discharge, and changes in the shape or color of the eye.
Veterinary Ophthalmology Services in Renton
Our board-certified ophthalmologist specializes in treating eye diseases and disorders in dogs and cats. We work closely with your pet’s primary care veterinarian to provide the best possible care for all ocular diseases that may be affecting your pet.
Note: Northwest Animal Eye Specialists does not offer veterinary cardiology services. For an accurate diagnosis of your cat's condition, contact a veterinary cardiology specialist.