Your pet’s eyes are important allowing them to watch and explore the world around them. Healthy eyes offer the best possible vision your pet. When your pet’s eyes are healthy they should be clear, bright and free from dirt, discharge and excessive redness.

Eye problems can cause pain and irritation for your pet. There are many causes of eye problems in pets including injuries, infections, old age degeneration, abnormalities and diseases.

Its important to get in touch with you vet if you notice any problematic signs as damage to the eye can quickly result in self-trauma, further damage or in severe cases, blindness.

Common signs of eye problems in pets

Discharge from the eye
Excessive tears
Squinting or excessive blinking
Holding eyes shut
Redness or swelling around the eye
Signs of irritation ie. pawing at eye
Eye sensitivity ie. avoiding bright light
Cloudy eyes
Vision impairment or clumsiness

If you notice any of these signs or changes in your pet’s eyes, get in touch with your vet to arrange an appointment. Early treatment is critical to prevent further damage or self-trauma to the eye.

Common eye conditions

At Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital we treat a variety of eye conditions. Below is a list of our top 5 eye conditions and how to spot them to keep your furry friends vision in top shape. For our full article click here.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

Discharge from the eye (cloudy, green or yellow)
Squinting or excessive blinking
Redness or swelling around the eye
Eye pain or irritation, which can lead to rubbing their eyes with their paw or on the carpet
Nasal discharge, sneezing and coughing

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are commonly caused by trauma from cat scratches, sharp objects, foreign bodies such as grass seeds or irritating substances like shampoos, dust or debris. Trauma may also be caused by bacterial or viral infections, irritation from eyelid abnormalities or other diseases. Common symptoms of corneal ulcers include:

Eye pain or irritation, which can lead to rubbing their eyes with their paw or on the carpet
Shutting their eyes or blink excessively
Watery discharge in corner of pet’s eye that can run down their face
Avoiding bright light

Entropion

Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelids roll inward, allowing the eyelashes or other hair to rub against the cornea and irritate it. Entropion is considered a hereditary disorder, however can also occur as a secondary condition. Common symptoms of entropion include:

Squinting or holding eyes shut
Excessive tears
Sensitivity to light
Rubbing at their eyes, particularly when outside
Mucous like discharge

Cataracts

Inside the eye is a lens that focuses light to the back of the eye or the retina. Vision occurs at the retina. If the lens becomes opaque this is called a cataract. There are other reasons the lens can look cloudy, so consulting your vet is advised if you notice changes in your pet’s eyes. Common symptoms of cataracts include:

Cloudy or bluish grey eyes
Impaired vision or clumsiness
Irritated or red eyes, which can lead to rubbing their eyes with their paw or on the carpet.
Eye discharge or excessive blinking

Dry Eye

Dry eye is the dryness of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eye) and cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and the pupil). Dry eye occurs when tears aren’t able to provide adequate moisture. Too few a tears may be produced or tears may evaporate too quickly. Common symptoms of dry eye include:

Painful, red and irritated eyes
Squinting, excessive blinking or holding their eyes shut
Thick, yellowish mucous discharge
Rubbing at eyes or face.

It is important to check your pet’s eyes regularly and contact your vet if you notice any changes such as squinting, redness, swelling, irritation, discharge or glossy appearance. If you have any questions about your pet’s eyes, please get in touch with us on 03 8784 4444.