Veterinarian In Palm Harbor Pet Care Tip Are Your Pets Eyes Healthy?

Veterinarian in Palm Harbor Pet Care Tip – Are Your Pets’ Eyes Healthy?

Your pet can suffer from eye problems just like humans do. At the first sign of a problem it is important to have a veterinarian check your pet’s eyes right away. This can prevent more serious complications.

Common problems include red eye, cataracts, glaucoma, eye tumors, inflammation, defects of the eyelids, discharge, retinal degeneration and other problems.

Red Eye - Both cats and dogs can get red eye. This is when the blood vessels of the conjunctiva (the pink lining of the eyeball and eyelids), sclera (white covering of the eye), or cornea (clear surface of the eye) become enlarged or more numerous. It may also happen when the structures inside the eye become inflamed, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with other diseases of the eye socket. Irritation from allergies or infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can also cause red eyes in pets.. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon what is causing the problem. It is important to keep your pets eyes clean, and to eliminate the cause with appropriate medication.

Cherry Eye - Unlike people, dogs and cats have a ‘third eyelid’ that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Normally this gland is not visible and it helps in the production of tears. This gland can “prolapse” or come out of its normal position and get swollen creating the condition. Cherry eye is not a common occurrence with cats.

Dry Eyes – This term is used describe a condition of decreased tear production. The term technically means “inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva from drying.” When the watery part of the tears is not produced in adequate amounts, the eye becomes inflamed, leading scarring and pigmentation of the cornea and can lead to decreased vision.

Ocular (Eye) Discharge - Ocular discharge is a common symptom of eye disease. Discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The discharge may appear to be watery, mucus-like, or bloody. The amount of discharge is a good indication of how serious the disease is.

If you notice anything irregular occurring with your pets’ eyes you should call your veterinarian right away and plan to bring them in to the clinic and get it checked out immediately. Your pet is as dependent on their vision as we humans are, and they are dependent on you to notice something is wrong. There are scientifically formulated products to keep you pets’ eyes clean.

For more information about what we can do for your pet, see the resource box at the bottom of this article.

Thank you pet owners,

Dr. Al Paredes - Palm Harbor Vet

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