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Canine Eye Problems

Canine Eye Problems

Canine eye problems are an hindrance to dogs health, which cause severe suffering. Eyes, are one of the most delicate body parts of humans, as well as, animals. Improper or neglected care and cleaning of eyes have all kinds of eye problems as possible repercussions. For example, your pets may at any time, encounter dust or dirt which may enter their eyes and cause eye problems like eye infections. The following information will let you know about different canine eye problems which are more common than other canine diseases.

Common Eye Disorders or Problems In Canines

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Several factors such as allergens (pollens, grasses, etc), infections caused by virus, bacteria or fungi may cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. This condition is referred to as conjunctivitis or pink eye; one of the most common canine eye problems. Symptoms to watch out for would be, as the name suggests, a prominent pinkish color of the dogs eye area or lets say, a meaty; appearance of the dogs conjunctiva. The dog will find it difficult to open its eye fully, due to the heavy discharge which gets collected around the eye area. This also makes the dog uncomfortable when it tries to blink. You may find your pet scratching its eye in order to reduce the itching caused due to the infection. The animal also becomes sensitive to bright light and so, could be seen spending time in dark corners of the house.

Cataracts
Canine eye problems such as cataracts (disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye) are considered to be an inherited disease. The development of cataracts in dogs may take weeks or even years in one or both the eyes. Here, the vision will slowly worsen over time and may progress to an extent of blindness. Symptom of a cataract is the development of a spot on the eye(s), which is of bluish gray in color or it may also mimic the appearance of a chip of ice.

Ingrowing Eyelids
In this canine eye problem, the dogs eyelids actually turn in. This disease can be inherited or may be a repercussion of continuous inflammation. Due to the eyelids which turn in, the eye lashes are caused to rub against the eye ball and this sometimes may give rise to a corneal ulcer. To detect this disease, gently pull the lids away from the dogs eye and release them. If you see that the lids turn in or cuff back in on themselves, then you should be alarmed of an in - growing eyelid problem and consult a veterinarian at the earliest.

Corneal Ulcers
Dogs usually have a full recuperation from corneal ulcers. The onset of ulcers have accidents, eye conformation, dry eyes, herpesvirus-1 infection, etc., as their cause. Partially closed eyes or lots of tear production, are the major signs of your dog suffering from corneal ulcers. These ulcers are painful too and so the dog can be seen pawing at the effected eye.

Cherry Eye
In dogs, each eye has a third eyelid in its corner, which contains a tear gland. Now the gland of this eyelid may prolapse or come out of its normal position and swell. This condition is known as a cherry eye. One or both the eyes may get affected by this disease. What causes such canine eye problems is not known. However, it is believed that if the connective tissue that attaches the gland to the surrounding structures of the eye is weakened, then the risk of the development of the disease increases.

These were some canine eye problems, which most dogs are diagnosed with. Such and many other problems might range from being mild to severe. Mild cases can be treated without causing much problem to the pets health. However, it is most likely that you may have to consult a veterinary ophthalmologist, in order to take care of severe cases. Speaking of prevention, proper pet care is what is required to keep your pet companions from all such nasty diseases and helping them to be happier and healthier.

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