If you are at all worried about your pet’s eyes, see a veterinarian immediately. Eyes are delicate and issues with them can deteriorate very rapidly, so it’s always better to be safe and get any concerns checked. That being said, some conditions are more urgent than others. This article will cover what signs to look out for, what eye conditions our pets may experience, and will briefly cover how we may treat these.
Animals’ eyes are different…
Our pets’ eyes have a slightly different anatomy to ours. For example, they have something called a nictitans membrane, or a ‘third eyelid’ which sweeps from the inner corner of the eye across the whole surface. Normally it cannot be seen, however when there is an issue, it can often become visible, sweeping part way across the eye. Cats and dogs also have different pupil shapes – dogs’ are round, whereas cats have slit-shaped pupils.
Some breeds in particular are more predisposed to eye conditions, for example, flat-faced dog breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, and Persian cats. Due to their conformation, their eyes protrude further than other breeds, meaning trauma to the surface of the eye is more likely. Other breeds may be genetically prone to some diseases.
General symptoms to look out for:
- An enlarged or protruding eyeball
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Complete inability to open the eye
- Cloudiness to the eye
- Pawing at the eye, or rubbing the face on the floor or furniture
- Green or yellow discharge
- A change in vision
- Light sensitivity
- Any trauma to the eye
- Blood in the eye
- A visible nictitans membrane (third eyelid)
What conditions would be deemed emergencies?
This following is not an exhaustive list but outlines the most common conditions seen in general practice.
Corneal ulceration
An ulcer happens when there is disruption to the outer layer of the eye (the cornea). This may happen due to trauma, like a scratch from running through undergrowth, or an underlying condition. What begins as a superficial ulcer can develop into a deeper one, and in severe cases may affect all the outer layers of the eye, sometimes leading to rupture of the eye itself.
All ulcers should receive veterinary attention as quickly as possible, but the deeper the ulcer, the more urgently your pet needs to be seen. It is worth noting that ulcers can deteriorate very quickly - even a superficial ulcer can become deep within a matter of hours.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the internal pressure of the eye becomes very high, and can cause irreversible damage. It is a painful condition, with common signs including an enlarged reddened eye, sometimes with a bluish tint. It can be a primary condition, or can happen secondary to another condition, like uveitis or lens luxation. It is a true ophthalmic emergency, and must be treated promptly for the best chances of a good outcome. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent blindness.
Proptosis
Proptosis means the eyeball has come forward out of the socket, and is at serious risk of permanent damage. This is mostly likely to be caused by trauma, but some brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs and Shih Tzus can be predisposed to this condition, having shallow eye sockets.
Lens luxation
Lens luxation occurs when the lens of the eye slips out of its normal position, due to breakdown of the fibres that hold it in place. It can cause significant pain and, if the lens moves forward into the front chamber of the eye, can rapidly lead to increased pressure within the eye. It is therefore considered an emergency. Certain breeds are predisposed, including Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and Tibetan Terriers. In other cases it may be caused secondary to another condition.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye). It can cause significant pain, light sensitivity, a cloudy or reddened eye, and a constricted pupil. It may arise as a primary condition or secondary to infection, trauma, or systemic disease. Uveitis is considered urgent, as if left untreated it can lead to complications including glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent vision loss.
Acute onset blindness
If you notice your pet’s vision has suddenly changed, this should be checked straight away. There are a number of conditions that can cause this, including acute glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
What can wait for a same day appointment?
While most eye conditions should be seen as soon as possible, some may not require emergency care:
- Watery discharge but an otherwise comfortable looking eye
- Mild conjunctivitis (redness or discharge without significant pain or swelling)
- Stable, chronic conditions that have not recently changed
Even so, if you are unsure or your pet seems uncomfortable, it is always better to call your vet for advice rather than wait.
On the way to the vet
If your pet has an eye emergency, it is important to prevent further damage before you are seen.
- Put a buster collar on your pet, if you have one
- DO NOT use human medication in the meantime
- Do not touch or rub the eye
- Keep your pet calm
What will happen during my pet’s appointment?
During the consultation, your vet will first get a thorough history, to determine how long the issue has been going on for and how quickly things may have progressed.
They will also perform a thorough examination, and may perform a combination of tests
- Ophthalmoscopy → using an ophthalmoscope (a special lens) to assess the outer layers of the eye and the back of the eye, like the retina
- Fluorescein test → a special dye is put into the eye to check for ulceration. The dye will also appear in the nostrils after a few minutes, which can tell the vet about tear drainage
- Schirmer tear test → a test to check tear production
- Tonometry → a test to check the internal pressure of the eye
Sometimes the vet will also put a drop of a medication into the eye which helps to dilate the pupils, as this can help to assess structures at the back of the eye.
How might the problem be treated?
Medical management
Some issues, such as simple superficial ulcers, or conjunctivitis can be treated with topical antibiotics administered into the eye several times during the day. There are also topical medications that can be used for glaucoma.
Always follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding dosage and frequency.
Referral
Some eye conditions are more complex, and referral to a specialist ophthalmologist (eye doctor) may be recommended. This may be because:
- The condition requires round the clock medication and nursing care. Some conditions can be managed with intensive medical treatment, which is often best delivered by a 24/7 hospital team.
- The condition requires surgical intervention. In the case of a complex condition and if you decide you want to try and save your pet’s eye, referral to a specialist surgeon may be offered. An example of this would be surgery for a deep ulcer, which most general practices would not be able to offer.
Enucleation
Enucleation is the surgical removal of the eye. While this is not a decision to take lightly, in serious cases it may be the only option, and where medical or surgical management would be very complex or prolonged, it can offer a good quality of life outcome. It is worth knowing that animals adapt remarkably well to losing an eye, and will go on to live full and happy lives. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you fully before any decision is made.
Prevention is key
While not all eye conditions are preventable, there are some practical steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Avoid running around in long grass/undergrowth
- Keep the area around the eyes clean and well-groomed to prevent irritation, particularly in long-coated breeds
- For older pets, regular routine health checks are valuable e.g. regularly checking blood pressure in older cats
- Maintain consistent treatment and attend regular check-ups for chronic conditions to help prevent flare-ups and secondary complications
In conclusion…
All eye problems should be taken seriously and assessed by a vet as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure whether something is an emergency, it is always best to call for advice rather than wait and see. Many conditions will not resolve on their own, and in some cases, delaying treatment could result in permanent damage or loss of vision. The good news is that with prompt attention, many eye conditions can be treated effectively. The sooner a problem is caught, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Discussion