![]() ![]() In one eye, you may not notice any difference in your pet's behavior. Retinal detachments can occur slowly or quickly. In some cases surgery is just not feasible. Success of treatment depends on how bad the damage is, and how long it has been there. The detached retina takes longer to perish in dogs than in cats. Other causes include congenital defects such as retinal dysplasia (seen in Labradors), infection, mature cataracts, any eye surgery, poisoning or hyperviscosity syndromes. Retinal detachments tend to be picked up only when there is significant visual loss, often affecting both eyes.Ĭauses of a Retinal Tear or Detachment in Dogs & CatsĬauses of retinal detachment include an injury to the eye or head, an inherited tendency, tumor, health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, kidney disease and sickle cell anemia. In animals, this problem tends to present late in the illness, as a dog or cat cannot let us know that some of their vision is impaired. When the retina becomes separated from the support tissue underneath (the choroid, which supplies the retina with blood and oxygen) it can no longer function and is termed "detached." If not treated promptly and properly, the affected animal will become blind, sometimes within a matter of days. Upon capturing the light and images, it then sends these visual images to the brain via the optic nerve.Ī retinal detachment occurs if the layer of light-sensitive cells is pulled away from the back of the eye. The retina is a layer of special light-sensitive cells that lines the back of the eye, and functions like the film in a camera. “Clinical Approach to Canine Red Eye.” Today’s Veterinary Practice, May/June 2013.Very Important Visioplex Formula 200 capsules ![]() "Canine Eye Health." November 2013.īarfield Laminack, Elizabeth, DVM Myrna, Kathern, DVM, MS Moore, Phillip Anthony, DVM, Diplomate ACVO. Your veterinarian can sort through all the possibilities and determine the appropriate treatment.Īmerican Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation. There are many other causes of a red eye: uveitis, orbital disease, bleeding disorders, trauma, luxated lens, etc. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, or other irritants. Dry eye causes a conjunctivitis this is treated with a topical medication that increases the amount of tears produced. ![]() There are topical medications used to reduce the increased pressure.Ĭonjunctivitis can have many causes. Glaucoma can be very serious, it often leads to blindness. Cocker Spaniels, terriers, Poodles, Basset Hounds, and Beagles are especially prone to this disease. Glaucoma can occur in any dog, is sometimes related to other conditions such as cataracts, but is genetic in some breeds. Ulcers are treated with topical antibiotics, and checked with fluorescein stain every few days until healed. The most common causes of a red eye are a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis.Ĭorneal ulcers usually result from trauma such as running into a bush, fighting with other pets, or rubbing their eye. DiagnosisĪ veterinarian diagnoses the cause of a dog’s red eye by assessing symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. An ultrasound of an eye may be done to check for a detached retina or masses within the eye or between the eye and the bony eye socket. Lab work, including a chemistry panel, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis may be performed to check for underlying diseases. The veterinarian may swab any pus draining from the dog’s eyes and send it to the laboratory for testing. There are other tests that may be performed. A positive stain indicates a corneal ulcer. Fluorescein staining checks for any scratch or interruption of the outside covering of the cornea. Tonometry is used to measure the pressure inside the dog’s eyes increased pressure indicates glaucoma. Too little tear production is called keratoconjuntivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye" is the common name. Special paper strips are placed in each eye and it is noted how many millimeters of wetness the tears can form in 60 seconds. There are three basic ophthalmic tests: a Schirmer test, tonometry, and fluorescein staining.Ī Schirmer test measures tear production. The veterinarian will then concentrate on the eyes. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on any dog that has a red eye to look for any other abnormalities that may give a hint as to their cause. EvaluationĪ dog owner will typically be asked to describe the pet’s medical history, symptoms, and if there were any pertinent events prior to the development of the red eye, such as injury or illness. There are many causes of a red eye, but all ocular diseases should always be considered an urgent matter, and be checked immediately by a veterinarian. The redness may be in the white of the eye, in the clear part of the eye called the cornea, or within the eyeball. ![]()
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