Vision Matters!
Vision Matters!
Your pets eyes are extremely sensitive and easily irritated - did you know that the cornea has around 20 - 40 times more nerve endings that a tooth root!
Careful observation of the way your pet looks and acts and what is classes as 'normal' for them is a fist critical step for responsible pet ownership.
From their first day home, practice handling them all over their body including legs and feet, ears and eyes, teeth and tails, start slowly and keep the treats and praise coming. Regular handling practice can help to ensure future vet visits remain as stress free as possible.
Useful observations ;
- - Are the pupils the same size and shape?
- - Is one eye squinting?
- - Is one eye runny with watery or sticky discharge?
- - Is the colour the same? Does one look red? Has the iris suddenly changed in colour?
There can be a wide range of reasons for eye irritation from allergies to infection, trauma or abnormality. Please you believe your pet is suffering from eye irritation, please contact our team here, to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced vets today.
Eye conditions can be very painful and go from bad to worse very quickly, so please don't delay in seeking veterinary attention when you notice signs of a problem.
Blindness,
Like us pets often experience gradually failing eyesight as they approach their senior years and due to compensation using their other, superior, senses like smell and hearing, gradual sight loss may be difficult to spot.
However, there are many other conditions which can cause your pet to go blind relatively suddenly at any age, so it is important to be vigilant of sudden changes or symptoms.
Signs of acute eyesight loss to watch out for :
- Confusion / disorientation.
- Clumsiness.
- Easily started.
- Not wanting to go out at night.
Conditions causing blindness are serious and need urgent treatment if there is a chance to prevent total, permanent vision loss. Blindness can also be a result of many systemic diseases which can be damaging to other organ systems, so it is really important to get your pet checked and treated as soon as possible.
Redness,
Your pet’s eyes are as sensitive as your own, and are just as susceptible to irritation, allergies, injury, and disease. One of the earliest signs of many eye problems is a red eye. If your pet’s eyes appear visibly red or swollen get them checked ASAP by your vet, as some causes of a red eye are not only painful but can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated (such as glaucoma).
Dull, cloudy or colour change,
Healthy eyes should be bright and shiny - if your pet's eyes suddenly look cloudy or opaque this is a sure sign of an eye problem, which needs to be examined by a vet.
Most often cloudiness is noticed in the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) or the lens - vision may be affected to varying degrees depending on the underlying cause.
Watery eyes,
Excessive eye watering (AKA epiphora) is associated with many different conditions that can range from being relatively minor to more serious. Below are some of the common causes of watery eyes in pets:
- Allergies
- Irritants
- Foreign body in the eye
- Anatomical abnormalities (e.g. rolled in eyelids)
- Blocked tear ducts
- Corneal wounds
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
Your pet may have simply received an eyeful of pollen or dusts, and the increased tearing is working to solve the problem. If eyes continue to water or your pet develops red, painful eyes or other types of eye discharge, make an appointment with your vet.
Take a moment to look at your pets eyes today, take a photo, understand 'what is normal' for your pet.
This blog has been produced with the support of Domes Pharma Uk, if you suspect your pet is suffering with an eye problem please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice and support on your pets individual case.
Not yet a client? Register your pet for free here. We have been treating pets from across West London since 1950 and our team have a wealth of experience to support your pets health.
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