Mary Allen
Even mild symptoms must be taken seriously. Our new guide answers the most frequently asked questions about “eye disease in dogs and cats” for pet owners.
Eye diseases can have many different causes. If animals show symptoms such as tears, itching, blinking, or redness, they should be taken to the veterinarian. Not only that, if left untreated, it can sooner or later lead to permanent damage – up to and including the animal’s loss of sight. The veterinarian can also clarify whether it is purely an eye disease or whether the actual source of the disease is somewhere else. Possibly even a general disease of the animal hides behind it. In any case, it is important to identify problems as early as possible.
Glaucoma – an emergency
Glaucoma, also known as glaucoma, initially starts with only mild symptoms, but these become significantly worse within just a few hours. So you have to act quickly here because the increase in intraocular pressure is associated with severe pain and can lead to irreversible damage after just 48 hours. Remember that pain is sometimes only expressed by the animals becoming calmer or sleeping a lot. To preserve vision and also the eye, the pressure in the eye must be reduced as quickly as possible.
Blind – what now?
Blindness itself causes far fewer problems for animals than is commonly assumed. At least as long as the animal is not in pain. If the eyesight gradually decreases, the animals often do not even notice the lost eyesight. At least at first glance. The reason is that they were able to get used to it slowly and compensate for the loss very well with their other senses (e.g. smell and hearing). You should become sensitive if the animal suddenly behaves unusually unsure and cautious in an unfamiliar environment. This also applies to the veterinary practice, although you have to be careful here, as there are of course other reasons why an animal behaves unsafely.
Whatever the reason for the animal becoming blind, the loss of sight does not necessarily mean a loss of quality of life. As long as the animals are free of pain, they can cope very well with blindness.
Small problem – the big danger
When fighting or playing wildly, injuries to the cornea can quickly occur, especially if a cat was also involved. Since even the smallest rattles can quickly develop into deep corneal ulcers due to the ingress of bacteria, they must be treated with antibiotics. As always, the following rule applies: If changes are found in the animal’s eye, these should always be examined by a veterinarian!
Frequently Asked Question
What do bad eyes look like in dogs?
The typical signs are reddened conjunctiva, eye discharge, or swelling around the eyes. A trip to the veterinarian makes sense to determine the exact cause. For example, if there is a foreign body in the eye, it must be removed.
What does a sick cat eye look like?
Symptoms: The most noticeable sign is watery eyes. The eye can secrete a clear to greyish, yellowish, greenish, or even dark to rusty-colored liquid. The inside of the eye may be swollen and/or red and one or both eyes may be affected.
What eye diseases are there in cats?
Immediate eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts also occur in cats. Viral or parasitic infections can lead to conjunctivitis, cat flu, and eyelid problems.
What is Horner’s Syndrome in dogs?
Horner’s syndrome in dogs can be caused by various underlying diseases and manifests itself through symptoms in the eyes. The affected eye appears sunken, the eyelids droop, the third eyelid droops, and the pupils are constricted.
How do I clean my dog’s eyes?
Try lukewarm water: sometimes a little warm water is enough to clean the dog’s eyes. Just soak some cotton in warm water and wipe away the dirt. Gently but thoroughly clean the corners of your eyes. Use a special cleaner: sometimes warm water isn’t enough.
What does conjunctivitis look like in cats?
The eye and the lids swell. The edges of the eyes are red in light-colored cats. Cats with conjunctivitis often blink and rub their eyes. Sick cats usually react sensitively to touches in the head area and avoid bright light.
What helps against inflamed cat eyes?
All you need is warm water and a lint-free cloth. You can also use eyebright, also called euphrasia, without hesitation, this is a naturopathic remedy from the pharmacy. Caution with chamomile tea or chamomile extract may be good for many aches and pains – but it is not for conjunctivitis.
Why does my cat have such weird eyes?
Some possible causes of eye discharge in cats are the Infection of the eye by a virus or bacteria (conjunctivitis). Irritation of the eye from foreign bodies (sand, dust) or drafts. Allergies (e.g. due to pollen count).