Dogs’ love of play and innate curiosity makes them prone to bruising from time to time. Even the most well-behaved dog can cause eye injuries. More likely in rough play, chasing critters in the bushes, or just digging in the garden.
As a dog owner, being familiar with the different types of eye injuries can help you better cope when or if problems arise. The type of eye injury is usually the result of blunt trauma, an eye injury that usually requires immediate veterinary care. Some eye injuries are considered emergencies, especially if vision loss is a threat. Eye injuries can range from mild to severe and can usually be diagnosed by your veterinarian with a few simple tests. Common eye injuries include corneal lacerations (cuts or scratches on the surface of the eye) corneal ulcers (from chemicals, debris or friction) puncture wounds (from any foreign object) eyelid trauma or proptosis (when the eye when ejected from its eyeball). Symptoms Many different eye diseases can affect dogs. Eye symptoms can occur even without injury. However, if your dog has a visible wound on or around his eye, possibly accompanied by blood, it’s a good idea to get it checked.
Other symptoms of an eye injury include squinting, eyelid twitching or spasm, scratching the eye area, blinking quickly, or excessive tearing. Some injuries may even affect your dog’s ability to fully open his eyes. Bloodshots in the whites of the eyes may indicate trauma or irritation. Yellow or green discharge may indicate infection. Other types of eye problems can cause redness of the mucous membranes around the eyes, cloudy eyes, dilated pupils, asymmetric eye appearance, and light sensitivity. There may be signs in one or both eyes, which can sometimes confirm an injury or other problem. Symptoms: · Clear wound, possibly blood · Squinting, twitching, or blepharospasm · Paws in the eye area · Rapid flashing · Excessive tearing · Inability to open · Bloodshot eyes · Yellow or green discharge · Cloudy eyes · Dilated pupils · Low light sensitivity If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Do not try home care for eye problems unless advised by a professional. Since eye problems can be much more serious than they appear – and progress very quickly – don’t risk your dog’s vision or tolerance for pain. Common causes of eye injuries Eye injuries can occur when something comes into contact with your dog’s eyes and causes injury. A dog’s eyes can easily be hurt by a melee or argument with another animal, the waving of a cat‘s paw, or a horse’s kick. ·Many natural disasters can also cause damage to the eyes. Twigs, insect bites, and dirt scratches can damage or irritate the outside of the eye.
A dog that sticks its head out of a car window risks blowing debris into its eyes, causing irritation. · Chemicals sprayed or spilled near your dog can cause temporary eye sensitivity. Sharp objects such as furniture corners, fence parts, fishing hooks and tools can also pose a threat to the eyes and delicate tissues in the surrounding area. Itchy eyes due to allergies or mild irritation can lead to eye injuries if your dog scratches his eyes with his paws or rubs against something. If this behavior continues, ulcers or scratches can form on the cornea. Treatment If your dog has an eye injury, call the veterinarian. Don’t try to treat it at home without talking to your veterinarian first. Home First Aid · If first aid is instructed, your veterinarian may recommend eye rinsing or cold compresses. As recommended, rinse the dog’s eyes with sterile saline eyewash. Do not use contact lens solutions. Remember to be gentle! Your dog is most likely experiencing some degree of pain. Ask another family member to help you hold the dog while you take good care of your eyes.
Bathroom floors, bathtubs, kitchen floors or patios all work well. Choose an area that allows easy access to your pet and that can be splashed. ·Place smaller dogs on tables, counters and even sinks for easy cleaning. Wrap the dog in a towel, open the dog’s eyes with one hand, and apply a drop of eyewash with the other hand. Use a small towel or cloth to drain the saline from your eyes. After veterinary treatment, take your dog to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will ask about the details of the injury, then perform several eye exams to assess tear production, look for sores or lacerations, and measure the eye’s intraocular pressure. Depending on the diagnosis, simple eye medication and follow-up may be recommended. However, serious injuries may require surgery.
