What is canine eye disease?
Canine eye diseases/problems include conditions (heritable, age-related, immune mediated, metabolic, or infectious) or post-traumatic injuries related to any structure of the eye, the eyelids, or surrounding tissue. Oftentimes, discomfort and/or a loss of vision can accompany these issues, subsequently interfering with your dog’s normal activities and impairing quality of life. Ocular issues can occur at any stage of a dog’s life. While certain breeds have a higher predisposition to develop certain conditions, no breed is immune to the possibility of an ocular issue. For many dog’s conditions, early diagnosis and treatment are key for maintaining comfortable, cosmetic and visual eyes.
What are common canine eye conditions?
- Bartonella
- Basement Membrane Disease (BMD) or Indolent Ulcer
- Onchocerciasis
- Cataracts
- Prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane or Cherry Eye
- Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)
- Ectopic CIlia
- Entropion
- Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome (EKS) or Pigmentary Keratitis
- Glaucoma
- Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU)
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
- Meibomian Gland Adenoma (MGA) and other eyelid tumors
- Immune-Mediated Chronic Superficial Keratitis or Pannus
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Anterior Uveitis
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
- Other types of corneal ulceration
- Traumatic injuries (i.e. Proptosis)
When should I bring my dog to Eye Specialists for Animals for an evaluation?
Eye diseases can present in varying degrees of visible symptoms depending on the type of condition and severity of the issue. Common signs of an ocular problem include the following: squinting, rubbing the eyes, excessive tearing/discharge, redness, swelling, cloudiness, or a loss of vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately to schedule a consultation.
If your dog suffers an injury to the eye, we recommend immediate attention. Should the injury occur after normal business hours, we advise that you take your pet to an emergency clinic for prompt evaluation. Once the eye has been stabilized and your pet has been discharged, please contact our office to schedule a follow-up appointment.
At Eye Specialists for Animals, we provide expert knowledge in diagnosing and treating canine eye diseases and injuries. We strive to provide the highest level of ophthalmic medical care with an emphasis on compassion and client education. Each of our staff members is dedicated to providing personal attention to the unique needs and concerns of each individual pet owner.