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Pet Article
PETS AND RED EYE
Your dog or cats red eye may signal a problem requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency
surgery. Here's a peek at some of the causes and treatments for red eyes.
CONJUNCTIVITIS: Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes in the eye, it is the
most common eye disease of all domestic animals. Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are
prone to conjunctivitis. The eye reddens because of the increased flow of blood, and you may
see swelling of the mucous membranes. Viruses or bacteria may cause conjunctivitis; parasites
and allergies are less common causes. Discharge may be clear or contain mucus, depending on
the severity of the infection.
Conjunctivitis itches, keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the conjunctivitis
with appropriate medication are keys to controlling it.
KERATITIS: Chronic superficial keratitis, also know as degenerative pannus, occurs primarily
in German shepherds but occasionally in other breeds. The disease causes pigmentation and
superficial blood vessels on the eye. It's not that painful but can decrease vision if left
untreated.
Keratitis also occurs in chronic cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS occurs
when there is not enough moisture in the tear film. A thick, ropy mucous discharge is
associated with this common ophthalmic disorder. In chronic cases, the corneal layer of the
eye becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, pigmented, and harder because of the long term
irritation. Treatment involves tear stimulants and anti inflammatories. Eye ulcers are often
associated with keratitis and may require surgical repair.
Inflammation of the eyelids and cherry eye Eyelids may become inflamed from
dermatitis, a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection; a metabolic or immune system problem;
neoplasia; trauma; or sun damage. Treatment varies by exact diagnosis.
Cherry eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It commonly affects young dogs,
especially beagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, and bulldogs. The gland protrudes and
becomes irritated and inflamed. If one eye has cherry eye, the other eye could be predisposed
to it as well. Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland.
SCLERITIS: Scleritis usually involves only one eye. The red area may develop suddenly and
be lumpy, immovable, and hard. It is often treated with steroids.
UVEITIS: Inflammation of part or all of the uveal tract is a very common ocular problem in
domestic animals and human beings. The uvea surrounds much of the eye with blood vessels. Your
pet may show signs of eye pain such as an overflow of tears, eyelid spasms, sensitivity to light,
recession of the eyeball into the orbit, and small pupils. If untreated uveitis harms vision.
GLAUCOMA: Glaucoma, if not treated immediately, can lead to irreversible blindness. A dog
with glaucoma deserves the same emergency status as a dog that has been hit by a car.
Veterinarians may see glaucoma in 8 percent of all canine patients.
Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure in the eyeball because an obstruction prevents fluids in
the eye from flowing out. Signs of glaucoma include cloudy pupils, large pupils and
redness. Treatment of acute glaucoma by the primary care veterinarian should be directed
toward one goal rapid reduction of pressure in the eye before permanent blindness occurs.
Medical therapy must be started immediately after diagnosis in order to preserve vision.
Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. Bleeding in the eye generally results from
trauma, inflammation, or other vascular defects. Hemorrhage from trauma may need to be
surgically corrected. Uveitis and neoplasia can bring about growth of new blood vessels,
which are inherently leaky and may cause blood to accumulate. If the eye has progressed to
glaucoma, removal of the eye may be necessary.
For further information about a suspected eye problem in your pet, contact your local
veterinarian.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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