Eye Injuries in Pets

Dogs and cats are active animals, making them prone to injuries.

Unfortunately, the injuries can affect one of the most sensitive parts: the eye.

Any injury to the eye should be taken seriously, whether mild or severe. That’s why it’s important to see a veterinarian immediately if you notice that your pet’s eye is injured.

If you are in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, Lafayette, CA, or its environs, please book an appointment with Concord Veterinary Clinic for all your pet care needs, including eye injury treatment.

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Types of Pet Eye Injuries

There are several causes of pet eye injuries. It could be a scratch with the claws, injuries from other animals, foreign objects in the eye, or collisions with objects. Depending on the nature of the injury, your pet may suffer certain injuries like:

  • Scratch on the eye surface (cornea laceration)
  • Chemicals or debris cornea injury (cornea ulcer)
  • Puncture wound caused by blunt objects
  • Proptosis (eye popping out of the socket)
  • Eyelid trauma

The earlier you visit an animal hospital for professional care, the better the chances you have for saving your pet’s vision and eye health.

Symptoms of Pet Eye Injuries

Since your pet may try to hide its symptoms from you, you need to be observant to identify when things aren’t okay with your animal. So, if your pet has an eye injury, it’s important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms associated with it, including:

  • Rapid blinking
  • Squinting
  • Excessive tearing
  • An obvious wound on or around the eye
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Eye discharge
  • Light sensitivity
  • Pawing at the eyes and face
  • Presence of a foreign body in the eye
  • Change in eye color

If you notice a foreign body in your pet’s eye, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Unless you are under the instructions of a professional, don’t try home care remedies for pet eye injuries. Our eye doctor can diagnose eye injuries that may appear subtle but can rapidly worsen, putting your pet’s eyesight at risk.

Treatment

After contacting our clinic, we may recommend you try first aid, especially if the injury isn’t that severe. In our animal hospital, treatment depends on the outcome after assessing the injury. Medication (antibiotics and eye drops) and a follow-up eye exam may be recommended depending on the results. However, surgery may be the best course of action for severe injuries.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Trusted Veterinarian

Do you suspect that your pet has an eye injury? Take action immediately before it’s too late. Please book an appointment with Concord Veterinary Clinic for professional pet care.