Pet Eye Infections
Is one eye closed or squinting? Does it look swollen, or is your pet constantly rubbing it? Chances are, your pet is suffering from an eye infection. Your pet needs the help of a veterinarian, like at Concord Veterinary Clinic in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, or Lafayette, CA.
Causes of Pet Eye Infections
There are so many causes of pet eye infections that it’s no wonder that they are some of the most common ailments a veterinarian sees. Causes include:
- Bacterial infection
- Virus infection
- Yeast infection
- Fungal infection
- Injury, which can happen a lot to dogs with large eyes, like pugs
- Small object in the eye, such as dirt or a grass seed
- Birth defects, such as eyelid entropion
- Allergies
- Parasites
Symptoms of Pet Eye Infections
Your pet may show a combination of these signs:
- Squinting or keeping the affected eye closed
- Blinking more than usual
- Eye redness
- Swelling of the eye or eyelid
- The third eyelid may be too swollen to go back under the eyelid
- Discharge from the eye that is either watery or thick and smelly
- Rubbing the eye a lot
- Wanting to hide or stay in the dark
- Lack of appetite
- Aggression if you try to touch the head or anywhere around the eye
Your pet is in a lot of pain, so it’s best to get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you can. Eye infections usually do not clear up on their own.
Diagnosing Eye Infections in Pets
Several serious eye problems can produce the same symptoms as an eye infection, including glaucoma, tumors, or blocked tear ducts. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam for your pet and may give some tests, such as:
- Corneal stain
- Dilation of the pupils with eye drops, similar to what people get during an eye exam
- Schimer tear production test
- If your vet suspects allergies, then your pet will be given allergy tests
- Samples of eye discharge might be cultured to look for bacteria
- Measurement of eye pressure to make sure your pet does not have glaucoma
Treatment of Eye Infections in Pets
Fortunately, many causes of eye infections in pets can be quickly cleared up, often with medicated eye drops or ointments. If you don’t know how to give these to your pet, ask your vet to show you how. Never use medication or eye drops meant for people on pets. They could poison your pet.
Still Have Questions?
If you have further questions about your pet’s eye infection and live in the Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, or Lafayette, CA areas, contact Concord Veterinary Clinic online or call (925) 338-2375 to make an appointment today.