Eyes are one of the sensitive parts of a dog. Most eye ailments in a dog appear on their eyelids. Dogs have three eyelids for each eye - the upper, lower and the third eyelid. These diseases may or may not cause pain and discomfort to your pet, however, if left untreated, can lead to severe conditions where the canine can even lose its vision. Hence, it is important to consult a veterinarian when you observe changes in your dog's eye.
Glaucoma - This is one of the most serious eye ailments found in the dogs. It is caused when fluids in the eye are not let out and cause increased pressure over the eye. When a dog is suffering from glaucoma, its eye may appear cloudy, red or swollen. There are two types of glaucoma - primary and secondary. It may cause pain to a dog, leading to depression and loss of appetite. If glaucoma is diagnosed at the initial stages, it can be treated.
Cataract - The normal transparent lens of the eye is filled with white opacities, blurring the vision of the dog. This disease is common in Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. The cause that develop cataract, is usually heredity. However, it can appear with other eye diseases or diabetes. Cataract in dogs can be corrected surgically but complete vision may not come.
Conjunctivitis - It is caused due to the inflammation of conjunctiva, which is a tissue that lines the eyelids and attaches the eyeball to the cornea. If one eye gets affected, the other eye is also prone to it. It is commonly observed in puppies rather than the adult dogs. The eye may appear reddish and thick mucus may be discharged which is green or yellowish in color. Eyes are likely to stick together when closed and would be difficult to open.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Also known as the dry eye condition. This condition is developed when the eye dries due to less production of tears.
Cherry Eye or Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland - The tear gland, located in the corner of the eye bulges out and appears reddish. This condition of the eye is called cherry eye or the prolapsed third eye gland. This condition is not as critical as it appears and can be treated through surgery, where the popped gland is pushed back into its place. This eye disease is common in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Napolean Mastiff etc.
Entropion - The eye lid tends to curl inward. This causes hair above the eye to fall on the eyeball thus causing corneal ulcer. Common symptoms are red or squinted eyes. The dog may sense pain and constantly scratch the eye which may cause more damage to the eye which may further lead to loss of eyesight. The treatment is surgery, which is known as blepharoplasty in which the eyelids are tightened. This condition affects almost all the dog breeds, however, there are some in which it is very common like the Saint Bernard, Great Danes, Rottweiler, poodles, Shar-Peis and Spaniels.
It is important to take your dog to a vet even if you find a slightest change in the appearance of their eye.
Glaucoma - This is one of the most serious eye ailments found in the dogs. It is caused when fluids in the eye are not let out and cause increased pressure over the eye. When a dog is suffering from glaucoma, its eye may appear cloudy, red or swollen. There are two types of glaucoma - primary and secondary. It may cause pain to a dog, leading to depression and loss of appetite. If glaucoma is diagnosed at the initial stages, it can be treated.
Cataract - The normal transparent lens of the eye is filled with white opacities, blurring the vision of the dog. This disease is common in Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. The cause that develop cataract, is usually heredity. However, it can appear with other eye diseases or diabetes. Cataract in dogs can be corrected surgically but complete vision may not come.
Conjunctivitis - It is caused due to the inflammation of conjunctiva, which is a tissue that lines the eyelids and attaches the eyeball to the cornea. If one eye gets affected, the other eye is also prone to it. It is commonly observed in puppies rather than the adult dogs. The eye may appear reddish and thick mucus may be discharged which is green or yellowish in color. Eyes are likely to stick together when closed and would be difficult to open.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Also known as the dry eye condition. This condition is developed when the eye dries due to less production of tears.
Cherry Eye or Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland - The tear gland, located in the corner of the eye bulges out and appears reddish. This condition of the eye is called cherry eye or the prolapsed third eye gland. This condition is not as critical as it appears and can be treated through surgery, where the popped gland is pushed back into its place. This eye disease is common in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Napolean Mastiff etc.
Entropion - The eye lid tends to curl inward. This causes hair above the eye to fall on the eyeball thus causing corneal ulcer. Common symptoms are red or squinted eyes. The dog may sense pain and constantly scratch the eye which may cause more damage to the eye which may further lead to loss of eyesight. The treatment is surgery, which is known as blepharoplasty in which the eyelids are tightened. This condition affects almost all the dog breeds, however, there are some in which it is very common like the Saint Bernard, Great Danes, Rottweiler, poodles, Shar-Peis and Spaniels.
It is important to take your dog to a vet even if you find a slightest change in the appearance of their eye.
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