Your pet’s eyes are the windows to their soul, and when they become cloudy, teary, or irritated, you cannot see the love shining forth. A pet’s eye problems can rapidly progress and cause serious, permanent damage, so always pay close attention to your pet’s peepers. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team describes common eye diseases in pets and strongly recommends you immediately schedule a veterinary vision exam if your dog’s or cat’s eyes appear abnormal or your furry pal exhibits vision issues.

Conjunctivitis in pets

Conjunctivitis (i.e., pink eye) occurs when your pet’s conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctivae are the pink mucous membranes that cover the eyeballs and eyelids. Pets also have a third eyelid (i.e., nictitating membrane) at the inner corner of each eye that is composed of conjunctival tissue. When inflamed, the conjunctiva becomes swollen and itchy and may turn bright pink or red from irritation. 

An allergy, or a viral or bacterial infection usually causes conjunctivitis. Any issue that affects the eye, such as autoimmune diseases and  genetic conditions, can irritate and inflame conjunctiva. 

Dry eye in pets

Inadequate tear production often results in dry eye syndrome (i.e., keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS]). Tears are essential for lubricating your pet’s eyes, and they also contain components that fight infection and protect the eyes from irritants. If your pet has dry eye syndrome, the glands responsible for producing the watery layer of tears fail to function properly, but the glands that produce the lipid and mucin layers still work correctly. Without the water, tears become a gooey mucus, the hallmark dry eye sign. Numerous causes can lead to dry eye in pets, including:

  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Genetic conditions
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Infectious diseases
  • Removal of or damage to the third eyelid
  • Neurologic issues
  • Medications

Corneal injuries in pets

The cornea is the transparent outer layer at the eye’s front, and this tissue’s location makes it susceptible to injuries such as scratches, abrasions, and ulcers. A foreign object, abrasion (i.e., scratch) attributable to a fight with another pet, or an eye or eyelid abnormality can damage a pet’s cornea. If your pet’s eyelids roll in, or the eyes lack an adequate tear layer, they can suffer a corneal injury because of constant friction and irritation. 

Corneal injuries, provided they haven’t penetrated to the Descemet’s membrane, often heal well with eye drops and ointments, especially if our Family Veterinary Care of Oakland team diagnoses and treats the injury as quickly as possible. Deep corneal injuries or delayed treatment may result in permanent eye damage.

Cherry eye in pets

Cherry eye’s name is based on the prolapsed gland’s appearance, tucked under the third eyelid. When the gland pops out of place, it appears as a small red mass (i.e., cherry) in the eye’s inner corner. Certain cat and dog breeds are prone to cherry eye, likely attributable to a genetic component. Veterinarians suspect that the fibrous tissues that hold the gland in place are weaker in some breeds, allowing the gland to prolapse partially or completely. Surgical techniques to hold the gland in place are generally the most effective treatment, as an untreated cherry eye can lead to corneal ulcers and chronic dry eye.

Cataracts in pets

Dogs suffer from cataracts (i.e., lens opacity) more than any other species. Senior pets are more likely to be affected, but a pet’s cataracts can develop at any age. A cataract appears as a white spot on the pupil, and the tissue can be small enough to continue to allow decent vision. However, if the cataract becomes large, it can completely obscure a pet’s vision.

Genetics, diabetes, age, or ocular inflammation can spur cataract development. If a cataract grows large enough, the tissue may interfere with the eye’s filtration system, and an affected pet can develop glaucoma (i.e., increased ocular pressure). The only treatment available for cataracts is surgical removal of the diseased lens.

Eyelid problems in pets

Eyelid abnormalities can cause a pet significant pain and corneal damage. Entropion is one of pets’ most common eyelid issues and occurs when the eyelids roll in, causing the eyelashes and eyelid hair to rub against the cornea. A mass that develops on the eyelids can also rub against the eye. If our team does not remove an eyelid growth as soon as it is detected, the mass will continue to grow, and your pet will have to undergo excessive tissue removal during surgical excision. 

Any change in your pet’s eyes or vision is cause for concern. Left untreated, ocular problems can lead to severe, permanent injury, so schedule an appointment with our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team if your pet has an eye issue.