Top 5 eye conditions in pets and how to spot them

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the number one eye problem we see at Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital and refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eye. In a healthy pet, this membrane has a pale, pink colour and isn’t readily visible. When conjunctivitis occurs, the conjunctiva membranes appear red and swollen.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

“The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include discharge from the eye (cloudy, green or yellow), squinting or excessive blinking and redness or swelling around the eye”.

Your pet may also experience eye pain or irritation, which can lead to rubbing their eyes with their paw or on the carpet. Other clinical signs that can occur with conjunctivitis include nasal discharge, sneezing and coughing.

Conjunctivitis generally involves both eyes but can affect just one eye in certain conditions.

How is conjunctivitis treated?

Treatment usually involves the application of eye drops or ointment. These must be applied directly to the eye itself, not the outside of the eyelids. Please speak to your vet if you have any questions about administering eye drops. Sometimes oral or injectable medications may also be required depending on the specific cause.

This condition can be quite painful for your pet and can lead to further complications such as inflammation inside the eye or self-trauma to the area if left untreated. It is important to have this checked out by your vet as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Corneal Ulcers

The cornea is the transparent membrane that makes up the front surface of the eye. There are three layers in the cornea. The outermost layer is the epithelium, which is a very thin layer of cells. Below the epithelium is the stroma, which is the main supportive tissue of the cornea and makes up 90% of its thickness.  The Descemet’s membrane is the deepest layer. 

Erosion of a few layers of the epithelium is called a corneal erosion or abrasion. If the damage extends to the stroma, its called a corneal ulcer. If the ulcer extends to the deepest level of the Descemet’s membrane, a descemetocele is formed. This is considered a serious emergency. If the Descemet’s membrane ruptures, fluid inside the eye leaks out, the eye collapses and irreparable damage occurs. 

What causes corneal ulcers?

Corneal ulcers are commonly caused by trauma from cat scratches, sharp objects, foreign bodies such as grass seeds or irritating substances like shampoos, dust or debris. Trauma may also be caused by bacterial or viral infections, irritation from eyelid abnormalities or other diseases.

What are the symptoms of corneal ulcers?

“A corneal ulcer is quite painful. The most common symptoms include rubbing the affected eye with their paw or on the carpet. They can also shut their eyes or blink excessively in attempt to protect the eye.”

You may also notice a watery discharge in corner of your pet’s eye that can run down their face. Avoiding bright light can be another symptom.

How are corneal ulcers treated?

Because all of the layers of the cornea are clear, corneal ulcers are detected by the use of special stains that adhere to ulcerated areas. Large ulcers are readily visible, while tiny ulcers may be enhanced through the use of special ophthalmic lights and filters. In some cases samples will need to be taken for culture and cell study under a microscope.

Treatment depends on whether there is a cornea abrasion, corneal ulcer or descemetocele present. Corneal abrasions generally heal in 3-5 days. Ophthalmic drops or ointment can be used during this time to prevent bacterial infection and for pain relief.

For Corneal ulcers or descemetoceles, surgery may be required to protect the eye and promote healing. Your vet will determine the best surgery to optimise healing for your pet.

Entropion

Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelids roll inward, allowing the eyelashes or other hair to rub against the cornea and irritate it. Entropion is considered a hereditary disorder, however can also occur as a secondary condition.

What are the symptoms of entropion?

“An animal with entropion will often squint, hold their eyes shut or have an excessive amount of tears coming from the effected eye.”

Some may be sensitive to light or rub at their eyes, particularly when outside. Some patients will develop a mucous like discharge.

In some animals, entropion is a minor annoyance, with only mild or no obvious signs of discomfort. In others it can cause painful ulcers and erosions that can cause scarring and effect vision. This level of entropion needs surgical correction.

How is entropion treated?

Medical treatment with antibiotic ointments can decrease damage to the cornea, but it cannot resolve the entropion itself. To fix the eyelid, surgical correction is required. If the entropion is significant enough to warrant treatment the excess skin of the outer lids are removed. Excess skin that causes skin folds is also removed and the eyelids are tightened.

If the animal has corneal ulcers, they will need to be treated too. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.