A golden retriever's eyes are important to the way he sees the world. His eyes allow him to interact with people and note the position of objects. Protecting a dog's eyes is the responsibility of the dog owner. Swollen eyes in a golden retriever can signal a serious problem and may warrant a trip to the veterinarian's office.
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Symptoms
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A golden retriever's eyes will appear red and may not open properly when swollen. In addition, the dog may appear to be in pain and may attempt to rub at the eye. There may be tear-like fluid or pus coming from the eye. This is a serious condition that can affect the dog's comfort level and his health.
Causes
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There can be many causes to a swollen eye in a golden retriever. Some of these potential conditions include infection, injury or allergies. An infection will often show signs of pus, as will an injury. An allergy may simply show signs of weeping, but not necessarily pus. Prolapsed eyes are also possible, and this is typically found in severe trauma cases where injury to the head occurred, popping the eye out of the socket.
First Aid
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Flush the eyes of the golden retriever with saline solution or distilled water. If there is a foreign body in the eye, this should remove it. If the dog does not show an immediate sign of relief, a trip the the veterinarian is in order. Until reaching the veterinarian, a cool compress may be applied and an Elizabethan collar may be worn to prevent scratching.
Veterinarian Assistance
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A veterinarian will be able to tell the extent of the injury and the necessary treatments. If the eye is damaged, surgical or medical treatment may be necessary. If the swollen eyes are caused by allergies, a steroid and allergy medication may be used. If there is an infection, antibiotics may be administered. It is best to check with a veterinarian as soon as you notice the eyes are swollen to prevent additional damage and discomfort for the golden retriever.
Prevention
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While infections can be tricky to prevent in dogs, injuries are fairly easy to prevent. Never allow your dog to ride in the car or truck with his or her head out the window. This increases the chances that a rock or insect may make contact with his eyes. If this behavior is necessary, doggy goggles may be in order. In addition, be aware of the position of the dog when doing any activities that may result in contaminates being thrown into the air and potentially in the dog's eyes. Watch how you pet the dog to avoid making contact with his eyes and potentially injuring him.
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