Pet Eye Problems

Dogs

• Aging dogs can suffer from glaucoma and cataracts, both of which can lead to blindness. If a dog's eyes have increased pressure for even a brief time, they can suffer irreparable damage. In dogs with cataracts, the lenses appear white and cloudy. One possible cause, diabetes mellitus, can make symptoms appear suddenly. Cataracts are usually genetic, with worsening vision leading to surgical removal. Conjunctivitis is an eye disease that can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Consult your vet immediately if you suspect an eye problem in your dog, because they can worsen rapidly.

Cats

• Cats have fewer eye problems than dogs, but infections can be chronic. Glaucoma can result in squinting, redness and enlarged eyes and is the main cause of blindness, with surgery the recommended treatment. Iris melanoma is a tumor affecting older cats. A brown growth spreads in the gold, yellow, green or blue iris of the cat. To keep the tumor from spreading, a vet may need to remove the eye. Conjunctivitis appears as an inflamed eye with a watery discharge. You can treat the disease with topical antibiotics unless the cause is HFV-1 (feline herpesvirus-1). Most cats are exposed to this virus as kittens, after which it becomes dormant. HFV-1 conjunctivitis can't be cured, but various treatments and medications are available.

Horses

• Horses commonly suffer from eye infections and injuries. Since problems can worsen at an alarming rate, you should check a horse's delicate eyes daily. Corneal ulcers result in tearing, pain and squinting and demand immediate veterinary evaluation. Some conditions relating to ulcerated eyes and uveitis can lead to blindness and require specific medications that should be given only by a vet. Horses' eyes should appear bright, clear and wide without discharge or swelling. With proper treatment, horses can effectively recover from many eye problems within days.

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

• Eye infections are common in rabbits, often caused by dust that accumulates in the tear ducts, creating a blockage. The skin and fur can suffer as discharge overflows onto the cheeks. A veterinarian might flush the tear duct and recommend that owners treat the infection by bathing the eye. A cornea scratched by hay is usually treated with antibiotic drops or eye lubricants for dryness. Drafts near cages can also cause infections. Cataracts can affect all guinea pigs, though Abyssinians are most prone to them. A sagging lower lid in guinea pigs is a benign hereditary condition known as fatty eye.

Precautions

• Red, watery eyes in pets often result from infection and won't go away without medication. Because eye problems require a professional diagnosis, always see your veterinarian promptly if your pet is suffering from any eye condition. Injuries require immediate treatment. Veterinary ophthalmology is a growing specialty now available to more pet owners.