Eye Problems
Canine Conditions and Responses Home
Signs of eye pain include excessive tearing, squinting, tenderness to
the touch and sensitivity to light. Other signs of a painful eye are
loss of appetite, lethargy, whining and crying. The nictitating membrane
often protrudes in response to pain. The most common causes of severe
eye pain are acute glaucoma, uveitis, keratitis and corneal injuries.
The appearance of discharge helps to define the cause of the problem. A
clear discharge with no other symptoms suggests a problem with the
tearing mechanism. A painless discharge accompanied by redness is
typical of conjunctivitis. Any discharge accompanied by signs of pain
should alert you to the possibility of corneal or inner eye problems.
An opaque or whitish membrane that moves out over the surface of the
eyeball from the inner corner of the eye is a protruded nictitating
membrane.
Loss of clarity or transparency accompanied by signs of pain suggests
keratitis, glaucoma or uvcitis. Cataracts are the most likely cause when
the eye is not painful. If the eye is entirely opaque you might think
the dog is blind, but this is not necessarily the case.
Changes in eye pressure and firmness of the eyeball are caused by
diseases of the inner eye. A hard eye with a dilated pupil indicates
glaucoma. A soft eye with a small pupil indicates uveitis.
A bulging eye occurs with glaucoma, tumours and abscesses behind the
globe, and with an eye out of its socket. A sunken eye occurs with
dehydration, weight loss, eye pain and tetanus.
Entropion
This condition, in which the eyelids roll inward, is the most common
congenital defect of the eyelids. It can also be caused by injury and
long-standing eyelid infections that cause scarring. The abnormal
eyelids produce irritation with tearing and squinting. Corneal injuries
are common.
Breeds most commonly affected by entropion are the Chinese Shar-Pei,
Chow Chow, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Bulldog and the
hunting breeds. Most cases involve the lower eyelids. In dogs with large
heads and loose facial skin such as Chinese Shar-Pei, Bloodhounds and
Saint Bernards, the upper eyelids may be involved.
Canine Bowen Technique and the Treatment of Eye Problems
To support vetenary care Bowen can be used to help drain the excess fluid
synonymous
with eye problems. The gentle procedures will be focused on the neck, throat and head area to help
alleviate inflammation and fluid production.
