Eye injuries happen to pets. Here, our Austin vets explain what symptoms to look for, and why you should seek veterinary care for treatment right away if your cat or dog has an eye injury.
Eye Injuries in Pets
Eye injuries in pets can range from mild to severe and may include foreign bodies in the eye, scratches, chemical exposure or contact corneal trauma.
As soon as you notice your pet showing symptoms of an eye injury see a veterinarian to determine the cause and severity.
Urgent veterinary care is especially important when dealing with a dog or cat eye injury because several eye conditions can lead to permanent scarring or even blindness if not properly treated.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries in Pets
There are many causes of eye injuries in pets, but the most common include:
- Fights with other animals
- Running in the woods - branches scratching the eye
- Digging - damage to the eye caused by debris
- Dangerous projectiles such as fireworks
- Riding in a car with head out the window
Symptoms of Pet Eye Injuries
If your dog or cat is experiencing any of the following eye injury symptoms, get to your vet right away:
- General Discomfort
- Squinting
- Rapid Blinking
- Inability to Open Eye
- Tearing Eyes
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Pawing at Eye / Face
- Cloudiness or Discharge
Diagnosing Pet Eye Injuries
You can help your vet determine the diagnosis by providing specific information including when your pet’s symptoms began, if they seem better or worse, and any details you may know about the situation that caused the injury.
If your vet can’t immediately see a foreign object in your pet's eye or other damage to the eye, they’ll conduct a thorough ocular exam to determine if there’s a deeper injury, irritation or bruising as a result of trauma.
Cat & Dog Eye Injury Treatment
Treatment options will depend on the severity of your pet's injury and what caused the injury to your pet's eye. In many cases, a simple injury can be treated by having your dog or cat wear an e-collar to prevent rubbing and prescription antibiotics or drops. More complex injuries may require surgery to repair your pet's eye and restore its function.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.