Let's talk about one of the most delicate and essential parts of our pet's bodies - their eyes. We all know that soulful gaze, but what if your pet's eye starts to look a bit off? The need for immediate attention can't be understated. Let's look at the signs, actions, and precautions you should be aware of to ensure your fur friend's sight stays sharp!
First, let's play detective.
Be on the lookout for these potential signs of a serious eye problem:
- Your pet is squinting or shielding an eye
- Any hint of trauma to the eye
- The eyeball looks unusual
- The white part of the eye (sclera) is excessively red
- The eyelid can't cover the eyeball
Ring any bells? Reach out to your veterinarian right away. These symptoms can signal serious eye issues that could risk your pet's vision. Trauma, glaucoma, a perforated cornea, severe infections, foreign bodies, or autoimmune diseases could be the culprits. While you may want to play superhero, remember to protect yourself, too - use a muzzle if necessary to avoid bites when handling your pet's eye.
What can you do at home before you reach the vet?
If your pet's eye has been dislocated from the socket (proptosis) or the eyelids can't cover the eyeball, keep the eyeball moist. You can use contact lens wetting solution, K-Y jelly, water, or moist compresses.
Accidents happen - if an irritating chemical splashes into your pet's eye, wash it out with running water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes. A homemade saline solution works in a pinch (2 teaspoons of table salt in 1 quart of water).
In every case, remember to rush to the vet right away. Eyes are delicate, and even a few minutes could be the difference between sight and blindness. For severe cases, your vet might refer you to an eye specialist or ophthalmologist.
We also have a few don'ts:
- Don't try to treat the eyes or remove a foreign object by yourself.
- Don't attempt to push a dislocated eyeball back into the socket. This needs to be done under anesthesia to avoid further damage.
Remember, when it comes to eye emergencies, prompt action is key. It's always better to seek professional help when dealing with these delicate structures. Your pet's eyes are their window to their world and to your shared bond, so let's keep them healthy and bright!
Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.
If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.