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  Frequently Asked Questions Pet Resource Center  | |
Eye Care1. Red Eyes: Pets eyes become reddened when blood vessels of the conjunctiva (the pink lining of the eyeball and eyelids), sclera (white covering of the eye), or cornea (clear surface of the eye) become enlarged or more numerous. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with certain diseases of the orbit (eye socket). The eyes can become irritated due to allergies induced by pollens, grasses, etc., or from infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Red eyes is common in both cats and dogs. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. It is recommended to keep your pets eyes clean, eliminating the cause of the conjunctivitis with appropriate medication. Red eye is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. What are the symptoms?
2. Cherry Eyes: The medical term for 'cherry eye' is nictitans gland prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. Unlike people, dogs have a 'third eyelid' that contains a tear gland and is located in the corner of each eye. Under normal circumstances, this gland is not visible and aids in the production of tears. For some reason, which is not completely understood, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or comes out of its normal position and swells creating the condition known as cherry eye. What are the symptoms?
Causes
3. Dry Eyes ( Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS): Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a Latin medical term used to describe a condition of decreased tear production. The term technically means “inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva from drying.” When the watery part of the tears is not produced in adequate amounts, the eye becomes chronically inflamed, and scarring and pigmentation of the cornea may lead to a decrease in vision. Another commonly used term to describe this disease is “dry eye.” What are the symptoms?
Causes
4. Ocular (Eye) Discharge: Ocular discharge is a common sign of eye disease. Abnormal discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The discharge may be watery, mucoid (gray, ropy), mucopurulent (yellow-green, thickened) or bloody. In general, the more discharge present, the more serious the disease. Causes
Diagnosis Veterinary care includes diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations. Several tests are required to diagnose the condition of the eyes and to define subsequent treatment. Do not delay in bringing your pet to your Veterinarian for examination as some causes of excessive ocular discharge are potentially vision threatening and require immediate medical attention. The underlying cause for the problem must be properly addressed. Products Available:
Eye drops or ointments are usually the drugs of choice. Eye drops are watery solutions that must be applied every few hours, while ointments last longer and are usually only applied two to three times per day. In severe cases, oral antibiotics are used in addition to the topical preparations.Many eye ointments containing hydrocortisones and antibiotics are available and are frequently used when the exact cause of the problem is unknown. It is important, however, not to use hydrocortisone-containing agents if a corneal ulcer is present. Hydrocortisone, although great at minimizing eye inflammation, may actually hinder the healing of or worsen an ulcerated cornea.
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