Most humans rely on their sight as a primary sense, and although pets are more dependent on smell (i.e., olfaction), sight still plays an important role. Eyes are complex and prone to various injuries, diseases, and conditions that may threaten vision. Eye problems are a common reason for pets to visit the Staples Mill Animal Hospital team, so we encourage pet owners to proactively monitor their pet’s vision and eye health at home. Here is an overview of common pet eye diseases and how our team can diagnose and manage your four-legged friend’s eye problems.

Pet eye anatomy

Most mammalian eyes have similar anatomy, with only a few minor species-to-species differences. In dogs and cats, the main eye structures include:

  • Cornea — Clear window covering the eye front
  • Sclera — White outside eye wall
  • Conjunctiva — Tissue lining eyelids and sclera
  • Iris — Colored muscular eye structure that controls pupil size
  • Pupil — Opening in the iris that allows light to enter the eye
  • Lens — Clear, bi-convex structure that helps focus incoming light rays on the retina
  • Retina — Delicate tissue that lines the inside of the eye’s back portion and contains light and color-detecting cells
  • Optic nerve — Sends impulses from the retina to the brain to create visual images.

Common pet eye conditions

Disease can strike any eye part and cause varied signs and symptoms. Hundreds of potential diseases exist, many of which are genetic and more likely to occur in certain breeds or species. A few of the most common issues our veterinary team encounters include:

  • Conjunctivitis in cats — Conjunctival redness and swelling, which are common in cats, are usually caused by an underlying infection, most commonly feline herpesvirus. 
  • Corneal sequestrum in cats — Sequestrum is a dead corneal area associated with herpesvirus infection. 
  • Dry eye disease in dogs — Dogs with dry eyes do not produce enough tears, leaving them with thick, sticky discharge and scarred, uncomfortable corneas.
  • Corneal ulcers in dogs and cats — Corneal ulcers or scratches are common in dogs and cats with large, bulging eyes and can result from injury, age, or other eye disorders.
  • Cherry eye in dogs — Cherry eye is a prolapsed third eyelid gland that appears as a pink mass at the inner eye corner. 
  • Entropion in dogs and cats — Eyelids that roll inward in dogs and cats can cause chronic ulceration and scarring. 
  • Eyelid masses in dogs — Older dogs commonly develop wart-like, benign growths along their eyelid edges.
  • Cataracts in dogs — Cataracts occur when the lens hardens and becomes opaque, obstructing vision and worsening over time.
  • Glaucoma in dogs — Glaucoma is a genetic disorder that causes elevated and painful eye pressure and eventual blindness.
  • Uveitis in dogs and cats — Uveitis is inflammation in the front eye portion that can lead to secondary eye complications. 
  • Hypertensive retinopathy in dogs and cats — High blood pressure damages sensitive blood vessels in the retina.
  • Retinal atrophy in dogs — Progressive retinal atrophy is a painless genetic condition that results in slow vision loss.

Treatment for these eye diseases varies, but commonly includes eye drops, eye ointments, oral antibiotics, oral pain medications, corrective surgery, or eye removal surgery. Untreated eye disease can cause discomfort or vision loss over time.

Eye disease signs in pets

Many pet eye conditions present similarly, so pet owners have difficulty determining the underlying cause. Your pet needs a thorough veterinary examination and you should schedule a visit if you notice:

  • Redness
  • Cloudy or blue color changes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sticky discharge
  • Squinting
  • Eye bulging
  • Eye rubbing or scratching
  • Vision loss

Diagnosing eye disease in pets

Eye diseases can sometimes be related to systemic disorders, so the first step for an eye problem diagnosis is a comprehensive physical examination. Then, we will examine the eyes using an ophthalmoscope and, if necessary, run comprehensive eye diagnostic tests, including:

  • Schirmer tear test to check for dry eyes
  • Tonometry (i.e., eye pressure measurement) to check for glaucoma
  • Fluorescein stain to check for breaks in the cornea

If we find anything concerning on physical examination, we may also order more comprehensive laboratory testing, including blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, ultrasound, or blood pressure measurement.

When your pet needs a specialist

Ophthalmologists are eye specialists who can diagnose and treat complex eye disorders, including specialized surgical procedures. If we believe your pet’s eye condition is beyond our purview, or we require further details before making a treatment decision, we may refer you to one of these highly qualified specialists. 

Eye diseases can impact your pet’s vision or cause them pain. Our Staples Mill Animal Hospital team can diagnose and treat common eye diseases or refer your pet to a specialist for advanced care when needed. Contact us to schedule a visit if you notice your pet has eye problems, or to learn more about the effects of eye disease on your pet.