Eye Disease in Dogs and Cats
Ophthalmic Care
At the Village Vet we understand the importance of regular eye examinations for your beloved dogs and cats. Eyes are not only important for vision but can also provide valuable insight into overall health.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important for Pets:
Regular eye exams are essential for your pets for several reasons. These examinations can -
1. Detect underlying health conditions. The eyes can show infection, inflammation or systemic disease. By examining your pets eyes our Veterinarians can identify these condtions early on and initiate appropriate treatment.
2. Ensure proper vision. Just like humans, dogs and cats rely heavily on their vision. Regular eye exams can make sure their eyes are healthy functioning optimally. Detecting and treating any vision related issues promptly can improve their quality of life.
Common Eye Diseases:
There are several eye disease affecting dogs and cats including -
1. Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eyeball. This can cause redness, discharge and discomfort.
2. Cataracts: clouding of the lens within the eye, leading to blurred vision or even blindness if left untreated.
3. Glaucoma: increased pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if not managed promptly.
4. Corneal ulcers: ulcers on the lining of the eye, often caused by trauma or infection. They can cause pain squinting and discharge.
5. Cherry eye: protrusion of the gland in a pet's third eyelid, leading to redness, swelling and discomfort.
6. Dry eye: a condition where the tear ducts stop producing tears causing pain, infection and ulcers in the cornea.
Why Consult a Veterinarian?
While it may be tempting to self diagnose or rely on over the counter remedies, it's crucial to consult a vet for any eye related concerns in your pet. Here's why:
1. Accurate diagnosis: A veterinarian as the knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose the specific eye condition affecting your pet. They can differentiate between various diseases that may be present with similar symptoms.
2. Equipment: At The Village Vet we have specialised eye equipment including our Tonovet pen - which measures eye pressure, fluroscein stain for ulcer diagnosis and Schimmer tear tests for dry eye diagnosis. Each consult room as a dedicated opthalmoscope to allow lens and retinal exams to determine what is going on inside the eye.
3. Effective treatment: Different eye diseases require specific treatment approaches. A vet can prescribe the appropriate medications, eye drops or even perform surgery if necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
4. Prevention and Early Intervention: Regular eye examinations can help detect eye diseases in their early stages. Early intervention often leads to better treatment outcomes and can prevent further damage to your pet's vision.
5. Comprehensive Care: By visiting a veterinarian you gain access to comprehensive care to your pet's overall health. They can address any underlying health issues contributing to the eye problem and provide holistic care.