Eye Problems With Pugs
The Pug is one of the oldest dog breeds and its history can be traced back to around 400 B.C. Originally bred in Asia, this small dog has a become a popular pet around the world. The Pug is characterized by its wrinkly, short-muzzled face, compact form and curly tail. This breed can have a variety of health issues, however, several of which concern the dog's large, protruding eyes. Some of the most common eye problems include corneal ulcers or abrasions, dry eye, cherry eye, distichiasis, entropion and proptosis
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Corneal Abrasions and Ulcers
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The cornea of the eye is the shiny membrane on the surface of the eyeball. The cornea has three layers: the epithelium, stroma and Descemet's membrane. Corneal abrasions and ulcers occur when these layers are damaged or erode. The most common cause of corneal ulcers is trauma or injury to the eyeball, although infections can also produce this condition. Because of the shape of the its eyes, pugs are particularly susceptible to damage of the eyeball.
A Pug suffering with a corneal ulcer may rub the eye with its paw or keep the affected eye closed. The eye may also emit a discharge that collects in the corner and eventually runs down the dog's face.
Corneal ulcers and abrasions are not usually visible to the naked eye and are usually diagnosed by a veterinarian through a test involving the use of eye drops and a black light. Corneal ulcers may require surgery, while abrasions generally heal within three to five days.
Occasionally, a veterinarian may diagnose a Pug as having an abrasion that is actually an ulcer. The veterinarian should reexamine the dog after two to three days to prevent a possible misdiagnosis, according to Petpugdog.com.
Dry Eye
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Dry eye, or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is another common eye problem in Pugs. According to Petpugdog.com, there is a "natural film that protects the Pug's eyes," and if that film develops a "rip or tear, the eye is no longer protected." This film can also erode as a result of undernourishment.
Symptoms of dry eye can include a brown film that develops on the eye and the appearance of scar tissue or blood vessels on the eyeball.
A veterinarian can treat this condition with eye drops, medication for swelling and infection, and additional medicine to stimulate natural tears.
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Cherry Eye
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Cherry eye is a condition that is characterized by a film over the Pug's eyes.This condition may also cause redness of the eye. However, this "film" is actually the dog's second eyelid that has slid down over the eye. It is common for this to happen occasionally; however, if this happens continually, it is important to seek medical advice. A veterinarian can diagnose cherry eye by looking at the interior of the eyeball and conducting blood tests. If the veterinarian determines that the Pug has cherry eye, he may prescribe antibiotics for any infection and eye drops for pain relief.
Distichiasis
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Distichiasis occurs when eyelashes grow on a part of the eyelid that does not normally produce lashes. Pugs are susceptible to this condition, which can cause redness and discharge in the eye. Distichiasis can be treated by removal of the lashes and lubricating ointment. A medical professional may also use cauterization or cryosurgery to destroy the roots of the lashes.
Entropion
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Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid, which causes excessive blinking and tearing. In Pugs, "the common location is the lower corner of the bottom lid closest to the nose," according to Pugcentral.com. Entropion is believed to be genetic, and surgery is necessary to cure this condition. Surgery "involves the removal of some skin and muscle along the eyelid margin," according to Pugcentral.com.
Proptosis
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Pugs are easily recognized by their protruding eyes and, because of this characteristic, the eyes of the pug are more easily forced from the socket than with other dog breeds. If the Pug is "bitten near the eye, the eye could be pushed forward in front of the lids," according to Pugs.org. Although nerves and muscle would still hold it in place, the forward movement of the eye would damage the eye and affect the dog's sight. In this case, the dog would require surgery to save its eyesight.
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References
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