Eye Ailments in Dogs
Your dog can be affected by eye ailments ranging from mild irritations that require little or no treatment, to severe conditions that require life-long management or surgical correction. According to scamperingpaws.com, although some breeds, particularly dogs with "flat" noses, are more prone to eye ailments, any breed of dog is vulnerable. You can safeguard your dog's vision with regular veterinary check-ups and by keeping your eye on his eyes.
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Cherry Eye
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Canine nictitans gland prolapse, commonly called cherry eye, occurs when a dog's third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible, appearing as a little pink "cherry" in the corner of the eye. According to dog.info, it is easily corrected through surgery.
Cataracts
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Cataracts, a clouding or whitening of the eye lens, are generally an inherited condition, or may occur due to chronic illness, immune deficiency or injury. According to scamperingpaws.com, if the cataracts are particularly bothersome, they can be surgically removed.
Entropion
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According to dog.info, entropion is an uncomfortable, genetic condition that causes a dog's eyelid to fold inward and rub abrasively against the eyeball. Entropion is treatable by surgically removing excess skin from the outer eyelid.
Glaucoma
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Glaucoma, an increase in eye pressure, is a very serious condition that, according to scamperingpaws.com, can result in blindness and/or eye loss if not treated immediately. Watch for dilated pupils, eye protrusion, squinting, excessive blinking, bloodshot appearance or pain (rubbing eyes against objects or with paws).
Corneal Ulceration
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A corneal ulceration can occur if your dog's corneal epithelium (cornea covering) is injured. According to dog.info, corneal ulcerations are painful and can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately.
Dry Eye
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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly called dry eye, is the result of inadequate tear production. In some breeds, particularly the shih tzu, lhasa apso and pug, dry eye is a congenital condition that requires life-long management with medicated eye drops.
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