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Common Eye
Conditions & Symptoms
Conjunctivitis is
an inflammation of the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the
eyelid and the white of the eye. It may be caused by infections,
allergies, inadequate tear production or irritation.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (DRY EYE)
occurs when the tear glands cannot provide a
dog’s eyes with enough tears. Viral diseases, drug reactions, allergies or
injuries may lead to this condition which, if chronic, can cause loss of
vision. Some breeds are also predisposed.
Corneal Ulceration
can result when the cornea’s surface is scratched
by a foreign object or is damaged by inadequate tear production or
bacterial infection. Very painful, it causes dogs to ‘squint’. Breeds with
bulbous eyes and aging dogs seem to be prone to this problem.
Epiphora
If your dog’s eye constantly ‘weeps’, or if the
fur around it appears ‘stained’, the normal tear flow may be blocked.
Cataracts & Glaucoma
Dogs, just like humans, can have these serious
eye diseases. Cataracts cloud the lens inside the eye and are the most
common cause of canine blindness. A hereditary condition in some breeds,
early examination by your veterinarian is important, as such animals
should not be bred. Glaucoma stems from too much pressure being exerted
upon the eye’s interior as a result of a decrease in the amount of fluid
draining from it.
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How
to Administer Eye Drops
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1. You may need to
muzzle your dog. |
2. Remove any
discharge around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with saline
solution. |
3. See the
instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary. |
4. Use one hand to
hold the bottle between thumb and index and place the other under
your dog’s jaw to support the head. |
5. Tilt the head
back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the
eyelids open. |
6. Hold the bottle
close to the eye but DON’T touch the eye’s surface. |
7. Squeeze the drops
on to the eyeball, then release the head. |
8. Your dog will
blink, spreading the medication over the eye’s surface. |
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How to Apply Eye Ointment
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1. You may need to
muzzle your dog. |
2. Remove any discharge
around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with saline solution. |
3. Check the
instructions on the tube for dosage. |
4. Gently pull back
upper and lower eyelids. |
5. Holding
the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its
edge, about the size of a grain of rice. DON’T let the tube touch the
eye’s surface. |
6. Release the head. Let
your dog blink. |
7. Lightly massage upper
and lower eyelids together to spread the medication. |
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