Lisa
01-15-2006, 09:19 PM
Eye Care
A healthy dog's eyes should be clear, bright and free from dirt, discharge and inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Illness:
Matter 'stuck' on the surface or in the corners of the eye
Cloudiness within the eyeball
A dull eye surface
Red inner eyelids
The 'third eyelid' coming across the eye
Excessive tearing or unusual discharges
Tear-stained fur around the eyes
Common Eye Conditions
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.
Corneal Ulceration can occur when the shiny surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (DRY EYE) occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears. This results in recurrent or chronic conjunctivitis - persistently sore eyes - and, untreated, may eventually lead to blindness.
Epiphora. If your dog's eye constantly weeps, or if the fur around it appears stained, the normal tear flow may be blocked, or your dog could be displaying allergy symptoms.
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. 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
To treat these conditions, your vet may prescribe an ointment or drops. Have your vet show you the proper way to administer. If your dog is stressed enough to bite while administering, you may want to discuss with your vet if you should muzzle while applying.
How to Apply Eye Ointment
Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
Check the instructions on the tube for dosage.
Gently pull back upper and lower eyelids.
Holding the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its edge. DON'T let the tube touch the eye's surface.
Lightly massage upper and lower eyelids together to spread the medication.
Release the head. Let your dog blink.
How to Administer Eye Drops
Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
See the instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary.
Use one hand to hold the bottle between thumb and index finger and place the other under your dog's jaw to support the head.
Tilt the head back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelids open.
Hold the bottle close to the eye but DON'T touch the eye's surface.
Squeeze the drops onto the eye and once the drops are in, release the head.
Your dog will blink, spreading the medication over the eye's surface
A healthy dog's eyes should be clear, bright and free from dirt, discharge and inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Illness:
Matter 'stuck' on the surface or in the corners of the eye
Cloudiness within the eyeball
A dull eye surface
Red inner eyelids
The 'third eyelid' coming across the eye
Excessive tearing or unusual discharges
Tear-stained fur around the eyes
Common Eye Conditions
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.
Corneal Ulceration can occur when the shiny surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (DRY EYE) occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears. This results in recurrent or chronic conjunctivitis - persistently sore eyes - and, untreated, may eventually lead to blindness.
Epiphora. If your dog's eye constantly weeps, or if the fur around it appears stained, the normal tear flow may be blocked, or your dog could be displaying allergy symptoms.
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. 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
To treat these conditions, your vet may prescribe an ointment or drops. Have your vet show you the proper way to administer. If your dog is stressed enough to bite while administering, you may want to discuss with your vet if you should muzzle while applying.
How to Apply Eye Ointment
Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
Check the instructions on the tube for dosage.
Gently pull back upper and lower eyelids.
Holding the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its edge. DON'T let the tube touch the eye's surface.
Lightly massage upper and lower eyelids together to spread the medication.
Release the head. Let your dog blink.
How to Administer Eye Drops
Remove any discharge from around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
See the instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary.
Use one hand to hold the bottle between thumb and index finger and place the other under your dog's jaw to support the head.
Tilt the head back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelids open.
Hold the bottle close to the eye but DON'T touch the eye's surface.
Squeeze the drops onto the eye and once the drops are in, release the head.
Your dog will blink, spreading the medication over the eye's surface