Ophthalmology For Dogs and Cats

Just like humans, pets can experience a variety of eye problems. From dry eyes to more serious conditions like glaucoma, pet eye health is incredibly important. At Stewart Animal Clinic, we're here to help you understand animal eye care and when to seek the help of a veterinary eye specialist.

What is Veterinary Ophthalmology?

Veterinary ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating eye conditions in animals. Pets can experience many of the same eye issues as humans, including cataracts, infections, and injuries. Whether your pet’s problem is something simple, like an eye infection, or more complex, like corneal ulcers, our veterinarians have the training and tools to help.

Common Eye Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Here are some common eye issues you might notice in your pet:

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is a common inflammation of the eye lining and can be caused by allergies, infections, or irritants. Signs to watch out for include redness, discharge, and excessive blinking.
• Cataracts: Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making it hard for your pet to see. This condition is more common in older pets but can happen at any age.
• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Some pets can’t produce enough tears, leading to dry, irritated eyes. This condition is uncomfortable and may cause redness, squinting, or even ulcers.
• Glaucoma: This is an increase in pressure inside the eye that can cause pain and blindness if not treated. Pets with glaucoma may have a cloudy or bulging eye and could be sensitive to light.
• Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea, often caused by injury or infection. They can be painful and lead to more severe problems if not treated.

Diagnosing Pet Eye Problems

Diagnosing eye conditions involves a combination of eye exams, diagnostic tools like fluorescein staining (a dye test to check for ulcers), and sometimes advanced imaging or testing.

Look for these signs of eye problems in pets:

• Red or swollen eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
• Squinting or blinking
• Cloudy eyes
• Rubbing at the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Visible sores or scratches
• Bulging or sunken eyes
• Behavior changes (like trouble seeing)

When to See a Veterinary Eye Doctor

Some eye issues can be complex or need specialized equipment to be treated properly. That’s when we may refer your pet to a veterinary ophthalmologist. These specialists have additional training and experience in eye diseases, and they can provide advanced care for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or severe trauma. Here are a few reasons we might refer your pet to an ophthalmologist:

• Complex Diagnoses: Some conditions, like certain types of glaucoma, require advanced diagnostic tools and treatments that only an ophthalmologist can provide.
• Surgery: If your pet has cataracts or needs another kind of eye surgery, an ophthalmologist has the training to perform these delicate procedures.
• Chronic Conditions: Some pets suffer from long-term eye problems, like dry eye, that need ongoing management.

Our veterinarians will send over your pet’s records, and the specialist will take over from there. The ophthalmologist will do a detailed exam, possibly using specialized equipment, and may run a few tests to confirm the diagnosis. After that, they’ll develop a treatment plan, which could involve medications, surgery, or ongoing management.

We will continue to work closely with the specialist to make sure your pet gets the best possible care.

Treating Pet Eye Problems

Pets can have a variety of eye issues. While there are many eye issues a pet can have, many share similar treatment options. Here are the most common treatment options our vet team might recommend:

• Eye Drops & Ointments: These reduce swelling, keep eyes moisturized, and are used for dog and cat eye infection treatment
• Oral Medications: Sometimes antibiotics or anti-inflammatory pills are needed to treat eye issues linked to other conditions.
• Surgery: For serious problems like cataracts or glaucoma, surgery may be necessary to restore vision or reduce eye pressure.
• Laser Therapy: An option for advanced cases, helping control eye pressure or repair damage

Veterinary Eye Care in Warrior

At Stewart Animal Clinic, we're here to help with eye conditions in pets. Whether it’s diagnosing an eye infection or referring you to a pet eye specialist for more advanced treatment, we’ve got you covered. If you think your pet might have an eye issue, call us at (205) 647-8140 or book an appointment online below!