The Vet Practice

"My dog has a weepy eye. I've been bathing it in salty water but it's not getting better"

It's a common scenario and an enquiry we get on a regular basis - usually after the home treatment hasn't worked.

While mild conditions may respond to some simple home remedies - it's important to recognise when a treatment is not working and get some professional help. Especially if the conditions worsens.

Ideally all eye complaints should be investigated as soon as possible as they can range from mild infections right through to serious conditions which need urgent attention. In these cases, the sooner treatment can start, the better the chance of restoring normal eye function.

How do vets examine eyes?

Vets use a special instrument called an "Opthalmoscope" to examine the eye in detail. This includes all the delicate surrounding tissue as well as the interior and surface of the eye.

What they're looking for is evidence of any foreign bodies such as grasseeds, bits of dirt and so on stuck up under the eyelids which you can't always see with the naked eye.

Next the surface of the eye is examined for damage caused by scatches or other injuries. Because this part of the eye is covered by a transparent layer of tissue, it's impossible to see a scratch without staining the surface first. A special dye is used which shows up even the tiniest scratch or ulceration.

The dye will temporarily turn your pet's eyes a rather lurid shade of orange however don't be alarmed - it will disappear within an hour or so.

Any ulceration will turn the orange dye bright green.

Another common eye compaint is conjunctivitis. This is caused by a bacterial or viral infection or allergic reaction and signs include a coloured discharge and swollen eyelids. Antibiotics, anti - inflammatory drugs and pain relief are needed to succesfully treat this condition.

There are of course many other eye complaints to include ulcers, ruptured cornea, dry eye, cherry eye, entropian and cataracts. Some conditions require medical treatment - others surgical repair.

Eyes are a precious part of our body and our pet's bodies too. Permanent damage can happen very easily through inadequate or inappropriate treatment. Even a squinty eye shouldn't be ignored.

Do's and don'ts of eye care:

• Don't apply any ointments or medicated washes to eyes without veterinary advice. Some can actually do more harm than good.
• Don't delay treating an eye problem. See your vet as soon as possible - even if it seems minor at first.
• Don't apply any ointments even if you were prescribed them previously for your pet or another pet. It could be the wrong type of ointment for this condition plus - eye ointments contaminate very easily once opened.
• Don't bathe in warm salty water as is commonly advised. Salty water is often made up too concentrated and can actually aggravate the condition.
• Bathe only with sterile saline solution (pharmacy grade) as a temporary first aid measure.
• Or bathe in a lukewarm brew of Chamomile tea. It's mildly antiseptic and soothing to a sore eye.

Take care of eyes. They can't be replaced.