Red, Cloudy or Squinting Eyes in Your Dog or Cat? Eye Problems and Eye Care in Middle Sackville

Quick answer: Squinting, tearing, redness, a cloudy cornea, dilated pupils, eyes that look like different sizes, or pawing and rubbing at the face can all mean your dog or cat has an eye problem. Some causes, such as glaucoma, can lead to permanent vision loss if they are not treated promptly, so contact Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre right away if you notice these signs. We can examine your pet's eyes, measure eye pressure with a quick and painless test, and recommend treatment, including surgery or a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist when needed.

Your pet cannot tell you that their eye hurts, so changes in how their eyes look or how they behave are often the first clue. Here is what to watch for and what happens when you bring your pet in.

Warning signs of eye problems in dogs and cats

Contact us immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive squinting or tearing
• Redness or bloodshot eyes
• Cloudiness in the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye)
• Dilated pupils
• One eye that looks bigger than the other
• Pawing at the eyes or rubbing the face against furniture, carpet or other surfaces

Signs of discomfort like pawing and rubbing can point to elevated eye pressure, which needs to be checked right away.

Common causes of eye problems we look for

Glaucoma. Glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eye. It is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if it is not addressed promptly. Read more in our article on glaucoma and eye pressure testing.

Chronic eye infections. Some pets have eye infections that keep coming back. Surgery is one of the options we can use to address chronic eye infections.

Entropion. Entropion is a condition where the eyelashes rub against and damage the cornea. Surgery can correct it, which improves your pet's comfort, lowers the chance of corneal scarring and helps protect long-term vision.

Past eye injuries. A pet with a history of eye injuries may need regular eye pressure checks to protect their vision.

What happens at your pet's eye appointment

Step 1: Tell us what you have noticed. Let us know when the signs started, which eye is affected and whether your pet has had eye problems or injuries before.

Step 2: A physical exam. Your veterinarian examines your pet's eyes and checks their overall health.

Step 3: Eye pressure testing (tonometry). We use a tonometer to measure the pressure inside your pet's eyes. The test is quick, painless and does not require sedation.

Step 4: A treatment plan. Depending on the cause, your pet may need medical treatment or eye surgery. For complex eye conditions, we refer to board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and stay in close contact with them so your pet's care stays coordinated.

Step 5: Ongoing monitoring. If your pet belongs to a breed that is prone to glaucoma or has had eye injuries, we recommend regular tonometry checks as part of their ongoing care.

Frequently asked questions about pet eye problems

Is eye pressure testing painful for my pet?

No. Tonometry is quick and painless, and it does not require sedation, so it works well for both dogs and cats.

Can I wait a few days to see if my pet's eye gets better on its own?

We do not recommend waiting. Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss if it is not treated promptly, so contact us right away if your pet is squinting, has a red or cloudy eye, or keeps pawing at their face. If it is after hours, read our guide on what to do in a pet emergency.

Does my pet need regular eye pressure checks?

Regular tonometry is especially important for breeds predisposed to glaucoma and for pets with a history of eye injuries. Ask your veterinarian about it at your pet's next wellness exam.

What is entropion surgery?

Entropion surgery corrects an eyelid problem where the eyelashes damage the cornea. It improves your pet's comfort, decreases the likelihood of corneal scarring and improves long-term vision.

Book an eye check with our Middle Sackville vets

Worried about your pet's eyes? Call us at (902) 864-2882 or request an appointment online. Learn more about our tonometry service, or visit our new clients page if you are new to the clinic.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.