Uhunt Eye Defects & Vision

Uhunt Mag Information

  • Posted By : BRISTLE UP
  • Posted On : Jun 20, 2019
  • Views : 2546
  • Likes : 1
  • Category : PIG DOGGING » VET & HEALTH ARTICLES
  • Description : "Because eyes are so sensitive it is important that any issue regarding them is presented to a vet promptly for treatment, or they may sustain irreversible damage and lose the eye."

Overview

  • By Bella Jaye

    Our dog’s vision compares to us humans in different ways. They can see in much dimmer light than us and can detect motion better than humans can. However they do not have the ability to focus on the shape of things as well as we do, it is suggested that they can clearly see an object at 20 feet that we could see clearly at 75 feet. Their eyes also process colors very differently from us and are considered to see things in a similar way to that of humans who are colorblind. Their perspective of the world is also vastly different to ours due to how low they are on the ground, in a world predominantly built for people. Because eyes are so sensitive it is important that any issue regarding them is presented to a vet promptly for treatment, or they may sustain irreversible damage and lose the eye. Discharge from the eyes has many causes from low-grade inflammation to blocked tear ducts so examination by a vet will be needed to establish the cause and treatment. 

    Other symptoms that indicate eyes are irritated are pawing at eyes, watering, squinting and sensitivity to light. Eye problems can happen because of wounds, a deformity (not being able to close the eyes properly), lack of tears (dry eyes) or paralysis of the facial nerves, just to name a few. Redness in the whites of the eyes can just be a minor irritation from something like pollen but it is always best to be safe, as it can also indicate more significant irritation as a result of an infection such as conjunctivitis, damage to the cornea or having a foreign body in the eye. These will often be flushed by the vet and then medication such as antihistamines, eye drops or cream can be administered. White cloudy patches are ulcers which occur when the cornea has been damaged, these can be minor in some cases but can result in the loss of an eye in extreme cases, so seeking treatment is essential. Treatment of ulcers will often start with staining the eye to determine the severity of the wound, and will then need medicated drops or cream. 

    Often the eye will need to be blocked of light to help it heal, this is done with an eye patch. Some breeds have a predisposition to suffering from eye conditions like cherry eye, where the gland of the third eyelid protrudes out of the corner of the eye. The third eyelid assists vision by helping with tear production and spreading, and corneal protection, so when the third eyelid is poking out this can lead to further irritation once the sensitive tissues start to dry out and lack the ability to function normally. Entropion is another common problem that seems to be more prevalent in some breeds than others. The eyelids invert (curl in toward the eye), causing the eyelashes to relentlessly scratch the cornea, resulting in significant damage- in the form of corneal ulcers in most cases. This not uncommonly ends with vision impairment or the need to remove one or both eyes completely. Both cherry eye and entropion can be surgically corrected. All animals are different, however when puppies are born blind or if they lose sight in one or even both eyes, they tend to cope very well and simply rely on their other senses more strongly. This isn’t always the case though and occasionally an animal not coping may need to be humanely put to sleep to end their mental suffering.

    CORNEAL ULCER


    ENTROPION



    CHERRY EYE