At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we often see patients with eye issues that appear minor at first but turn out to need prompt veterinary attention. One of our recent patients, Aspen, a sweet Miniature Australian Shepherd, came in with a red, irritated eye. Her story is a great example of why you should never ignore eye discomfort in pets.
Aspen’s Eye Concern: Redness and Possible Trauma
Aspen’s owner noticed that one of her eyes was red and that she was squinting more than usual. She was also concerned that she might have accidentally scratched Aspen’s eye with her fingernail during a cuddle session. Redness, squinting, and pawing at the face are all common signs of eye discomfort in dogs and cats. It’s important to have these symptoms evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Diagnostic Eye Tests for Dogs at i-Care
When Aspen came in, our veterinary team performed a full eye examination. This included:
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Fluorescein Stain Test: A special dye that helps detect corneal scratches or ulcers. Under blue light, any damaged areas glow green.
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Reflex and Pupillary Response Tests: To check for neurological and ocular health.
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Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test): To ensure intraocular pressure was normal and rule out conditions like glaucoma.
These tests are painless and provide critical information about what’s going on inside your pet’s eye.
The Diagnosis: A Foreign Body in the Eye
After completing the eye exam, we discovered that Aspen had a small foreign object lodged in her eye. Something as simple as a grass seed, dust, or debris can cause significant discomfort and potential damage. We initially attempted to remove it using gentle swabbing, but because Aspen was understandably uncomfortable, we opted to sedate her lightly to ensure the object could be removed safely and without stress.
Treatment and Aftercare
Once sedated, we successfully removed the object and applied soothing eye medication to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Aspen was closely monitored after the procedure and sent home with eye drops and instructions for care. She’s now recovering well and back to her playful self.
When to Seek Veterinary Help for an Eye Issue
Dogs and cats rely heavily on their vision, and eye problems can worsen quickly if left untreated. You should contact your veterinarian if your pet is showing any of the following symptoms:
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Redness or swelling in the eye
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Squinting or holding the eye closed
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Discharge (clear, green, or yellow)
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Rubbing or pawing at the eye
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Cloudiness or visible debris in the eye
Prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage and save your pet from unnecessary pain.
Trust Your Gut and Call Your Vet
If you notice anything unusual about your pet’s eyes, trust your instincts and give us a call. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, we’re here to provide compassionate, thorough care. From minor irritations to more complex eye conditions, we’ve got your pet covered.
Aspen’s story reminds us that even a small problem can lead to big discomfort, but with timely care, recovery can be quick and stress-free.