THE EYE
Damage to the eye is very common, and unfortunately the eye is very sensitive and reacts aggressively to any injury. Complications from infections to total blindness may result. Prompt veterinary attention is always the safest course. Symptoms of eye injury are often similar no matter the cause.
FOREIGN OBJECTS IN THE EYE
Usually these are of plant material origin or grit. They can be tiny to large, such as a grass seed awl.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
- Squinting, spasm of the eye lids.
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye.
- Discharge, watery to purulent (pus).
- Redness of the eye.
- Pin point pupil.
MANAGEMENT
- Gently open the eye to examine it. If this is not possible seek veterinary assistance.
- If the foreign object is loose it may be washed out.
- Tilt the animal's head upwards.
- Gently draw the lids apart, this may dislodge the object.
- Wash the eye with a gentle stream of clean water or saline (salty water).
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Salty water is made by adding 1 teaspoon of table salt to 1 pint or 2 cups of water. Boiled water is recommended. Saline used for cleaning contact lens or the Intravenous fluid Sodium Chloride are basically the same thing as salty water but are usually sterile and are excellent for wound cleaning.
- If this does not work then do not attempt to remove the object especially if it is over the coloured part of the eye.
- Prevent your pet doing further injury to the eye.
- Bandage the dew claw on the front paw on the same side as the affected eye.
- If your pet is still rubbing at the eye or trying to rub its face on the floor then apply an Elizabethan
collar (see Making an Elizabethan Collar).
BURNS TO THE EYES
Commonest cause here is chemicals splashed into the eyes, especially chemicals applied to the skin such as flea rinses.
MANAGEMENT
- Open the eyelids gently with your fingers.
- Tilt the head back and wash the eye with cold flowing water for 20 minutes.
- Wash any chemicals off the head as well.
- Prevent your pet from rubbing at the eyes. Apply an Elizabethan collar if necessary.
- Seek veterinary advice if the eyes remain red or your pet is in any way distressed.
SMOKE IN THE EYES
- Wash the eyes with water or saline as above.
- Prevent your pet from rubbing at the eyes. Apply an Elizabethan collar if necessary.
- If the eyes remain sore seek veterinary advice.
WOUNDS TO THE EYES
CAUSES
- Cat scratches.
- Direct blows, e.g. car accidents, bats and golf clubs or kicks especially by horses.
- Fast moving objects, e.g. balls.
- Running into twigs or bushes.
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS
- Bloody discharge.
- Blood in the eye or the white of the eye.
MANAGEMENT
- Prevent your pet from rubbing at the eye.
- Seek urgent veterinary attention.
PROLAPSED EYE
Prolapse of the eye occurs when the globe is forced outside the lids. It occurs most commonly due to head trauma such as when the animal is hit by an automobile or in dog attacks. Jaw damage and/or concussion may occur at the same time. Some breeds are predisposed to eye prolapse, e.g. Pugs and
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, their eyes are large and protrude between the lids. The act of
scuffing these types of dogs can induce eye prolapse.
MANAGEMENT
- Early treatment by your veterinarian improves the chance the eye may be saved.
- If there is to be any delay in reaching your veterinarian the eye MUST be keep moist.
- Apply a pad of cloth or swabs moistened with saline/salty water over the eye then bandage the pad in place wrapping around the jaw and, if necessary, the opposite ear to stop the bandage from slipping.
THE EAR
Dogs and cats occasionally obtain foreign bodies, like grass awls or insects, in their ears and some animals (especially certain breeds of dogs) are prone to ear infections. Both dogs and cats have deep ear canals compared to humans so that veterinary examination is needed to diagnose if there is a foreign body or an infection in the canal and whether the eardrum is intact. A ruptured eardrum is far more serious and changes treatment significantly. Therefore unless your pet responds rapidly to your first aid, or if you have any doubts about your treatment, seek veterinary care for your pet.
SORE EAR
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
- Shaking the head or pawing at the ear.
- Holding the affected ear lower than the non-affected ear.
- Crying or yelping when the ear is rubbed.
- Redness in the visible ear canal.
- Possible foreign body visible.
- Smell or discharge from the ear.
MANAGEMENT
- Do not attempt to probe the ear.
- If you can see a foreign body try to gently remove it. It this is not possible seek immediate veterinary advice.
- If the ear is dirty, or a little red, gently try to clean the ear with warm saline. Wipe the ear out with a soft cloth or cotton wool. Do not use a cleaning solution unless already advised to by a veterinarian. Cotton buds can be used to clean the skin folds at the top of the ear but never clean down the canal with them.
- If the ear appears to be infected or if your pet is still distressed seek veterinary advice.
BLEEDING EAR FLAP
Ear tips are often damaged in dogfights or cut especially on wire fences. They are also notorious for bleeding and bleeding, and bleeding. Often the bleeding finally stops and your pet will shake its head, dislodge the clot and then it all starts again. A bandage may be needed to stop bleeding.
MANAGEMENT
- Clean up the cut with warm salty water or an antiseptic (follow the instructions of the bottle).
- Remove any long fur around the cut to keep it clean.
