Injured Eye in Dogs:

Eye trauma may occur due to the impact of flat or pointed objects on the eye. Flat objects result in blunt injuries wherein the eye surface is struck without any penetration. This can cause the eye to become displaced from the socket. The eye lens may also shift and bleeding can occur from the eye chamber. Other effects of such injuries include detachment of the retina, fractures of the eye bones and rupture of the eyeball. Pointed objects cause sharp injuries which penetrate the eye. These include injuries from thorns or cat claws. Such injuries may cause tearing of the cornea, conjunctiva and eyelids. Lens injuries and other orbital laceration my also occur.

Eye injuries can occur in dogs at any age. Injuries from cat claws are more common in puppies. Puppies and younger dogs are also more likely to wander away from their owners and hence become the victim of injuries such as those caused by vehicles or other animals. Male dogs that have not been neutered also tend to stray around more and hence place themselves in greater risk of injuries. Minor eye injuries in dogs could result in symptoms such as pawing around the eye area, squinting, blinking, eye redness, cloudiness of the cornea, bruising in the area around the eye and minor bleeding in the eye region. More serious eye injuries could cause severe pain which makes the dog reluctant to have his head examined. Tearing, mucus discharge, bleeding, inability to open the eyelids and change in the eye shape may also occur. The dog may also display lethargy and may not eat or drink properly.

Getting immediate veterinary help is important as the injury could aggravate and cause major damage and even loss of vision. The dog is also likely to undergo a great deal of pain and discomfort if the injury is not treated early. After treatment, caring for the dog at home involves keeping him in a confined area so as not to allow for further injuries. The dog must also be kept in a quiet and peaceful area to allow for proper rest and recovery. He must also not be allowed to paw at or rub the eye excessively as it could worsen the injury and cause infection. This can be prevented by making him wear an Elizabethan collar around the neck. This collar will be available with the veterinarian. It is important not to give the dog any over-the-counter medicines or eye products meant for humans as it may aggravate the condition.