No one likes it when their furry friend is feeling under the weather. Dealing with pet eye infections can be a scary experience for both you and your pet. Dr. Ridlen and our team at Colorado Valley Vet in Columbus, TX are here to help get your pet healthy and feeling better.
Symptoms of an Eye Infection
When faced with an eye infection, your pet will typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling, tearing, or watery discharge
- Holding the eye closed
- Light sensitivity
- Blinking or squinting
- Rubbing at or pawing the eye
Keep in mind, these symptoms are not a complete list and your pet may not experience those exact issues when dealing with an eye infection. Your pet may also have other symptoms that develop when battling an infection, such as a fever.
Causes of Eye Infections in Pets
Eye infections are not uncommon in pets, and they can be caused by a wide array of issues, including:
- Debris, such as dirt, hair, and other foreign matter
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Allergens or irritants, such as shampoo or smoke
- Damage to the cornea, such as a cut or scratch
- Parasites
- Trauma
Despite being a common issue facing pet owners, you should never leave a pet eye infection untreated. Eye infections are irritating and painful for your pet. The infection may also be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue.
Treatment for Eye Infections
How your veterinarian treats the problem will depend on the cause of the eye infection. Bacterial eye infections, for example, can be treated with antibiotics, while an eye infection caused by allergies will typically be treated with antihistamines. Debris and foreign matter in the eye can be removed by the doctor while your pet is under sedation. No matter what the cause, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your pet and the eye during the visit. We will provide a course of action to treat the problem, as well as help you prevent it from reoccurring.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Columbus, TX
Pet eye infections that are left untreated could lead to blindness and other serious issues. That is why it is best to schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian as soon as you notice a problem with your pet’s eyes. Call Dr. Ridlen and our team at Colorado Valley Vet today at (979) 732-9981 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.