How to Treat Eye Disease in Cats & Dogs
There is nothing more stressful than seeing your furry friend suffer from an eye disease. Unfortunately, eye diseases in cats and dogs are quite common. And, when left untreated, they can lead to severe symptoms, loss of vision and even complete blindness.
Importance of Seeking Veterinary Care
If you suspect your pet has an eye condition, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Below are some symptoms to look out for.
Cat-specific Symptoms
- Third eyelid showing
- Sensitivity to light
Both Cats & Dogs
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Cloudiness or haze
- Discharge
- Swelling
- Rubbing or scratching
- Change in pupil size
- Visible trauma
Dog-specific Symptoms
- Bulging eyes
- Cherry eye (prolapsed gland of the third eyelid)
Since some symptoms may not be visible to the naked eye, it's best to have your pet examined by a veterinarian
who can diagnose the underlying condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
By seeking veterinary care early, you can help prevent permanent damage to your pet's vision and ensure that they live a happy and healthy life.
Common Eye Diseases in Cats & Dogs
There are several eye diseases that can affect cats and dogs. Some of the most common are:
- Conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that can cause redness, discharge and swelling.
- Corneal ulcers, which are injuries to the cornea that can lead to pain, discharge and cloudiness.
- Glaucoma, which is a condition characterized by high pressure inside the eye that can be very painful and, if left untreated, lead to blindness.
- Cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blindness if not treated.
Treatment Options for Eye Diseases
Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options for cats and dogs with eye diseases that have proven to be effective (as long as they are treated promptly and in full compliance.)
The appropriate treatment for your pet’s eye disease will depend on their specific condition and its severity. However, most eye conditions are treated using ophthalmic medications that are either applied directly to the eye or orally administered.
Some of the most common ophthalmic medications are:
- Corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce inflammation in the eye.
- Antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections in the eye.
- Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus, which are immunosuppressive drugs that can help treat chronic conditions like dry eye syndrome.
Get Pet Meds Delivered Fast & Free from Mixlab
Good news — we now offer some of the most popular compounded sterile ophthalmics, including Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus! We also have common commercial ophthalmics.
Should your cat or dog need any of these prescriptions, we can create a high-quality medication in the dosage, flavor, and form that works for them. Plus, we’ll add in a toy for a little bit of sunshine!
We offer free next-day delivery (same-day available in NYC, LA & Southeast FL) for new orders. To get started, talk to your veterinarian about prescribing with us.
