PETS

Red eyes in dogs and cats: the main causes

If you have a pet, you may have noticed that their eyes sometimes turn red and this can be a sign of a health problem.

In this photo gallery, we explore the main causes of red eye in dogs and cats, to learn how to distinguish between a simple eye irritation and a more serious problem that requires taking the pet to the vet.

There are many conditions that can cause red eye, from simple environmental factors to serious and potentially debilitating infections, but it is important to know how to recognise them in order to care for your pets so as to keep them happy and healthy. (Mallard Creek Vet - veterinary clinic)

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Red eyes in dogs and cats: the main causes
If you have a pet, you may have noticed that their eyes sometimes turn red and this can be a sign of a health problem. In this photo gallery, we explore the main causes of red eye in dogs and cats, to learn how to distinguish between a simple eye irritation and a more serious problem that requires taking the pet to the vet. (Mallard Creek Vet - veterinary clinic)
Freepik
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis in pets is a condition characterised by inflammation of the tissue covering the eyelids and sclera of the eye. The reasons why the problem can occur are many and include environmental factors, allergic reactions, skin conditions, dry eye and bacterial or viral infections (especially in cats). Some of the conditions that cause conjunctivitis can also affect the cornea and eyelids.
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Corneal ulcer
The surface of the cornea can present defects, known as corneal ulcers, which are also found in dogs and cats. These can be caused by multiple factors such as the presence of folded eyelashes, foreign objects under the eyelid, facial trauma, infection, dry eye, corneal cell disorders and prolonged exposure of the eyeballs in flat-faced animals with shallow orbits. The condition is very painful and can occur in superficial or deep form, resulting in the risk of perforation of the eye.
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Trauma
When the outside of the eye suffers trauma, reddening of the sclera of the eye (the white part) may occur, very similar to that typical of conjunctivitis. If the trauma affects the head, on the other hand, internal bleeding may occur, causing the eye to take on a dark red colour behind the cornea. In addition, haemorrhagic disorders and other pathologies can cause the accumulation of blood inside the eye.
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Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the inside of the eye that only occurs in the presence of another underlying problem. The causes of uveitis include various diseases that can affect the entire body, e.g. infections, tick-borne diseases, immune disorders, cancer, etc., but also specific eye problems such as cataracts. Uveitis can be extremely painful and can be a risk factor for glaucoma.
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Glaucoma
Glaucoma manifests itself as an elevation of intraocular pressure and is a hereditary condition in some dog breeds. Causes include uveitis, dislocation of the crystalline lens and ocular tumours. This disease is severely disabling and can lead to loss of vision. If glaucoma occurs suddenly, early intervention is necessary to prevent blindness.
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Cherry eye
The condition known as 'cherry eye' occurs when the nictitating membrane gland prolapses from the inner corner of the eye, creating a red or pink bulge with a rounded shape. Irrespective of the fact that an urgent visit to the vet is not required, unless additional symptoms such as discharge or squinting are detected, the prolapsed gland can cause discomfort and can be confused with ocular tumours, so an eye check-up is still recommended. Usually, treatment involves surgery.
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