Parents and kids get a yearly eye exam, but what about the four-legged family members. Your pet’s routine physical exam should include an ophthalmology exam by a veterinarian. However, more thorough testing is needed in the following circumstances:
- There is an abnormal appearance to one or both eyes (cloudiness, swelling, redness or enlargement).
- Your pet shows signs of pain, such as holding an eye closed, pawing at the eyes or squinting.
- You suspect that your pet is experiencing changes in vision, your pet may hesitate going downstairs, trouble finding things such as a favorite toy or food and water areas, bumping into things, missing curbs or steps or cautious behavior in dim light.
- Increased tearing or a mucus like discharge from the eye.
- An eye injury has occurred.
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The Veterinarian won’t ask your pet to read an eye chart, a veterinary ophthalmic exam usually includes a thorough evaluation of the outer eye structures including tissues around the eyes, the eyelids, the duct where tears drain and the cranial nerves that affect the eyes, the vet will check for inflammation, infection as well as for foreign bodies and unusual growths. The lens of the eye will be checked for cataracts and scratches on the cornea.
Pets can’t tell you what is wrong. If any of these symptoms or behaviors are noticed contact you Veterinarian immediately. When it comes to ocular health a lack of quick intervention to schedule with a vet can lead to blindness in your beloved pet.
Sources:
www.timesonline.com