Eye Injuries in Dogs
Ophthalmic injuries require a speedy diagnosis to save the eye, and therapy needs to be appropriate to save the dog’s vision. Injuries to the eye can happen at any time when pets play together, hang out in the yard, or even get into a dog fight at the park. Here’s a summary of common dog eye injuries that require eye patches.
Traumatic Proptosis
This is a bulging of the eye caused by injury. It usually follows blunt trauma like being hit by a car or being in a dog fight. The condition occurs when the eyeball becomes dislodged from the orbit. Eyelid spasms prevent the eyeball from returning to its normal position.
In addition, bleeding and swelling pushes the eye further from the orbit. The eye becomes dry, and vision may worsen or even fail. Potential complications include the following:
- Corneal tears
- Optic nerve damage
- Muscle injury
- Vision loss
- Inflammation
- Infection
Dog Eye Bleeds
If there is trauma to the blood vessels, bleeding occurs. Parts of them may swell, or the dog may not be able to close his eyes fully.In this case, your vet may use topical and systemic antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other drugs. Sometimes the upper and lower eyelids need to be sewn together to protect the cornea, usually until the blink reflex returns.
Foreign Objects in the Eye
Common examples of foreign objects in the eye include sand, metal fragments, glass shards, or other small objects. Symptoms include:
- Tearing
- Swelling
- Redness
- Eyelid spasms
To prevent your pup from pawing or scratching his eye, an eye patch may be used. Your vet will usually sedate your pet to examine the eye and treat it. The foreign object is generally removed by flushing the site with a saline solution. Your vet may also use small forceps to remove the offending object.
Penetrating Eye Injuries
Eye patches for dogs are sometimes used after treatment. Penetrating eye injuries are the most common in pets and can be caused by pellets, splinters, plant spines, and splinters. You will need to take your pup to the vet for an eye examination to check for lens injury and other damage.If the lens has been penetrated, your vet will remove it because its perforation leads to rapid cataract formation. Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Glaucoma
What to Look for in Dog Eye Patches
Size:The size of the patch depends on the size and breed of your dog. You don’t want it too small, or the dog will not leave it alone, yet if it’s too big, your dog will be able to reach the body area underneath the patch, which can also cause injury.
Material/Fabric:There are many different materials that can be used to make eye patches. The best material is soft, breathable, and comfortable for the dog but durable enough to stay on all night if needed.
Washing:You want to look for an eye patch that is easy to clean because your dog will likely go through numerous patches before making a complete recovery. Alternatively, disposable patches exist.
Most minor injuries can be treated with a bandage or by placing a plastic collar around the dog’s neck, preventing them from reaching their eye injury.
However, when your dog accidentally injures an eye, your treatment options can become quite tricky. As with any eye injury, you should reach out to your vet immediately because of the importance of sight to your dog.
How Does Your Dog React?
When buying a temporary eye patch, make sure consider your dog’s comfort. Eye patches will not work if the dog constantly tries to get it off or doesn’t like how it feels. Choose a product that won’t irritate your dog’s skin, chafe, or feel too tight.
Is An Eye Patch Comfortable?
The fabric should not bother or irritate your dog’s skin. If they are scratching their eye area, look for one made of different materials or try one with soft padding inside. If the patch is constantly coming off, you may want to choose a different option.
Does an eye patch stay on all night?
If your dog sleeps with you, make sure the patch stays on overnight. The patch needs to stay in place for as long as necessary. If it’s not going to stay on all night, you might want to choose a different option.
You can find an eye patch made of cotton or other types of fabrics. There are patches with foam inside and those with a bulkier look.
Does your dog try to eat the eye patch?
Some dogs may be tempted to do so because your dog can see through the fabric or is in pain and trying to lick their eye area. If you notice this behavior, take the patch off immediately.
How long does it stay on?
A patch will likely only stay on for a limited amount of time, depending on what you are using it for.An eye patch may be needed for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is to protect an injured eye after surgery or injury. The dog’s general health and state of mind may also create the need to wear an eye patch. As with people, dogs can develop lazy eyes where one or both do not work. Dogs with the condition sometimes need a patch over the healthy eye to encourage the other eye to work properly.
An eye patch may also be required for dogs with entropion, a condition where folding in the eyelid causes issues with how it works. Sometimes this can cause an injury to the cornea of the dog’s eye.
An eye patch may also encourage the other eye to work better should one eye need surgery or treatment for an injury. It can also help keep the retina in place should it start to detach due to injury or illness, such as diabetes.
Dogs may have an eye problem if their eye looks cloudy, red, or has a discharge — or if your dog is keeping one eye closed or trying to rub his eye.
What should you look for when buying eye patches for your dog?
Price:Eye patches can cost anywhere from $2-$30 depending on the fabric, accessories, and where they are made. The more expensive ones will usually be crafted from higher quality materials or have other features that make them more comfortable or durable.
Material/fabric:You want to look for an eye patch that is easy to clean. If it can be washed, you will not have to worry about them wearing it again after the first use.
Some eye patches come with accessories such as a head strap or clips that hold the patch in place more securely. Others have padding or mesh that will make the patch more comfortable for the dog to wear. Only use the patch in compliance with the veterinarian’s recommendations; and contact the vet if your dog isn’t tolerating it well.
Will my dog’s eye condition improve with an eye patch?
The eye should be better with the patch than without one, but even if your dog tolerates using the patch well, you will not see an improvement right away. You may not notice anything different at first, and the change could take weeks or even months to notice, depending on what is causing their issues.
How long do eye patches stay on?
You may need to take the eye patch off for certain activities if your dog is uncomfortable wearing it. If you are using one overnight, make sure you keep it on all night without any problems. Follow your vet’s instructions, which will be based on your dog’s unique injury or need.
What are eye patches used for on dogs?
An eye patch may be needed for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is protecting an injured or surgically repaired eye after surgery or injury.
How is much is a dog eye patch?
Patches cost between $6 and $19 depending on the material and other features. The more expensive ones will likely have better materials or have additional features that make them more comfortable or durable.
Conclusion for Best Dog Eye Patches
Common traumatic injuries can happen at any time. Pets can develop eye problems just like humans, including cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye issues.
Many types of eye diseases and eye injuries can affect your furbaby at any time and injuries can range from mild to severe,;you should always have pet insurance on hand to help you with veterinary costs.
Pet insurance can save you a lot of money if your dog needs treatment. You can get pet insurance for as little as \$10 per month, which will cover up to 90% of the cost of veterinary services such as x-rays, vaccines, hospitalization, and more.
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