Pets need good vision to be able to see the world around them. Unfortunately, they quite often suffer from eye infections. An eye infection occurs when a harmful microorganism (bacteria, fungus, or virus) enters an eyeball or the area that surrounds the eyes. Some infections can be minor and disappear by themselves after some time, while others are more serious and need an immediate visit to a pet clinic. 

Symptoms

• Eye discharge. The discharge is usually either yellow or green and is one of the most common signs of an eye infection. 
• Redness or swelling of the eyes. An eye infection makes tiny red vessels located in the eyes become dilated, swollen, and red. 
• Pawing at the eyes. Pets start pawing at their eyes when their eyes are itchy or when they are trying to wipe away discharge. If you notice your dogs or cats scratch their eyes more often, this may be a sign of an eye infection. 

What causes eye infections?

As has been mentioned above, eye infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These infections can come from a number of sources, such as Lyme disease carried by ticks. Some pets are just more prone to eye infections than others. Among them are certain dog breeds, including Lhasa Apso, Maltese, or Shih Tzu. 

What are the treatment options for pet eye infections? 

The first step is an eye examination conducted by a veterinarian. The examination allows a veterinarian to identify whether your pet is suffering from an infection or another health issue. If an eye infection is confirmed, your veterinarian will suggest proper treatment. If the infection is minor, it can be treated relatively easily. More serious infections may require additional investigation, after which a doctor may suggest surgery. 

It is extremely important to start the treatment of a pet eye infection as soon as it was diagnosed. First, because it causes your pets discomfort and has a negative impact on their quality of life. And second, in some cases, an eye infection is an indicator of other hidden health issues that need to be discovered. 

Unleashed Pet Care in Westland, MI

If you noticed that your pet has symptoms of an eye infection, bring him to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you live in Westland, MI, or any of the surrounding areas, visit us at Unleased Pet Care. We offer individualized veterinary care to pets and provide a full range of services, including treating infections.  Do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.