Dear VetBabble: What’s Wrong with My Dog’s Eye and How Can I Help?
Hi, I took my Labrador mix dog to the vet 2 weeks ago for something that is wrong with his eye. They prescribed drops (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Ointment, USP) for us to give him in his right eye, a small amount 6 times a day. Well, his eye hasn’t improved. And the vet we took him to didn’t know what was wrong with it. So I was wondering if you guys had any insight or input on it. I will provide pictures. Thank you!
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog’s eye. It can be concerning when our pets have ongoing health issues that don’t seem to improve. We’d like to offer some general advice that may help you and other pet owners who may face similar problems. In this article, we’ll discuss some common eye conditions in dogs, what could be causing your dog’s eye issue, and how you can address it.
Common Eye Conditions in Dogs
There are numerous eye issues that dogs can experience, some of which require different treatment approaches. For a more comprehensive list, please explore our article on Common Eye Conditions in Dogs. However, it’s important to be aware of some prevalent eye problems such as conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers. Each of these conditions presents with different symptoms, and the treatments vary accordingly. In your case, since your dog’s eye hasn’t improved with the prescribed medication, it’s possible that the issue may be something different.
Possible Causes of Your Dog’s Eye Issue
Based on your description and the medication prescribed, it seems like the veterinarian considered the possibility of an infection or inflammation in your dog’s eye. However, another potential cause could be Horner’s syndrome, a neurologic condition that could cause a constricted pupil, droopy eyelid, an elevated third eyelid, and a sunken eye appearance. If this is the case, the medication provided will not help, and the condition may resolve itself over several weeks. To learn about another neurological issue that can affect older dogs, check out our article on Old Dog Syndrome: What is Vestibular Disease in Dogs?.
It is essential to have your veterinarian reevaluate your dog’s eye to confirm the cause and determine if further treatment is necessary. Keep in mind that this is just one possible explanation. Other issues like trauma, foreign objects, or more serious conditions like glaucoma might also be at play.
How to Help Your Dog: Next Steps
If your dog’s eye has not improved, a follow-up visit to the veterinarian is crucial. They may want to conduct further tests or change the treatment plan. In the meantime, ensure that you’re administering the medication as prescribed and keeping an eye out for any changes in your dog’s symptoms. For guidance on how to handle emergencies and general first aid, we recommend reading our article on Basic First Aid for Dogs.
It’s also essential to remain vigilant about other potential health concerns in dogs. For instance, be aware of bloat, a life-threatening condition that affects deep-chested dogs like Labradors. It occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. To learn about a preventative procedure that can help, have a look at our article on Bloat in Dogs: Is a Preventative Gastropexy the Answer?.
Remember that this article provides general advice, and your veterinarian is the best person to consult for specific guidance on your dog’s health. They can perform a thorough examination and get a clearer understanding of your dog’s eye condition. Good luck, and we hope your dog’s eye improves soon!
