Staff of BAH Blog

Blog Series: Medical Emergencies for Pets

PT 11: Eye Injury

Euraysia Duhaime: BA, Veterinary Assistant BAH

“Be honest and be kind.”

Pets are prone to a wide variety of illnesses, and it can be difficult to sort out which symptoms are emergencies. I’ve written a series of short blogs to help you determine when your fur-baby needs immediate medical attention. Today, we’re discussing eye injuries.

Eye injury should always be brought to the attention of your vet. Many eye injuries can cause blindness and eye rupture if left untreated and can be extremely painful. Some signs of eye injury include: watering eye(s), vomiting, quiet or lethargic behaviour, increased grooming and panting, keeping an eye closed or rubbing at an eye.

Eye issues that should be seen immediately:

Eye popping out (Proptosis): If for some reason your pet has a blow to the head or any trauma to cause an eye to come out of its socket, keep it moist with saline solution and protect it from direct injury. Head to your nearest ER or vet immediately.

Sudden blindness or vision loss: Your pet may start stumbling or bumping into things or have dilated pupils. If your pet develops these symptoms, please seek immediate treatment.

Pet First Aid kits!

Most people don’t think about keeping a pet first aid kit on hand, but it’s extremely helpful in an emergency situation. Here are some items you may want to keep in a pet First Aid kit:

  • ear cleaner

  • eye flush

  • gloves

  • tweezers

  • gauze pads, and non-stick bandages

  • medical tape and wrap

  • saline solution

  • long ended cotton swabs

  • scissors

  • hydrogen peroxide 3%

  • towels and washcloths

  • sterile syringes

 

If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. If you have a possible emergency during our hours of operation, please call the clinic at 519-648-9738. If you have an after hours emergency, please contact Campus Estates Animal Hospital at 519-837-1212.