Ocular Trauma Treatment for Dogs and Cats
Ocular trauma to the eyeball and surrounding structures is not uncommon in pets, and injuries involving the eye itself can quickly threaten vision. At Animal Eye Clinic, Dr. Robert M. Gwin treats eye injuries in dogs and cats, including corneal lacerations and perforations that require emergency microsurgical repair, at our Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices.
Request an AppointmentCommon Causes of Eye Injuries in Pets
Eye injuries can happen in many ways, including:
- Scratches or bites from other household pets or neighborhood animals
- Blunt force trauma
- Corneal scratches and lacerations
- Eyelid trauma and tears
- Foreign bodies such as plant material or debris
- Gunshot or projectile injuries
- Car accidents and severe head trauma
This trauma can be severe, especially when the globe (eyeball) is involved. When it is, the cornea is most frequently damaged. Severe head trauma can also push the eye out of its socket, which may result in a deviated globe.
Signs Your Pet Has an Eye Injury
Watch for squinting or holding the eye closed, tearing or discharge, bleeding, swelling of the eyelids, a cloudy or bluish cornea, a visible wound or object, a change in pupil shape, or rubbing at the eye. Even small-looking injuries can hide deeper damage, so any eye injury should be examined promptly.
Emergency Corneal Repair
Traumatic injuries with laceration or perforation of the cornea are definite emergencies and often require surgery. Corneal laceration and perforation repair is very delicate work, performed under operating microscope magnification with extremely fine 7-0 to 10-0 ophthalmic sutures, but the results can be amazing. Prompt repair gives the best chance of saving both the eye and vision.
Treating Other Eye Injuries
Less severe injuries, such as superficial scratches, may be treated medically with antibiotics and pain control, while eyelid lacerations are carefully repaired to restore normal lid function and protect the cornea. Injuries can also lead to complications such as infected corneal ulcers, traumatic uveitis, lens luxation, or secondary glaucoma, so follow-up exams are important. Learn more about our surgical procedures.
If your pet has an eye injury after hours or on a weekend, please contact your local animal emergency hospital right away.
Ocular Trauma FAQs
Is an eye injury an emergency?
Yes. Any eye injury should be examined promptly, and corneal lacerations or perforations are true emergencies that often need surgery.
What should I do if my pet hurts its eye?
Prevent your pet from rubbing the eye, don’t apply pressure or medication, and call our office right away. After hours, contact your local animal emergency hospital.
Can a cat scratch damage my dog’s eye?
Yes. Cat scratches are a common cause of corneal lacerations and can introduce bacteria that lead to serious infections.
How is a corneal laceration repaired?
The cornea is repaired under an operating microscope using extremely fine 7-0 to 10-0 ophthalmic sutures.
Can my pet’s vision be saved after an eye injury?
Often, yes. The outcome depends on the severity of the injury and how quickly it is treated, which is why prompt care is so important.
What complications can follow an eye injury?
Complications can include infected ulcers, uveitis, lens luxation, glaucoma, and scarring, so follow-up visits are essential.
Get Help Quickly for Your Pet’s Eye Injury
Call (918) 632-0508 (Tulsa) or (405) 751-3821 (Oklahoma City) as soon as possible if your pet has injured an eye.