Common Eye Problems Among Cats and Dogs

Proper eye care is very important for all pets. Scratches, ulcers, dry eye, discharge, and infection are some of the most common ocular problems your pet may experience. To determine the cause of an eye problem, additional testing may be required to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Here are a few examples of common conditions that your pet may encounter:

KCS – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or “dry eye”, is very common in many small dog breeds and can cause severe trauma to your pet’s eyes if not treated and monitored regularly. Your veterinarian may recommend a Schirmer Tear Test to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition if dry eye is suspected.

Scratches/Ulcerations can be painful to a pet and cause loss of vision if left untreated or treated with the wrong medications.  It is extremely important that a veterinarian confirm the presence of a scratch or ulcer before starting any eye medication. Your veterinarian may recommend an Eye Stain Test to confirm the presence or absence of a scratch or ulcer before prescribing medication for your pet’s eyes.

Glaucoma is a condition that caused increased pressure in the eye. Left untreated, it can cause permanent damage and blindness!!  If your veterinarian suspects your pet has glaucoma, they may recommend an intraocular pressure (IOP) exam to test the pressures of the eyes.

CEDARCREST Animal Clinic provides medical and surgical care for every stage of your pet's life including preventive wellness care exams and vaccines, spays/neuters, and a variety of specialized care for your dog, cat, avian, or exotic. We are home to the only veterinarian practitioner in Virginia to be double Boarded in Avian and Canine/Feline care and provide care for birds, small mammals, and reptiles of all sorts! Plus, we are home to Virginia's most exclusive dog boarding resort that includes heated floors, an expansive play area, and even webcams so you can watch your pet while you're away. We're located in Fishersville, Virginia, and serve Augusta County and surrounding areas including Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville. 

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