From Irritation to Emergency: Recognizing Serious Eye Problems in Dogs and Cats

A pet’s eyes can change quickly, and those subtle shifts often signal more than meets the eye. Redness, squinting, or cloudy vision may look minor at first, but they can indicate conditions that threaten comfort, sight, or even a pet’s life. At Emergency Pet Hospital of Glendora, we treat eye emergencies often, and early care almost always leads to better outcomes.

When to Worry About Eye Changes

Pets can’t tell us when their eyes hurt, but they show it through behaviors like pawing at the face, rubbing against furniture, or refusing to open an eye fully. Some problems develop slowly, while others, such as trauma or ulcers, can progress in just hours.

Warning signs that require veterinary attention include:

  • Redness or swelling
  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Pawing or rubbing the face
  • Discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
  • Cloudiness or color changes
  • Bulging or sunken appearance
  • Sudden blindness or disorientation
  • Trauma to the eye or head
  • Severe swelling or rapidly worsening changes

Any of these signs may indicate a true emergency. Many eye conditions can cause permanent damage or even irreversible blindness within 24 hours, so immediate evaluation is always the safest choice.

Common Eye Conditions in Cats and Dogs

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye. It may be caused by infections, allergies, irritants, or underlying systemic disease. Owners usually notice red eyes, squinting, and discharge. While many cases are minor, untreated conjunctivitis can progress into corneal ulcers or chronic irritation. Diagnosis often includes an exam, tear testing, and swabs to check for infection.

Corneal Ulcers

A scratch, foreign body, or chemical exposure can lead to a corneal ulcer. Pets with ulcers are often in significant pain, paw at their eyes, and keep the lids tightly shut. Left untreated, ulcers can deepen into perforations and permanent blindness. Vets may use fluorescein dye to highlight the ulcer and prescribe antibiotic drops, pain relief, or even surgery in severe cases.

Cataracts vs. Nuclear Sclerosis

Not all cloudy eyes are cataracts. Nuclear sclerosis is an age-related hardening of the lens that does not usually impair vision, while cataracts cloud the lens and can cause blindness. Cataracts are often hereditary but may also develop with diabetes. Surgical removal is the only effective treatment, and early referral to an ophthalmologist is important.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by pressure building inside the eye when fluid cannot drain normally. It is extremely painful and progresses rapidly. Signs include a cloudy cornea, dilated pupil, and sudden vision loss. This is a true emergency. Pets may need medications to reduce pressure immediately, but many cases eventually require surgery or even removal of the affected eye to control pain.

Pannus

Pannus is an immune-mediated disease most common in German Shepherds and related breeds. It typically presents as pink, cloudy tissue creeping across the cornea. Without treatment, vision is gradually lost. Lifelong topical immunosuppressive medications and UV protection are essential. Owners should know pannus is not curable but can be managed with consistent care.

Lens Luxation

The dislocation of the lens often occurs in terriers and other predisposed breeds. The lens shifts out of place, blocking fluid drainage and causing secondary glaucoma. Pets may suddenly go blind or show severe eye pain. Surgery is usually required.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid gland, appearing as a red mass in the corner of the eye. While not painful at first, it can lead to dry eye and recurrent infections if untreated. Surgical correction is recommended.

Entropion & Ectropion

Some breeds inherit eyelid malformations. With entropion, the lid rolls inward, and lashes scrape the eye surface. With ectropion, the eyelid droops outward, leaving tissues exposed to injury and infection. Both conditions typically require surgery to correct.

Metabolic-Related Eye Disease

Endocrine disorders can impact the eyes. SARDS (sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome) leads to permanent blindness within days or weeks. Diabetes often results in cataracts. These conditions are not reversible but can be managed with supportive care and adaptations at home.

Hypertensive Retinopathy

High blood pressure in pets, especially cats, can quietly damage the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, leading to sudden or progressive vision loss. This condition, known as hypertensive retinopathy, may cause retinal detachment, bleeding inside the eye, or swelling of the optic nerve. Cats often adapt well at home, so owners may not notice vision changes until blindness is advanced.

Foxtails and Foreign Bodies

Sharp foxtails or other foreign bodies can embed in the eye, causing rapid ulceration and infection. Symptoms include sudden pawing, tearing, and refusal to open the eye. Immediate removal by a veterinarian is critical, since foxtails can migrate deeper into surrounding tissue.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) in Pets

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly called dry eye, occurs when the tear glands fail to produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. Without adequate moisture, the surface of the eye becomes irritated, inflamed, and prone to infection. Pets with KCS may show redness, thick discharge, frequent blinking, or even vision changes. Left untreated, chronic dryness can cause painful corneal ulcers and permanent scarring.

How Eye Problems Are Treated

The right treatment depends on the diagnosis, but most fall into three categories:

  • Medications: Topical antibiotics, antivirals, artificial tears, and anti-inflammatories help control infection, pain, or immune-mediated inflammation.
  • Surgery: Necessary for eyelid disorders, lens luxation, advanced cataracts, or uncontrolled glaucoma. In some cases, removal of the eye is the best way to remove disease and prevent pain.
  • Chronic management: Conditions like pannus, dry eye, or recurrent ulcers require lifelong care to protect vision.

If your pet needs topical medications, the Cornell guide to giving eye medications provides clear, step-by-step instructions. Owners should follow dosing carefully, since missing treatments can quickly worsen outcomes.

Protecting Your Pet’s Eyes Before Problems Start

Prevention plays just as important a role as treatment when it comes to eye health. While not every emergency can be avoided, pet owners can lower the risk of injuries and disease with a few practical habits:

  • Schedule routine wellness exams so subtle changes are caught early.
  • Keep foxtails, sharp sticks, and other irritants out of yards and walking paths.
  • Use protective dog goggles or visors for pets with pannus or those who spend long periods in bright sunlight.
  • Monitor diabetic pets closely since cataracts can develop rapidly.
  • Call your veterinarian promptly if you see redness, squinting, cloudiness, or discharge.

When to Call for Emergency Eye Care

Even with the best prevention, pets can still face sudden eye issues such as corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or trauma. At Emergency Pet Hospital of Glendora, our team provides urgent evaluation and treatment when every minute matters.

Learn more about our full range of services or contact us right away if you are concerned about your pet’s eyes. Acting quickly can make the difference between a full recovery and permanent vision loss.