Dear dog owner,
Fine weather and the first green leaves are the perfect excuse
for prolonged walks. For your dog, the fresh air provides a heavenly mixture of
the very finest aromas. Many wild animals, including squirrels, rabbits and mice
are out and about looking for food and companionship, and they, too, emit an
enticing scent. They can make even the calmest dog spring into action.
During your dog’s exploratory forages through the dense underbrush, a grain of
sand, a twig or a thorn may get in his eye. Normally, if a foreign body nears
the eye, the eyelids shut reflexively. However, if the object is moving fast or
if it approaches from the side, the eyelid reflex may not be quick enough.
In the simplest cases, the foreign body does not injure the transparent corneal
layer of the eye and “only” causes inflammation
of the conjunctiva. In more serious cases, though, the
corneal surface may be scratched or the object may even penetrate through the
cornea. Corneal disorders are absolute
emergencies, because they carry the risk of losing vision in the injured eye!
It may not be easy for you, as the pet owner, to distinguish between conjunctival
inflammation and a serious injury. In both instances, the eye will tear, and
because it hurts, your dog will keep it shut. Therefore, any time you suspect
an eye emergency you should consult
a veterinarian immediately.
You should never try to remove foreign bodies that have become lodged in the
eye. Parts of the eye may protrude through the resulting wound and the eye
may be permanently damaged.
In our articles on the eye, we present a detailed description with information
and consequences of different eye conditions. You should take the opportunity
to familiarize yourself with this subject in advance, so you can respond calmly
and appropriately in an emergency situation.
We wish you accident-free happy spring days.
Your enpevet team