| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
My boxer dog has damaged a small area in her eye which
looks like a scratch around the centre of her eye. We think that
whilst we were walking in the park she ran into some bushes and
a branch may have caused the scratch on her eye ball. She doesn't
seem to be in any pain but squints her eye a lot, especially in
the mornings and after she has had a sleep. Do you think this will
this heal on its own? She doesn't like going to the vet and finds
it distressing.
Claudia Parr - Liverpool, UK
|
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi
Claudia,
I am very concerned about your dog’s eye. It sounds like she
could have damaged her cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer
of the eye. Light passes through the cornea and onto the back of
the eye or ‘retina’, allowing the dog to see. Damage
to the cornea can be very serious resulting in ulcers, scarring
affecting vision or even rupture of the eye.
There
are no blood vessels in the cornea to allow light to pass freely
into the eye. The lack of blood vessels means that the cornea is
very slow and difficult to heal. Prescription eye drops and sometimes
even surgical procedures are necessary to stimulate healing. Unfortunately
boxers are particularly prone to corneal ulcers that are difficult
to heal and that get worse if left untreated.
It
is always horrible taking a pet to the vets if they are nervous
and distressed but, unfortunately, if you leave this problem it
will get worse and she may end up needing even more veterinary care.
When you make the appointment with your vet let the receptionist
know about your dog’s dislike of vets; you may find that they
have some suggestions to make things less stressful such as waiting
in a car outside the practice, rather than in the waiting room.
To prevent future problems try taking her into the vets just to
visit and ask the receptionist to give her a treat, most vet practices
will be pleased to help in this way.
It
may turn out to be an unpleasant half hour at the vets but squinting
is a sign of pain and this pain will be causing your boxer much
more stress than a visit to the vets.
Good
luck with this.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com |
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D for Dog www.dfordog.com |
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