Ingredients/Science
Cane-Eye is pet tested – we use a manufacturing process which locks in active ingredients, whilst ensuring that your pet finds no added taste Packaged in a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation
Asymmetry
Staying aware of your pet’s ‘normal’ behavior is a first critical step for responsible pet care. Any identifiable changes in your pet’s eyes can help you decide if a veterinary checkup is advisable.
Do both eyes look like each other, are they symmetric?
Useful Observations:
- Do both eyes have a shiny and clear appearance vs. cloudy or dull look?
- Are the pupils the same size and shape?
- Is either eye squinting?
- Do the eyes run with watery or have a sticky discharge?
- Does either eye look red or swollen?
If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinarian.
Irritation
Eyes are extremely sensitive and can get easily irritated – they have the most nerve endings in the body -which allows for a super quick blink reflex.
If you believe that your pet is suffering from eye irritation you should contact your vet for advice as irritation can be a sign of eye irritation.
Symptoms that may suggest that your pet is suffering from eye irritation:
- Pawing/rubbing at their eye/s
- Redness of the eye
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Excessive tear staining
- Sticky or runny discharge
- Light sensitivity
- Swollen skin around the eyes
- Dullness or cloudiness of the eye
- Different pupil sizes
There are many causes of irritation, including allergy, infection, cornea abrasion etc
Eye problems can be very painful and go from bad to worse very quickly so don’t delay in seeking advice and treatment from your vet!
Blindness
As our pets age, decreased eyesight is common due to cataracts or retina changes. Pets can sometimes compensate by relying more on other senses like smell or hearing. Monitor your pet as they age and notice if they become more hesitant when approaching unfamiliar areas or bumping into objects.
There are other conditions which can cause sudden vision loss at any age, so be aware for sudden changes in symptoms.
Symptoms of sudden eyesight loss you may notice are:
- Changes in appearance of the eye
- Confusion/disorientation
- Clumsiness – bumping into things
- Easily startled or nervous
- Slow and cautious movement
- Getting lost outside
- Unable to find toys, food dishes, water etc
- Not wanting to go out at night
Conditions causing blindness are serious and need urgent treatment. Blindness can also occur as a part of diseases which can be damaging to other organ systems as well so it extra important to get your pet checked and treated.
Conditions that can cause blindness:
- Tumors in the eye
- Traumatic Eye Injuries
- Glaucoma
- Brain disease – Aneurysm, Stroke, Seizures, Tumors or Infection
- General Disease – e.g. diabetes, hyperthyroidism
- Cataracts – more common in: Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers and Siberian Huskies
- Corneal disease
- Dry eye
- Retinal Disease
Tear Staining
Tear stains are those reddish-brown marks that can appear on the fur around your pet’s eyes. These stains can be more noticeable on lightly colored fur.
Dog and cat tears naturally contain high amounts of porphyrins –iron containing compounds derived from the breakdown of red blood cells in the body. When tears sit on the fur, the porphyrin staining will intensify in the presence of light.
When tears sit on the skin around the eye, they make it damp which allows for local bacterial growth – some of which make their own pophyrin and worsen tear staining.
Tear staining is more likely to occur in certain breeds. For instance, this may be due to the shape of the face, abnormalities of the tear ducts, or small hairs around the corners of the eye that wick tears onto the face.
In most cases, this is a cosmetic problem but at times, tears stains may be due to overproduction of tears due to ocular irritation. It is important to ensure underlying reasons for tear staining have been ruled out by a vet.
Redness
One of the earliest signs of many eye problems is a red eye. If your pet’s eyes appear visibly red or swollen get them checked ASAP by
your vet as some causes of a red eye are not only painful but can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated (such as glaucoma).
Common causes of redness:
- Conjunctivitis
- Allergies or irritants
- Foreign object in the eye
- Dry Eye
- Injury
- Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
- Corneal Ulcers
- Glaucoma
- Cherry Eye
Conditions most likely to cause cloudy or opaque eyes:
- Cataracts
- Uveitis- inflammation inside the eye
- Pannus- autoimmune inflammation in the cornea, German Shepherds are predisposed
- Injury or damage to the eye/s
- Corneal ulcers or scratches
- Dry Eye
- Glaucoma
Runny or Sticky Eye
Eye discharge is a common problem in pets. Some types are completely normal, while others may be associated with potentially
serious health concerns. In order to determine when you need to take your pet to the vet, you’ll need to understand the various types of eye discharge and what each may mean.
5 most common types of eye discharge:
- A little ‘gunk’ or crustiness – generally made out of dried tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust etc. Typically, clear or a slightly reddish-brown colour that accumulates at the inside corners of the eyes. Most evident in the morning and is perfectly normal, with the amount produced each day being relatively constant. It should be easily removed with a damp cloth or eye cleansing solution made for pets. The eyes shouldn’t be red and shouldn’t exhibit any signs of discomfort.
- Watery Eyes – Excessive eye watering (AKA epiphora) is associated with many different conditions that can range from being relatively minor to more serious. Below are some of the common causes of watery eyes in pets:
- Allergies
- Irritants
- Foreign body in the eye
- Anatomical abnormalities (e.g. rolled in eyelids)
- Blocked tear ducts
- Corneal wounds
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
Your pet may have simply received an eyeful of pollen or dust, and the increased tearing is working to solve the problem. If eyes continue to water or your pet develops red, painful eyes or other types of eye discharge, make an appointment with your vet.
- White-Grey Mucus – Can be a sign of Dry Eye (AKA keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a condition where the tear film becomes inadequate. A normal tear film is vital for good eye health so the body tries to compensate by making more mucus to try and lubricate the eyes. Left untreated Dry Eye can result in severe discomfort and potentially even blindness.
- Yellow or Green Eye Discharge – pets whose eyes produce yellow or green discharge often have conjunctivitis or an eye infection.
