Know how to react to an ocular emergency.
Ocular accidents signify:- a foreign body that has or has not penetrated the cornea (spikelet, hair, splinter);- chemical burns (corrosive products) or incendiary burns;- the partial or complete ejection of the eye from its orbit;- tears to the eye (twigs, clawing).
All eye contact provokes intense pain that is manifested in:- continual blinking leading to complete closure of the eyelids;- a variety of excretions (translucent, bloody, mucopurulent;- the redness of ocular mucosa;- the eventual swelling of the eye;- frequent rubbing of the eye against a hard surface or against one of its paws.
These dogs may look for shade or areas sheltered from the wind.
A foreign body may be visible:- directly on the cornea;- under the eyelids.
Actions to be Taken
Shelter the dog from light and wind.
If the dog allows to be handled:- gently open the eyelids to look for any damage to the cornea or to the conjunctivas;- do not touch the eye with the fingers to avoid aggravating the lesions and provoking a bacterial infection;- prevent the dog from scratching (collar);- do not remove any foreign body;- place a raised bandaging around the affected eye area, and a simple bandage on the other eye (to prevent any bilateral eye-movement).
If the dog does not allow to be handled:- prevent the dog from scratching with a collar or extra-large eye-protection.
In all cases, an urgent visit to the veterinarian is essential. Do not forget to provide all known circumstances of the accident (burn, foreign body).
Note: never remove the object itself from the eye.
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