Learn About Some Common German Shepherd Eye Problems
One of the most common eye problems experienced by German Shepherds is dry eye syndrome. It is described as the “looking-glass” condition where the dog’s eye lacks moisture. It can be very painful for your dog and you will need to make sure it is treated right away. In some cases, the dog may actually lose eyesight instead of developing dry eye syndrome. The treatment can involve antibiotic treatment, artificial tears, drops, or even surgery if needed.
Dry eye syndrome is not a contagious disease but can be passed from one pet to another. The healthy German shepherd eye, however, is clear, bright, with little or no red vessels on either the white or the yellow of the eye itself. Very rarely white sludge will ooze out from behind the eye corners after a deep sleep. That is not an actual condition but merely takes care of any debris, dust, or small particles in the room before grooming.
A regular checkup is essential to detect and treat German shepherd eye problems. This breed suffers from different breeds of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye, conjunctivitis, and infection, just to name a few. These problems must be detected early since if left untreated, they could cause more serious conditions. For puppies, it is best to have them routinely examined by an experienced veterinarian to avoid serious conditions later on.
Symptoms of these various eye diseases in German shepherd breeders include crying, whining, pawing at the eyes, limping, and in some cases, loss of vision.
Treatment for each symptom varies. Puppies can be given pain medications and ointments; adult dogs might need to have surgery. Most owners prefer to treat their dogs’ common eye diseases using medications and home remedies as opposed to surgery. Nevertheless, there are instances when extreme measures need to be taken.
Symptoms of eyelid infections in German shepherd dogs include redness, swelling, and crusting over the eyelids. Your vet should examine your Yorkie or terrier thoroughly to determine whether he has this disease or not. If he does, then your dog will have to undergo treatment. A one-page breed guide provides information about Pembroke Welsh corgi symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
To prevent the occurrence of inflammation or infection, your veterinarian may prescribe topical steroid-based medicine called hydrocortisone. This medicine is best prescribed to dogs that have experienced eye inflammation or infection before and those that have lost eyesight permanently. It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the face so that they do not produce excess fluid. A one-page breed guide recommends this treatment for adult dogs and puppies.
Dogs with conjunctivitis are prone to irritation.
This can cause discharge and redness to the dog’s eyes. Pembroke Welsh corgi puppies are at high risk because they lack eyelashes which can provide ample protection from irritation. You can solve this problem by feeding your breeds with hypoallergenic dog food that contains no lamb, bison, or borage.
The most commonly used treatment for corneal inflammation in these dogs is corticosteroid injections. The dose depends on the severity of your pet’s condition and how large the pupil is. Your vet may also recommend intralesional corticosteroid injection for cases where the inflammation is not too severe. If your German Shepherd puppy has had atopic dermatitis and conjunctivitis, then you should opt for an intralesional corticosteroid injection.
However, if your German shepherd pup develops itching at its eyes or develops bloody discharge from its eyes, then your vet will probably prescribe eye drops or a medicated eye cream. The eye drops or cream will prevent bacteria from sticking into the cornea and cause further infection. It will also help reduce swelling and relieve itchiness because it has an anti-itch ingredient.
To treat tears and mucus, your vet might suggest the use of tears using saline solution.
However, some German shepherds have developed a habit of licking their eyes. Therefore, it is suggested that you substitute teardrops with a medicated eyewash. Corticosteroid injections are usually given to German shepherd dogs with conjunctivitis or patellar luxation.
A German shepherd is not an ideal breed for cold-stricken dogs. The German shepherd is susceptible to develop conjunctivitis because of its short and narrow eyes. It is also susceptible to chlamydia and infection of the skin around the eyes. The development of pannus can be a serious problem because it can cause the dog to lose its sight. To minimize this health problem, regular checkups at the veterinarian are important.
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