Red Eye in Dogs

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Red eye is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with diseases of the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma (high pressure within the eye) or with certain diseases of the orbit (eye socket). Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem.

Eyes become reddened when blood vessels of the conjunctiva (the pink lining of the eyeball and eyelids), sclera (white covering of the eye), or cornea (clear surface of the eye) become enlarged or more numerous.

What to Watch For

Redness of the eye or structures around the eye

Squinting, increased blinking, holding the eye closed

Pawing or rubbing at the eye

Possible decrease in vision or blindness

Possible cloudiness of the eye

Tearing or discharge from the eye

Possible systemic signs if the redness is associated with some sort of illness

Diagnosis

Veterinary care includes tests to diagnose the condition causing the red eye and to define subsequent treatment. Your veterinarian will do a complete medical history and physical examination to try to determine if the problem involves only the eye(s) or if other changes are present in the animal.

A complete ophthalmic examination is required to determine the source of the redness and whether it involves inflammation of the external structures of the eye or the internal structures. Your veterinarian may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation using specialized instrumentation. The following tests may be performed during the eye examination:

Schirmer tear test to measure tear production

Fluorescein staining of the cornea to check for ulcers

Tonometry to measure the pressure within the eye

Examination of the interior of the eye under magnification

Taking scrapings of inflamed tissues (such as conjunctiva and cornea) for cytologic studies to determine the type of inflammation present

Examination of scrapings of the eyelids to look for parasites

Submission of samples for culturing bacteria and other agents

Biopsy of masses around the eye

Other tests may include:

A complete blood count and biochemistry profile if any systemic signs are present

Blood testing for the tick borne rickettsial and bacterial infections, for fungal infections and parasitic conditions, if the red eye is related to inflammation of the interior of the eye

X-rays of the chest and abdomen if an underlying systemic illness is suspected