Scratched Cornea in Dogs

Cornea is a soft and delicate part of the eye. It forms the thin clear covering of the eye and it is known as the outer capsule of the pet's eye. One of the chief features of the cornea cells is that they are the only transparent cells in the body. The cornea is not nourished by blood, instead the tears in our eyes are the chemical entities that play the role of caretakers for the cornea. It is due to the tear fluids and the aqueous humor that the cornea functions effectively. The placement of the cornea is almost on the outer edge of the eyes and this makes it susceptible to injuries, scratches and various other damages. Scratched cornea in dogs is also known as lacerated cornea. In extreme cases of this canine eye diseae, the eyes develop scratches, scrapes and ulceration.

Causes
Scraping and puncture wounds are the commonest causes of this medical condition. It is highly probable that the pet animal can hurt itself, accidentally, in case it encounters some sharp or blunt object. These lacerations can be healed if they are not too deep. Generally, the major causes of scratched cornea are the injuries that a puppy or a pet dog sustains, may be due to the dog fights between the new members of the pet family. Sometimes, the pet animals are left unattended and so they hurt themselves due to some foreign objects like plants or sharp weapons. Some other canine eye diseases may often lead to this medical condition, due to damage to the other parts of the eyes through conjunctivitis, uveitis (known as corneal perforation or inflammation within the eyes), etc.

Symptoms
What to look for in your dog when you are trying to find out if it is affected by a scratched cornea? Well, the symptoms are apparent while you watch the behavior and eyes of your dog regularly.

• The dog may have squinting eyes. Your pet may be unable to open its eyes completely or the eyes may squint a bit.
• The eyes of the dog are constantly filled with fluids (tears) or are mostly watery. This can be an indication of lacerated or scratched cornea.
• The dog scrapes its face with its paws frequently, which may indicate that the dog is uncomfortable in the area where it is pawing.
• Frequently rubbing the eyes or the face is a common symptom observed in dogs.
• If there is occasional bleeding from the dog's eyes, then it may be a symptom of severe stage of this disease.
• Mild to severe swelling and redness in the eyes of the dog that may be more pronounced with the increased intensity of the scratched cornea pain.
• In many cases the dog will be unable to judge the visibility in front of its eyes as it may find it difficult to see. This happens because after the corneal laceration, the third eyelid may cover the eyes.

Treatment
If the pet owner takes proper dog care and follows the treatment in a systematic manner, it possible to heal it. Diagnostic tests like 'Fluorescein eye stain' are used to highlight the damaged part of the cornea.

• Simple injuries can be healed by administering antibiotics, pupil dilators, etc. Proper dog collars may be used to prevent self trauma.
• Lacerations that have developed into a deep wound may require surgery. Initially, the doctor will heal the discomfort of the pet by some medicines but later, surgery would be essential.
• Any tissue of the eye is carefully trimmed away if it is not possible to replace it with some other option.
• If the pet's eye has lost a certain amount of fluid from the front chamber of the eyes, then a mixture of proper salts will be put, in order to fulfill the requirements of the chemicals needed.
• Any other injury of the eyes and face can be healed with surgeries and other medications.

You must seek a veterinary ophthalmologist's advice immediately, if you find some symptoms of lacerated eyes in dogs. Take proper dog care and ensure that they are not in vicinity of aggressive dogs who can hurt them.