Symptoms of an eye injury are squinting and blinking, pawing of the eye or swelling and redness. If the animal seems to be in pain, use a muzzle. (Buy a pet first aid kit that includes a muzzle). To examine the eye, lift the uppler lid, then pull down the lower lid. A bright light would be helpful.
If the eye seems irritated, but you don't see any foreign particles, rinse the eye with contact lens rinsing solution, a very, very mild boric acid solution or plain water (room temp.). This can be done with eyedropper or by dripping the liquid from a paper towel or a clean cloth. An ice pack may be applied if the eyelid is puffy. If you can see something irritating the eye and flushing the eye has not removed the foreign substance, then a Q-tip may be needed. The cotton can irritate the eye, so use the Q-tip with care.
Actual wounds in the eyeball and foreign objects that are embedded in the eyeball should always be treated professionally. Even then, some vision may be lost. Do not rinse the eye or attempt to take the object out yourself. Cover the eye with a damp gauze pad, then cover both eyes with a cloth to help calm the animal. Go straight to the vet. |
