Why Is My Dog or Cat Squinting? Red, Watery Eyes, Eye Infections and Entropion Surgery in Amherst, NS

Your dog keeps squinting one eye. Your cat has a watery, goopy eye that clears up and then comes right back. Eye problems are easy to spot and hard to ignore, and because eyes are delicate, they are worth having checked by a veterinarian instead of waiting to see if they get better on their own.

At Cumberland County Animal Hospital in Amherst, Nova Scotia, we examine eyes as part of caring for your pet, and we perform surgery for eye conditions like chronic infections and entropion when a pet needs it. This guide explains the signs to watch for, how we look into eye problems, and when surgery can help.

Signs your dog or cat may have an eye problem

Pets cannot tell us when something is bothering them, so it helps to know what to look for. Call us to book an exam if you notice any of the following:

• Squinting or holding an eye shut. This is one of the most common ways pets show eye discomfort.
• Redness. Red or irritated tissue around the eye or in the white of the eye.
• Discharge or tearing. Watery, sticky or coloured discharge, or new tear staining.
• Rubbing or pawing at the face. Pets often try to relieve an eye that is bothering them.
• A change in how the eye looks. Cloudiness, swelling, or an eyelid that does not sit the way it used to.
• A problem that keeps coming back. An eye issue that improves and then returns can point to an underlying cause that needs attention.

If your pet has injured an eye, or an eye problem appears suddenly along with obvious pain, treat it as urgent. Call us at (902) 612-2520 during our hours. After hours, all emergencies are referred to Riverview Animal Health Centre at 506-387-4015. You can read more in our guide to urgent vet care in Amherst.

What is entropion?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye. When that happens, the eyelashes and fur along the edge of the lid rub against the surface of the eye. It is uncomfortable for your pet and can lead to ongoing irritation, infection and scarring.

Because entropion is a problem with the position of the eyelid itself, medication may ease the symptoms for a while, but surgery is what corrects the eyelid. That is why it is one of the eye surgeries we perform at our Amherst hospital.

How our Amherst vets check your pet's eyes

Every eye visit starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam. We will ask when you first noticed the problem, whether it affects one eye or both, and whether it has happened before. Then we examine the eye, the eyelids and the area around them.

Depending on what we find, we may recommend further testing. Our in-house laboratory lets us get results quickly so we can build a treatment plan without delay.

Eye checks are also part of our in-home visits within Amherst town limits and our remote clinics in Tatamagouche and Parrsboro. That can make things easier for pets who find car rides stressful. Learn more about our house calls and remote clinics.

Eye surgery for chronic infections and entropion

For some pets, medication alone is not enough. When an eye condition like entropion or a chronic infection keeps causing problems, surgery can significantly improve your pet's comfort and vision while reducing scarring.

Every surgery at our hospital follows the same safety steps:

• A complete physical exam before the procedure.
• Pre-anesthetic tests to help us plan safe anesthesia.
• Anesthesia chosen for your pet, based on their individual needs.
• Close monitoring throughout the surgery.
• Pain management that continues through recovery.

When you pick your pet up, we go over the home care instructions with you and answer your questions. For advanced procedures that need specialized training or equipment, we refer patients to board-certified veterinary surgeons. You can read more about how we keep pets safe in our guide to preparing your pet for surgery.

What you can do at home

• Make a few notes. Write down which eye is affected, when it started and whether it seems better or worse at certain times. Bring your notes to the appointment.
• Do not wait on repeat problems. If an eye issue keeps coming back, book a visit so we can look for the reason behind it.
• Ask before using drops. Call us before using leftover medication or any eye drops you have at home, so we can make sure the treatment fits the problem.
• Keep up with wellness visits. Regular wellness exams help us catch changes early.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog squinting one eye?

Squinting is a common sign of eye discomfort. It can have several causes, including irritation, an injury or a problem with the eyelid such as entropion. Have your dog examined by a veterinarian so the cause can be found and treated.

What is entropion in dogs and cats?

Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward so the lashes and fur rub against the eye. It causes discomfort and can lead to ongoing irritation, infection and scarring. Surgery corrects the eyelid and can improve comfort and vision.

Why does my pet's eye infection keep coming back?

An eye problem that improves and then returns may have an underlying cause, so it should be examined. For chronic eye infections, surgery is sometimes recommended to improve comfort and vision and reduce scarring.

Do you do eye surgery for pets in Amherst?

Yes. Cumberland County Animal Hospital performs surgery for eye conditions like chronic infections and entropion. For advanced operations that need specialized training or equipment, we refer patients to board-certified veterinary surgeons.

What should I do if my pet hurts an eye after hours?

After hours, all emergencies are referred to Riverview Animal Health Centre at 506-387-4015.

Have your pet's eyes checked in Amherst

Cumberland County Animal Hospital is a CVMA and NSVMA accredited hospital at 16 Ancestral Drive in Amherst, Nova Scotia, open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. If your dog or cat is squinting or has red, watery eyes, call (902) 612-2520 or book an appointment. Learn more about our surgical services, and if you are planning for the cost of care, see how Humm financing works.