The lens is a soft, transparent tissue that sits behind the iris. It helps focus incoming light onto the retina. Common disorders of the lens include those that affect its transparency (such as cataracts), and those that affect the position of the lens.
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, which effectively blocks light from reaching the retina. This causes a lo
Dogs, like people, can develop glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when an imbalance in production and drainage of fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) causes a buildup of fluid that increases eye pressure to unhealthy levels. The increased pressure can cause the destruction of the retina and optic disk (the spot where the optic nerve enters the eye). Open-angle glaucoma is a painless and gradual development of blind spots or loss of vision over a
The uvea (or the uveal tract) is the colored inside lining of the eye consisting of the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. The iris is the colored ring around the black pupil. The ciliary body is the set of muscles that contract and relax to allow the lens to focus on objects; it is also the major source of aqueous humor, the clear fluid within the eye. The choroid is the inner lining of the eyeball and extends from the ciliary muscles to the optic nerve at the
The cornea is the clear dome on the front surface of the eye. It helps to protect the front of the eye and is also important in focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye. Because the cornea is critical for proper vision, it is important to address any disorders or injuries promptly.
Inflammation of the Outer Cornea
Inflammation and swelling of the outer cornea is common in all speci
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and extends over the white of the eye in the front portion of the eyeball. It plays a role in creating tears, providing protection for the eye from foreign invaders, eye movement, and healing of the cornea after injury. It is important to identify and treat problems of the conjunctiva, because some can indicate generalized disease or lead to blindness if not treated.
The lacrimal or tear gland, located at the top outer edge of the eye, produces the watery portion of tears. Nasolacrimal ducts allow tears to drain from each eye into the nose. Disorders of these structures can lead to either eyes that water excessively or dry eyes. They may be congenital (present at birth) or caused by infection, foreign objects in the eye, or trauma.
Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Nictitans Gland)
Problems affecting the eyelids may be congenital (present at birth) or may occur as a result of injury, infection, disease of the surrounding skin, body-wide diseases, or exposure to various types of irritants.
Entropion
Entropion is the turning in of the edges of the eyelid so that the eyelashes and fur rub against the eye surface. It is the most frequent inherited eyelid defect
The eyes of animals, including dogs' eyes, function much like yours. Animals also develop many of the same eye problems that people can have, including cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems. It is important for your dog to receive good eye care to protect its sight and allow it to interact comfortably with its environment.
The eye is an active organ that constantly adjusts the amount of light it lets in an
Tumors may develop from any of the structures lining or supporting the ear canal, including the outer layer of skin, the glands that produce earwax and oil, or any of the bones, connective tissues, muscles, or middle layers of the skin. Tumors of the external ear canal and pinna are more common than tumors of the middle or inner ear. Cocker Spaniels are more likely to have ear canal tumors than other breeds of dogs. Middle-aged dogs are more likely to have benign ear
Inflammation of the middle ear structures (otitis media) is usually caused by an extension of infection from the external ear canal or by penetration of the eardrum by a foreign object. The spread of infection through the bloodstream to these areas is also possible, but it is rare. Inflammation of the middle ear may lead to inflammation of the inner ear structures (otitis interna). This ca