Trauma to the Eye: How to Handle Emergencies in Pets

Eye injuries in pets are always a cause for concern. The cornea, sclera, and surrounding ocular structures are delicate and highly sensitive. Even a minor scratch or irritation can lead to serious complications, including infection, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or vision loss.

Knowing how to recognize the signs of eye trauma, provide appropriate first aid, and seek emergency veterinary care can make the difference between a full recovery and permanent ocular damage.

At Veterinary Vision Center in Shreveport, LA, we specialize in emergency eye care, advanced ophthalmic diagnostics, and surgical treatments to protect and restore vision. This guide will walk you through common causes of eye trauma in pets, emergency response steps, and veterinary treatment options.

Learn more about our emergency ophthalmology services: Veterinary Vision Center Services

Common Causes of Eye Trauma in Pets

Blunt Force Trauma

  • Accidents such as car collisions or falls can result in swelling, bleeding, or even retinal detachment.
  • Being hit in the head or face during rough play or altercations with other animals.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

  • Debris, thorns, grass awns, and sand can become lodged under the eyelids or scratch the cornea.
  • Wind exposure during car rides increases the risk of airborne particles damaging the eye.

Scratches and Punctures

  • Claw scratches from another pet can introduce bacteria, leading to corneal ulcers or severe infections.
  • Sharp objects such as sticks or wire fencing can cause penetrating injuries.

Chemical and Environmental Injuries

  • Household cleaning agents, lawn chemicals, or insecticides can cause corneal burns.
  • Smoke, dust, or grooming products can lead to irritation and inflammation.

More on ophthalmic emergencies: Merck Veterinary Manual – Eye Trauma in Small Animals

Signs That Indicate an Eye Emergency

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

  • Redness and swelling around the eye.
  • Excessive tearing or watery discharge (clear, yellow, or green).
  • Frequent squinting, excessive blinking, or pawing at the eye.

Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

  • Foreign objects embedded in the eye or under the eyelid.
  • Bleeding from the eye, eyelids, or tear ducts.
  • Sudden vision loss, severe cloudiness, or pupil changes.
  • A bulging or prolapsed eye (globe luxation) caused by trauma.

Schedule an emergency evaluation: Veterinary Vision Center

First Aid for Eye Trauma Before Veterinary Care

What to Do at Home

  1. Prevent further damage – Keep your pet calm and avoid touching or manipulating the eye.
  2. Use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to prevent pawing or rubbing.
  3. Flush the eye with sterile saline or artificial tears to remove irritants if a foreign object is present.
  4. For chemical exposure, rinse the eye with sterile saline or water for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Keep the eye protected and seek immediate veterinary care.

What NOT to Do

  • Do not use human eye drops unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
  • Do not attempt to remove a deeply embedded object—this can cause further injury.
  • Do not apply pressure or attempt to pry open swollen eyelids.

More on handling eye emergencies at home: PetPlace – Ocular Emergencies in Pets

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment for Eye Trauma

Comprehensive Ophthalmic Examination

  • Fluorescein Staining – A special dye highlights corneal scratches or ulcers.
  • Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure to check for glaucoma or uveitis.
  • Ophthalmic Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging for internal bleeding or retinal detachment.

Medical Management

  • Topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to control infection and reduce pain.
  • Pain management with systemic NSAIDs or opioids for severe injuries.
  • Mydriatic agents (such as atropine) to relieve painful muscle spasms in the eye.

Surgical Intervention for Severe Trauma

  • Corneal repair procedures for deep ulcers, lacerations, or perforations.
  • Eyelid laceration repair to restore normal function and prevent irritation.
  • Enucleation (eye removal) for cases of irreversible damage or severe infection.

Advanced ophthalmic treatments available at: Veterinary Vision Center

Long-Term Care and Prevention of Eye Injuries

Post-Treatment Recovery

  • Frequent follow-up exams to monitor healing and detect complications.
  • Long-term eye lubrication therapy for pets with previous corneal injuries.
  • Avoiding environments with high debris, sharp objects, or rough play risks.

Protecting Your Pet’s Eyes

  • Goggles for working dogs or breeds prone to eye injuries (such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus).
  • Proper storage of household chemicals and cleaners to prevent accidental exposure.
  • Regular eye exams to detect early signs of disease or irritation.

Schedule a follow-up visit for long-term eye care: Veterinary Vision Center

When to Seek Specialty Care for Eye Injuries

Cases That Require Referral to a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

  • Non-healing corneal ulcers or deep trauma.
  • Severe eyelid lacerations affecting vision.
  • Glaucoma or retinal detachment secondary to an injury.

Schedule a referral appointment today: Contact Veterinary Vision Center

Additional Resources

More on Eye Trauma and Veterinary Ophthalmology: