From conjunctivitis and weeping eyes to corneal ulcers and sudden vision loss — eye problems are often urgent and need proper diagnosis with the right tools, not guesswork.
Eye problems in pets can deteriorate fast. What looks like a bit of redness or weeping today can become a serious corneal ulcer within 24 hours. We take eye complaints seriously, examine properly with the right diagnostics, and refer to specialists when something needs more than a general practice can offer.
Common eye problems we treat
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid — one of the most common eye complaints we see. Causes include bacterial or viral infection, allergies, foreign material (dust, grass seeds, pollen), or secondary inflammation from another eye problem. Cats are particularly prone to viral conjunctivitis from feline herpesvirus. Most cases respond well to medicated drops, but recurrent or one-sided cases need investigation to rule out underlying causes.
Corneal ulcers
Damage to the surface of the cornea (the transparent front layer of the eye) — commonly caused by trauma, scratches, foreign bodies, or dry eye disease. Ulcers are painful and can deteriorate rapidly. We diagnose them quickly using fluorescein dye, which highlights damaged corneal tissue under blue light. Prompt treatment usually means full healing within days; delays can lead to deeper ulcers and even loss of the eye.
Dry eye (KCS)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, occurs when tear production drops. Affected pets develop thick, sticky discharge, recurrent infections, corneal scarring, and pain. Common in breeds like Cavaliers, West Highland Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Bulldogs. We diagnose with a Schirmer tear test (a quick, painless strip applied to the eye for 60 seconds) and manage with lifelong eye drops — well-managed dry eye pets do extremely well.
Cherry eye
The third eyelid’s tear gland prolapses into view as a red, fleshy lump in the corner of the eye. Common in Bulldogs, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and Cavaliers. It needs surgical correction to preserve the gland’s tear-producing function — not just removal, which would predispose to dry eye later in life.
Cataracts
Cloudy lenses that progressively impair vision. Most commonly age-related in older dogs, but also seen as a complication of diabetes or as an inherited condition in certain breeds. We diagnose with a thorough eye examination and refer for specialist surgical correction where appropriate.
Glaucoma
Increased pressure inside the eye — an emergency that can cause permanent blindness within 24–48 hours if untreated. Signs include redness, severe pain (often shown as squinting and lethargy), a cloudy or enlarged eye. We measure intraocular pressure with a tonometer in-house and start emergency treatment immediately, often referring to an ophthalmologist for ongoing care.
Eyelid problems
Entropion (eyelids rolling inward), ectropion (rolling outward), and growths on the eyelid margins are all common. Most need surgical correction to prevent ongoing irritation and corneal damage.
Foreign bodies
Grass seeds, sand, plant material or pieces of debris lodged behind the third eyelid or under the upper lid. A common cause of sudden one-sided eye discomfort, particularly in spring and summer. Often resolved with sedation and saline flush.
Eye problems can be emergencies — ring us today
The eye is one part of the body where waiting really can cost your pet their sight. Phone us straight away on 0113 868 6100 if your pet has:
- Sudden severe eye pain or holding the eye tightly closed
- A visibly cloudy, bulging or enlarged eye
- Sudden vision loss or bumping into things
- A puncture wound or trauma to the eye
- Severe redness with a painful, miserable pet
- An eye that’s been weeping or red for more than 24 hours without improvement
- Anything stuck in the eye or third eyelid visible across the surface
Out of hours? Contact Vets Now Bradford on 01274 722721 (515 Bradford Road, BD3 7BA).
How we diagnose eye problems
Eyes need proper kit. A basic look with a phone torch isn’t enough — many of the most important diagnoses depend on specialist tools used in a darkened room.
Fluorescein staining
Orange dye applied to the eye highlights any corneal damage or ulceration under blue light. Quick, painless, and the gold standard for ulcer diagnosis.
Schirmer tear test
A small paper strip placed in the lower eyelid for 60 seconds measures tear production — essential for diagnosing dry eye disease.
Tonometry
Measures intraocular pressure to diagnose glaucoma or rule it out. Performed quickly and gently with a handheld instrument.
Ophthalmoscopy
Magnified examination of the eye structures — cornea, lens, retina — in a darkened room to identify deeper problems.
Specialist referral
For complex cases — cataract surgery, retinal disease, advanced glaucoma management — we work with trusted veterinary ophthalmology specialists and stay involved in your pet’s ongoing care.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended / Emergency Eye Consultation | £60 |
| Fluorescein staining | Included in consultation |
| Schirmer tear test | Included in consultation |
| Tonometry (eye pressure) | POA |
| Sedated eye flush / foreign body removal | POA |
Petplan direct claims supported. Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications.
Dry eye is for life — ongoing care, made affordable
Conditions like dry eye and chronic conjunctivitis need lifelong eye drops and regular monitoring. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications, with two health checks a year included.
Frequently asked questions
My dog’s eye is weeping — can I just wait and see?
For mild, brief weeping in an otherwise comfortable pet, monitoring for 24 hours is reasonable. But if there’s redness, squinting, pain, or it’s lasting longer, please book in. The sooner we identify a corneal ulcer or foreign body, the simpler the treatment.
Can I use my own eye drops on my pet?
Please don’t. Many human eye preparations are unsafe in pets, and using a steroid drop on an undiagnosed corneal ulcer can be catastrophic. We need to identify the problem before treating.
Why does my dog get conjunctivitis so often?
Recurrent conjunctivitis usually has an underlying cause — allergies, dry eye, eyelid abnormalities, or breed predisposition. We’ll investigate properly rather than just keep prescribing the same drops.
Are some breeds more prone to eye problems?
Yes — flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Cavaliers are particularly vulnerable due to prominent eyes and shallow sockets. Cockers, Bulldogs, Bassets and Shih Tzus also have higher rates of various eye conditions.
Is my older dog going blind from cataracts?
Many older dogs develop a normal age-related cloudiness called nuclear sclerosis — this isn’t a true cataract and rarely affects vision significantly. True cataracts can be referred for surgical correction. We’ll examine and tell you which it is.
Do you do cataract surgery in-house?
No — cataract surgery is highly specialised and best performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist with the right equipment. We diagnose, advise on candidacy, and refer to trusted specialists for the surgery itself.
Don’t wait with eye problems
Same-day appointments. Proper diagnostics. Honest advice on when to manage in-house and when to refer.