Dog or Cat Squinting or Has Watery Eyes? Entropion and Chronic Eye Infections

Maybe your dog keeps squinting one eye. Maybe your cat has watery eyes that never quite clear up, or an eye infection that seems to come back as soon as it goes away.

Pets cannot tell us when their eyes hurt, so small changes like these are often the first clue. Here is what to watch for, what could be going on and how we help pets with eye problems at Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford.

Signs your pet's eyes need a check

Book an exam if you notice any of the following:

• Squinting, or holding one eye partly closed
• Watery eyes or tearing
• Discharge from one or both eyes
• Redness around the eye
• Rubbing or pawing at the face
• An eye infection that keeps coming back

These signs do not tell you the cause on their own. That is why a proper exam matters.

What is entropion?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, so the eyelashes rub against and irritate the cornea, the clear surface at the front of the eye. As you can imagine, this constant rubbing is uncomfortable for your pet.

Chronic eye infections

Some pets deal with eye infections again and again. When an infection keeps returning, it is worth taking a closer look. Our veterinarians can address chronic eye infections as part of our care, including surgically when that is the right option.

How we check your pet's eyes

Every visit starts with a thorough physical examination. We schedule generous half-hour appointments, so there is time to look closely, talk about when the problem started and answer your questions.

If we need more information, our hospital has an in-house laboratory, digital x-rays and ultrasound. You can read more in our guide to pet diagnostics. If your pet needs more specialized care, we can refer you to a board-certified veterinary specialist.

When eye surgery helps

Eye surgery is part of our soft tissue surgery services. For problems like entropion and chronic infections, surgical treatment:

• Improves your pet's comfort
• Lowers the risk of corneal scarring
• Improves vision in the long term

Keeping your pet safe during surgery

Your pet's safety comes first. Before any procedure, every patient has a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic testing so we can choose the safest anesthetic plan for that pet. We monitor your pet closely during surgery and provide pain management during recovery.

If you have questions about what surgery day looks like, our guide to what to expect on surgery day walks you through a typical day at our hospital.

Frequently asked questions

What is entropion in dogs and cats?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward and the eyelashes irritate the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.

Can entropion be treated?

Yes. Surgical treatment improves comfort, lowers the risk of corneal scarring and improves vision in the long term.

Do you do eye surgery in Bedford?

Yes. Our soft tissue surgery services include treatment for eye problems such as chronic infections and entropion. When a case needs advanced training or equipment, we may refer your pet to a board-certified specialist.

My pet is squinting. Should I wait and see?

We recommend booking an exam. Ongoing irritation of the cornea is uncomfortable, and treating it helps lower the risk of corneal scarring.

More from our team

Soft tissue surgery also includes lump removal. Read how we check lumps and bumps, and learn about financing options for your pet's care.

Book an eye check in Bedford

If your dog or cat is squinting, tearing or dealing with an eye infection that will not go away, call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 832-4818, email info@vetcetera.ca or request an appointment online. We are located at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.