Download Eye Injuries Eye injuries can be dangerous. In the worse case

Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can be dangerous. In the worse case scenario, an eye can
be lost if the cornea is punctured and the contents of the eye escape
through the wound. An eye can be damaged by branches or twigs
snapping into a dog’s face; corneal punctures occur if injured by thorn or
pricker bushes; seeds or debris can accumulate under the lids and rub
on the eye; and dog teeth and porcupine quills can puncture eyes also.
If you notice a dog’s eye tearing more than normal or a dog squinting its
eye, then more than likely the dog has some trauma to the eye, eyelids
or tissue surrounding the eye. Evaluate the eye for a laceration to the
cornea, foreign body accumulation under the lids, or trauma to the
conjuctiva.
It is always safe to flush the eyes with a saline eye rinse (human
contact lens products) and the application of a triple antibiotic ointment
(neomycin product without steroid) will soothe the eye and inflamed
tissues NEVER use an eye ointment with a steroid ( dexamethasone;
hydrocortisone; betamethasone) in an eye without being absolutely sure
there is NO “cut” in the corneal tissues. Steroid administration will
decrease healing of the eye tissues and often makes matters worse if not
properly used.
Your veterinarian could demonstrate how to use a fluoroscein dye strip
to evaluate the corneal surface of a dog’s eye prior to the use of steroid
ointment. Steroid drops and ointments are used to decrease
inflammation, irritation, and reddening of the eyes but can only be used
with an intact cornea.