Eye Infections

Inflammation of parts of the eye
Causes:

• Trauma
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Fungal
• Bacterial
• Irritation from foreign matter
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Dry eye

Symptoms:

• Redness of eye
• Discharge
• Squinting
• Frequent blinking
• Light sensitivity

Most often, cats are affected by viral and bacterial infections. Dogs are more susceptible to trauma and irritation as well as the viral and bacterial infections.

If left untreated, eye infections can cause pain and irritation to your pet and could potentially deal permanent damage to your cat or dog’s eyes.

When you bring your pet in, we will run a thorough examination of their eyes. Often times, the treatment plan will involve special eye-drops or ointments for application. In many cases, you’ll be able to see results within the first few days of treatment.

Many infections can be prevented by simply keeping vaccinations up to date and by avoiding potential foreign matter such as flying sand and dust.

Ear Infections

Ear infections with frequent itching and inflammation can be a cause of pain and stress for your cat or dog. While dogs are most often affected, cats can get them too. An infection can mean something serious in some cases, so it’s important to get things checked out with a vet.

Potential Causes:

• Mites
• Yeast
• Foreign Matter
• Allergies
• Mass in the ear canal (tumors, etc)

Symptoms:

• Ear Discharge
• Redness
• Swelling
• Strong Odor
• Disorientation
• Wax buildup
• Scabs or crusts
• Frequent head tilting

An ear infection can be an internal issue or an external one. Mites are parasites that live in your pet’s ear. They often can cause your pet to scratch their ear frequently, which can cause them to lose hair around the ear and form scabs and swelling in the area. For cats, mites are the most common cause of an ear infection.

In most cases, ear drops or tablets can make quick work of the problem for your pet; however, in order to catch and treat potential problems effectively, a diagnosis from a vet is needed.