Red Eyes in Boston Terrier Dogs
Red eyes in Boston terriers can be caused by several different conditions, including dry eye and corneal ulcers. In addition to allergies, these red eyes can also be caused by conditions such as hypothyroidism, disease of the immune system, and infection. Depending on the exact cause of red eyes in Boston terriers, treatment may vary. Listed below are the possible causes of red eyes in Boston terriers and some treatment options for them.
If the red-eye is caused by an infection, prescription remedies may help. Veterinarians may prescribe drops for glaucoma, which decreases pressure on the eye, or antibiotics for an infection in the eye. Home remedies may also help to eliminate cherry eyes. Another option is applying pressure to the affected eye. In most cases, this will remove the problem. For dogs with cherry eye, doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics for an infection of the eye. Occasionally, a vet may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug for the itching that usually accompanies the cherry eye.
Another option is keratoconjunctivitis or KCS. The inflammation is triggered by an infection of the eye’s middle layer and can lead to blurred vision. This condition can also cause corneal ulcers, which are painful and affect vision. In severe cases, the dog may paw at the affected eye. In some cases, the condition can be hereditary. The condition is usually bilateral.
In addition to medications, a vet may also prescribe tacrolimus or Optimmune, which are both used to increase tear production.
However, these medications can take several months to take effect. For temporary relief, owners can clean their dog’s eyes several times a day, and this will help generate new tears. In some cases, an artificial tear solution may be used. If this does not help, another option is surgery.
Another option for treating red-eye in a Boston terrier is surgery. If the third eyelid has been removed due to this condition, it may need to be reset, but the surgery will not remove the eyelid itself. This procedure may cause a dry eye. Keratitis sicca is a condition that affects the conjunctiva, the mucus membrane covering the eyelids and eyeballs. It is responsible for keeping the eye moist.
If your dog’s red-eye is a symptom of a foreign body, try flushing out the eye with warm water or sterile saline solution to remove the foreign object. If the infection persists, see a veterinarian. Proptosis, or prolapsed eye, occurs when pressure is exerted on the eyelid causing the eyeball to pop out. This problem is common in brachycephalic dogs with shallow eye sockets.
When the red-eye occurs in the eyes of a Boston terrier, it’s often caused by another condition.
Boston Terriers can develop a disease called Endothelial dystrophy, which starts in the middle of their lives and can lead to corneal ulcers that are opaque or cloudy. This condition can be difficult to treat but can be easily treated with medication. Another potential cause of red eyes in Boston terriers is strabismus or turning of the eyes in the wrong direction. Divergent strabismus results in both eyes turning outward while Convergent Strabismus results in both eyes turning inward. This is also known as cross-eyed in Boston terriers.
If your Boston terrier is suffering from red-eye, you should visit a vet to see if it is more severe. It may be a sign of another condition, or it could be a symptom of another. Boston terriers can also develop dry eyes, which can affect both eyes. This condition can be aggravated by certain medications and can even result in eye inflammation. Once diagnosed, dry eye in Bostons can lead to red eyes and heavy mucus discharge.
Medications for pink eye in a Boston terrier can include an antibiotic ointment or steroid medication.
If steroid medication is not enough, surgery may be necessary to reset the nictitating membrane. This surgery, while invasive, must be carefully performed to avoid dry eye. Alternatively, a warm saline solution can be administered at home to alleviate red eyes in a Boston terrier.
Another cause of red eyes in a Boston terrier is genetic. The Boston terrier has an unusually large skull, and the ears are located on the sides of the head, preventing the dog from having a rounded look. Its square skull is characterized by two distinct facial features, ears, and jaws. Unlike many terrier breeds, the Red Boston Terrier never grows to be large. The average weight of a Red Boston Terrier is between 15 and 25 pounds. However, overfeeding may increase the weight of your dog, and that is not healthy.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
