Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood for the body’s vital organs to function properly. Heart failure is not a specific disease – instead, it is the result of underlying heart conditions that may be present due to an abnormality of the heart’s structure, ability to contract, or electrical activity.
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, occurs when fluid begins to build up within the lungs (pulmonary edema), in the chest cavity (pleural effusion), and/or in the abdomen (ascites) as a result of heart disease. This congestion causes major organs to function abnormally and/or swell with fluid. Degenerative valve disease in dogs and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats commonly lead to CHF.
Since your pet’s eyes are front and center every time you look at them, abnormalities of the eyes are easy to notice. Below are descriptions of some of the more common eye disorders in dogs and cats.
Cataracts
Older dogs commonly have a visible cloudiness to their eyes. The cloudiness is normal aging of the lens, called nuclear sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis does not compromise vision, and is often mistaken for cataracts. Cataracts are an abnormal cloudiness of the lens caused by a buildup of protein or pigment in the lens which interferes with normal vision. In dogs, genetics and diabetes play a role in cataract development. Canine cataracts can be removed surgically, followed by placement of an artificial lens. Cataracts are uncommon in cats.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a decrease in tear production and occurs in dogs, especially those with bulgy eyes, like pugs. Treatment requires lifetime eye medications to stimulate tear production.
Cherry Eye
Under the third eyelid of dogs and cats is a small tear gland. In certain breeds, such as bulldogs, cocker spaniels and Burmese cats, the gland pops up and forms a red mass in the eye, colloquially known as “cherry eye.” This abnormality typically occurs in young dogs and cats. Treatment involves tacking the gland back in place with a suture.
Glaucoma
One of the most common eye abnormalities pet families recognize is a red eye. Glaucoma is one cause of a red eye. The redness results from a painful increase in pressure inside the eye. Management of glaucoma can be challenging and involves drops, ointments and even surgery.
Corneal Ulcer
Another cause of a red eye is a corneal ulcer, a sore on the clear part of the eye. Corneal ulcers are common in dogs with dry eyes, as a sequela to feline viral respiratory infections, or trauma. A dog or cat with a corneal ulcer will squint or rub their eye because ulcers are painful. Typically, application of antibiotic ointment and oral pain medication correct this condition.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is probably the most common eye problem on the list, since allergies are common in dogs. Allergic conjunctivitis is yet another condition resulting in red, weepy eyes. Distinguishing it from red eyes due to glaucoma or a corneal ulcer requires testing the pressure inside the eye and measuring tear production. Making the correct diagnosis is critical, since the treatment for each is different. Management of allergies with antihistamines or immunotherapy, plus anti-inflammatory eye ointment usually resolves allergic conjunctivitis.
Limping or lameness is a condition in which an animal’s gait (walk) is affected by a pain in one or more legs. Familiarizing yourself with the way your pet moves can help you notice when something doesn’t look right.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell associated with the immune system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in middle-aged and senior cats. In cats, lymphoma most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract, but can also occur in any organ in the body, including the lymph nodes, eyes, kidneys, liver, or spleen.
The immune system is the body’s defense against anything that is foreign such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Allergies occur when a dog or cat’s immune system overreacts to a substance that isn’t a health threat. Those substances are called allergens.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, refers to allergies to things in the environment such as dust mites, pollen, mold, trees, grass, fleas, or even another pet. The condition occurs when a pet encounters an allergen either by inhaling it or through direct contact with the skin. Direct contact with the skin explains, in part, why the feet and face can be so itchy — these are the parts of a dog or cat’s body that are most in contact with allergens. Environmental allergies may be either seasonal or year-round depending on if the allergen is seasonal like pollen or present year-round like dust mites.
Food allergies are much less common in pets than environmental allergies. When they occur, the dog tends to be allergic to common ingredients in food such as beef, chicken, milk, soy, or eggs. The foods that cats are most often allergic to include fish, beef, chicken, and milk products.
Much as they are for humans, allergies in pets are itchy, irritating, frustrating, and sometimes painful. On top of this, the itching, scratching, and licking can lead to infections.
