Knowing what to watch for during your pet’s recovery can help you recognize when something may need medical attention. While many changes are a normal part of healing, the following signs may indicate that your pet should be examined by your veterinary team.
During your pet’s recovery, it’s natural to have questions about what you’re seeing. While mild tearing, temporary squinting, and slight redness may be expected depending on your pet’s condition or procedure, some changes require prompt veterinary attention.
When in doubt, it’s always best to contact your veterinary team. We’d much rather answer your questions early than have you worry at home or wait until a problem becomes more serious.
Contact Your Veterinarian Promptly If You Notice:
Your Pet Appears Painful
Signs of eye pain may include:
- Squinting or holding the eye closed
- Frequent blinking
- Pawing or rubbing at the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Crying, whining, or hiding
- Reluctance to eat or play
Increased Redness or Swelling
A small amount of redness may be normal after some procedures, but call your veterinarian if:
- Redness is increasing instead of improving.
- Swelling becomes more pronounced.
- The eyelids become very puffy or inflamed.
Abnormal Eye Discharge
Some clear tearing may be expected, but contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- Thick yellow, green, or white discharge
- Bloody discharge
- A sudden increase in the amount of discharge
- A foul odor coming from the eye
Changes in the Eye’s Appearance
Please call if you notice:
- Increased cloudiness
- A blue, white, or gray appearance that wasn’t previously present
- A change in the size of the pupil
- The eye appears larger or more swollen
- The eye looks sunken or bulging
Vision Changes
Seek veterinary advice if your pet:
- Bumps into furniture or walls
- Seems unable to find food or water
- Appears disoriented
- Has difficulty navigating familiar areas
- Suddenly seems unable to see
Problems with Medications
Contact your veterinary team if:
- You’re unable to administer the medication.
- You accidentally miss several doses.
- The medication bottle or tube becomes contaminated.
- You run out of medication before your next appointment.
- Your pet has an unexpected reaction after receiving medication.
Problems with the E-Collar
Please call if:
- Your pet can still reach the affected eye.
- The collar falls off repeatedly.
- The collar causes sores or skin irritation.
- Your pet refuses to eat or drink while wearing it.
After Surgery
Contact your veterinarian if:
- Your pet removes or damages stitches.
- The surgical site begins bleeding.
- Swelling worsens after the first few days.
- Your pet seems increasingly uncomfortable instead of improving.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If:
Do not wait for your next appointment if your pet:
- Has severe or sudden eye pain.
- Experiences sudden vision loss.
- Suffers trauma or injury to the eye.
- The eye appears to have ruptured or is protruding.
- Has significant bleeding from the eye.
- Suddenly becomes extremely lethargic or difficult to wake.
- Develops a rapidly worsening condition.
These situations may require emergency treatment to protect your pet’s vision and overall health.
If You’re Ever Unsure…
You know your pet better than anyone else. If something doesn’t seem right—even if you’re not sure it’s an emergency—please contact your veterinary team. A quick phone call can often provide reassurance or help determine whether your pet should be examined.
Your attentiveness plays an important role in your pet’s recovery. By recognizing changes early and seeking advice when needed, you’re helping give your companion the best opportunity for a smooth, comfortable healing process.
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