Pure Dog Talk

Dr. Adam King on Eye Emergencies in Dogs Dr. Adam King, DVM, veterinary ophthalmologist. Dr. Adam King, DVM, is a veterinary ophthalmologist and a Havanese breeder of merit. He talks with host Laura Reeves about the various eye emergencies that can develop with our dogs. Corneal Ulcer Any corneal ulcer should heal in three days, King said. All dog owners, but particularly those of us who own brachycephalic breeds, should always have eye lubricant on hand, King recommended. He suggests OptixCare. “When in doubt, any time the dog is squinting, lubricate,” King said, “and have it seen by the vet quickly.” Any scratch on the eye, or corneal ulcer, needs a topical antibiotic, according to King. “If that ulcer gets infected, it can actually break the cornea down,” King warned. And, above all, *never* use steroid eye ointment without vet confirmation that there is no ulcer, King insisted. “Eyeballs are pretty tough until they aren’t,” King said. “Your dog can go from superficial ulcer to ruptured eye in less th