Common Eye Problems in Dogs and Cats

Conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers top the list of pets' most common eye problems in both dogs and cats. This was noted by Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, California. VPI received 21,524 claims for eye conditions in 2006 which accounted for 4.5 percent of all medical claims. In dogs the most common cause of eye trauma is face first collisions with tree branches. Eye trauma is also common when pets play or fight with other pets and when soap and shampoos get in their eyes. The following chart lists the top ten eye problems in both cats and dogs:

	Dogs	Cats
1	Conjunctivitis	Conjuctivitis
2	Corneal ulcer (medical treatment)	Corneal ulcer (medical treatment)
3	Keratitis (dry eyes)	Internal inflammation
4	Trauma	Trauma
5	Tumors	Plugged tear ducts
6	Internal inflammation	Keratitis (dry eyes)
7	Senior cataract	Corneal ulcer (surgical repair)
8	Glandular cyst	External inflammation
9	Plugged tear duct	Glaucoma
10	External inflammation	Tomors