Sudden gray layer and red vessel on eye

[BigBazi]

(Note: I posted this in the "Health and Diet" section but I don't know how to remove it from there- bc this is more of an emergency posting than a regular posting.)

Hi everyone,

You guys may remember me from my video posting last Christmas showcasing my yorkie, Bazi hilariously opening her gift. Well today she would love some advice from fellow yorkie owners.

A little background info: Bazi has had eye problems since she was 8 months old (She is now 2 and 1/2). Her left eye doesn't produce tears very well so her vet had prescribed her Optimmune and artificial tear ointments to administer on her eye. Her eye basically crusts over if I don't clean it every few hours and she has started to develop a lot of gunk under both eyes. Her eye condition has been pretty much under control with the exception of the heavy gunk development recently (which I took her to the vet for was prescribed AK-poly-bac ointment).

However, this morning when Bazi woke up I noticed a thin gray layer on her left eye- at first I thought it was just gunk as usual, so I started to wipe it away with a moist napkin, but it wasn't going away. Upon further inspection, I noticed that it was covering her pupil and then I noticed a red dot on her pupil. Is the red dot a popped blood vessel? I've been doing so much research on this all morning- and I was just wondering if anything like this has happened to any of your babies, and if you have any advice or insight on it. I called the area ophthalmologist and he was in a emergency surgery and can't see her today. The assistant on the phone told me if the red dot is protruding it could be an ulcer but if it isn't protruding it could be a vessel on her eye that has been caused by irritation. Thankfully the dot isn't protruding but is it too early to rule out an ulcer?

Every time something looks abnormal in her eye or she scratches it too much, I rush her to the vet. I am a student right now, and I hardly have enough money to pay off my phone bill but I would do ANYTHING for my bundle of love and joy. She has been there for me and provided me with unconditional love through my toughest times, and I want to provide her with the best care possible. I am not planning on going the "homecare" route forever, and I understand this requires medical attention- but I was wondering if any of you guys have any advice or insight about this problem.

Also- do you guys have any recommendations for good pet insurances that cover hereditary or pre existing conditions? I use to work and made a decent salary so I paid her vet bills out of pocket, but now that I am back in school, I just don't have that kind of money.

Thank you so so so so so so much in advance.

Love,

Tara & Bazi

[Maximo]

I would get her to the ophthalmologist or vet asap. Could be an ulcer, could be a cataract, could be glaucoma. All of these conditions are very painful, and all can quickly contribute to loss of vision or complete loss of the eye. The red spot could be a vessel that has grown to the corneal layer. The eye does this to try to aid healing, but it can also feed formation of scar tissue.

I understand money is a concern, however, this is a problem that will only grow more expensive if not dealt with quickly.

If it is a simple ulcer, it could become infected quickly. The eye meds that she currently receives could make it worse, so it is very important to see the doc soon. In all eye conditions, the sooner it is treated, the better the prognosis.

Keep us posted.

(Maximo had ectopic cilia, hair growing under the eyelid, that contributed to corneal ulcers, so we understand a little of your and your pup's pain )

[Maximo]

A lot of people have luck with Care Credit for help with medical bills.

Here is some more info: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...vet-bills.html

[bchgirl]

Corneal ulcers result in that gray covering. She needs to be seen by a vet who will prescribe ointment. Failing to do so can result in loss of her vision.

[ArmaniMan]

Sounds like an ulcer my boy has had a few, they are quite painful.

[BigBazi]

thanks for the response everyone, i got her an appt with the ophthalmologist for thursday (i can't believe they don't have anything sooner).

ArmaniMan- how did your boy's ulcer go away? with surgery or medication? in the meanwhile is there anything I can do to make her feel more comfortable? She doesn't seem irritated or anything.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by BigBazi

thanks for the response everyone, i got her an appt with the ophthalmologist for thursday (i can't believe they don't have anything sooner).

ArmaniMan- how did your boy's ulcer go away? with surgery or medication? in the meanwhile is there anything I can do to make her feel more comfortable? She doesn't seem irritated or anything.

Most eye ulcers can be treated with antibiotic drops or salves prescribed by the doctor. Only ulcers that won't heal (indolent ulcers) require surgery. I cannot believe the ophthalmologist would not take you before Thursday. This is considered an eye emergency. Did the receptionist understand that your dog has a potential ulcer? I would call my regular vet and ask for advice or assistance getting in to see the specialist first thing tomorrow. The problem is that eye can become infected quickly.