Conjunctivitis (eye infections) and corneal ulcers top the list of pets’ most common eye conditions in both cats and dogs, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, Calif. VPI received 21,524 claims for eye conditions in 2006, which account for about 4.5 percent of all medical claims the company receives.
The average eye condition costs $130 for cat owners and $156 for dog owners.
The 10 most common eye claims for cats are:
1. Conjunctivitis
2. Corneal Ulcer — Medical Treatment
3. Internal Inflammation
4. Trauma — Surgical Repair
5. Plugged Tear Duct
6. Keratitis (dry eyes)
7. Corneal Ulcer — Surgical Repair
8. External Inflammation
9. Glaucoma — Medical Treatment
10. Tumors
“Pet owners should regularly assess their pet’s eyes,” Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI, said. “An animal’s eyes should be clear, shiny and free of discharge. The tissue surrounding the eyes should be light pink in color. If the eyes appear dry, red, hazy, or produce excessive discharge, it is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.”
Eye trauma is common when pets play or fight with other pets, when they collide face-first into tree branches and are bathed with eye-irritating shampoos.