Pet Corner

The ear: General considerations -Continued Last week, I ended the article by saying that after every dog/cat fight, you should look at the ears for wounds. 

The earGeneral considerations Quite unlike the eye, which we have already established is not the dog’s most important organ, the ear is of great value. 

Pet Corner Conclusion   The dog with impaired vision I keep explaining to anyone who would listen that dogs have a pronounced sense of hearing and an acute sense of smell.

Pet Corner More miscellaneous eye problems 1)  Dermoid cysts This is a tumour (not a malignant one though). 

Pet Corner Some miscellaneous  problems Continued The popping eyeball This problem is often associated with certain breeds (Pugs, Spaniels, Boston Terriers, etc). 

Eye ailments Continued Eye infection in the newborn pups A couple of months ago, the Pet Corner column addressed the issue of Conjunctivitis – that inflammatory process of the membrane which covers the inner side of the eyelids and part of the surface of the eyeball.

Eye ailments Continued Problems associated with the retina You may recall that we had described the retina as the innermost and light sensitive lining at the back of the eyeball. 

Continued Cataracts If the lens of the eye loses its transparency, for whatever reason, one can speak of a cataract. 

Eye ailments Continued So far, we have discussed problems associated only with the ‘outer eye’ (the eyelids, the cornea, etc). 

Eye ailmentsContinued Sty I might have mentioned before that the great designer was at his/her constructive best when the eye was being put together. 

Ailments of the eyeEyelid problems (Continued) Ectropion Last week we dealt with the condition whereby the eyelids roll inwards and, as a consequence, the edge of the lids and the eyelashes rub against the eyeball.

Ailments of the eye(Continued) Last week, we discussed problems associated with the third eyelid (the nictitating membrane). 

Ailments of the eye (Continued) The third eyelid You may recall that we had mentioned that dogs and cats and other species had a third eyelid (nictitating membrane) – in addition to the upper and lower lids, which cover the eyeball during sleep and blinking.

Diseases of the cornea We last dealt with conjunctivitis, an inflammatory process of the membrane which covers the inner side of the eyelids and part of the surface of the eyeball, (Pet Corner January 4, 2009).

Diseases of the eye Let’s face it; the eye is a very vulnerable organ.

The value of adopting a pet in the new year I would urge you, dear readers, on this last Sunday before the advent of the New Year, to consider adopting a dog or cat in 2009.

What not to do to pets during the festive season As you read this, Christ-mas is just around the proverbial corner.

Examining the eye There could be many situations which would necessitate your having a closer look at your pet’s eye.

Some other general considerations pertaining to the structure of the eye The retina We promised last week that we’d discuss the retina in more detail.

Ailments of the eye General considerations We will deal superficially with the structure of the eye and its accessories.