TL;DR: Blood inside the eye (hyphema) is a high-priority veterinary emergency that can lead to permanent blindness and significant pain. Seek immediate veterinary attention and provide a photo of the eye to help the clinical team assess the urgency of your pet's condition.
What is blood inside the eye (hyphema) and what does it look like?
Hyphema is a medical condition where blood accumulates in the anterior chamber of the eye, the space between the clear cornea and the colored iris. This may appear as a small red streak, a pool of blood at the bottom of the eye, or in severe cases, the entire eye may look solid red or black. Unlike a surface scratch, this bleeding occurs internally and is often a sign of a serious underlying health problem.
Is bleeding inside my pet's eye considered a medical emergency?
- Urgency Level: High. Blood inside the eye is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate attention.
- The condition is frequently painful and can lead to secondary complications like glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
- Permanent blindness can occur within a very short timeframe if left untreated.
- Internal bleeding requires immediate diagnostic testing to determine the cause and prevent the loss of the eye.
How does providing a photo of my pet's eye help with veterinary triage?
- A high-resolution photo allows the triage team to visually assess the volume of blood and any accompanying cloudiness.
- It helps professionals identify visible trauma to the surrounding tissues before you arrive.
- Visual information allows the clinic to better prepare for your pet's specific needs.
- A photo helps determine how quickly your pet needs to be seen relative to other patients in the waiting room.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Hyphema, or hemorrhage in the anterior chamber of the eye, can present as small, focal blood clots, diffuse hemorrhage throughout the chamber, or multiple layers of recurrent hemorrhage. Causes include uveitis, trauma, intraocular neoplasia, retinal detachments and tears, systemic hypertension, coagulation factor abnormalities, platelet disorders, hyperviscosity, and congenital ocular anomalies. In cases of intraocular hemorrhage, ultrasonography is recommended to detect retinal detachment. Treatment may involve topical and systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids, and mydriatics if pupillary dilation is necessary. Intraocular hemorrhage is usually allowed to reabsorb.
Chapter: Ophthalmology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 497)