TL;DR: Squinting is a sign of eye pain in dogs and is a medium-urgency condition that requires a veterinary exam within 12 to 24 hours to prevent permanent vision loss.
What does it mean if my dog is squinting or holding their eye shut?
When a dog squints or holds their eye shut, it is medically referred to as blepharospasm. This is almost always a sign of pain or significant irritation. It occurs when the muscles around the eye spasm in response to discomfort. Common causes include a foreign body like a grass seed, a scratch on the surface called a corneal ulcer, or internal inflammation like uveitis.
Is it an emergency if my dog is squinting?
- Squinting is considered a Medium Urgency level because eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
- If left untreated, these conditions can lead to permanent vision loss or the loss of the eye itself.
- Seek veterinary care within 12 to 24 hours, especially if the eye looks cloudy, has bloody discharge, or appears sunken or bulging.
How can a photo of my dog's eye help with veterinary triage?
- A clear, well-lit photo helps the triage team identify the location of redness and the type of discharge present.
- Visual evidence allows professionals to see visible abnormalities on the cornea.
- Photos help the vet prioritize your dog's case and provide specific instructions on how to protect the eye until you arrive at the clinic.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs presenting with squinting or holding the eye closed (blepharospasm), potential causes include corneal foreign bodies, orbital cellulitis, and eyelid lacerations. Corneal foreign bodies often manifest with blepharospasm, tearing, and secondary iridocyclitis. Orbital cellulitis can cause acute pain on opening the mouth, eyelid swelling, unilateral prolapse of the nictitating membrane, forward displacement of the globe, and conjunctivitis; keratitis may develop secondary to lagophthalmos. Eyelid lacerations require prompt re-apposition, especially those involving the lid margin, to prevent long-term defects and impaired function; a temporary tarsorrhaphy may be necessary to protect the cornea if the blink response is impaired.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Surgery
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 504)