My dog's eye is swollen from the cone after surgery. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I’m so sorry this happened to Nemi! I would say it’s not unreasonable for 4 days post-op but the swelling should be going down rapidly at this point. If it’s not improved by tomorrow, I’d pop in to see the vet who did the surgery to make sure there is not a complication such as seroma or hematoma (fluids or blood pocket). In the mean time, I recommend warm packing for 5-10 minutes 3-4 times daily. To do this, soak a wash cloth in warm water, wring it out, and put it in a plastic bag. Apply gently to the surgery site. Seepage of some clearish fluids may happen and this is just fine. Best wishes to you and Nemi!

It is a possibility that the tightness of both the collar and cone caused the swelling. I'd keep a close eye on the swelling, and if it gets bigger over the next 24 hours, doesn't go down over the next 48-72 hours, or Max has trouble breathing, take him back into the vet immediately. Best of luck.

Poor Alpha! The most common reasons for swollen eyes are bee strings/bug bites or an allergic reaction (of which you generally never know the cause). Trauma or something stuck in the eye could also cause swelling in the area. Carefully check the area for any stingers or marks. You can apply a cold (not cold) compress to the area. Unfortunately, unless you find a stinger, you won't know the cause. You must also protect the area from rubbing with an elizabethan collar since rubbing could make it worse. I recommend to play it safe and have Alpha examined by the veterinarian today. The doctor will check the eye as well as look for clues as to the cause. If an allergic reaction is suspected, he will likely receive an injectable antihistamine and possible a steroid or anti-inflammatory. Just like with humans, some pets may experience an anaphylactic reaction. Monitor your dog for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, general weakness or a progression of swelling. If you see any of those signs this could indicate a serious anaphylactic reaction and you need to take him into the vet immediately. Also, if the swelling doesn't go down after 24 hours, take him into your vet. Best of luck.

This looks like a swelling of Poppy's conjunctiva as opposed to the eye itself. It could be due to an allergic reaction or infection such as conjunctivitis. She will need eye drops and antinflammatories to settle this down so go to your vet as soon as you can. In the mean time pressing a cooled tea bag on the outside of the eye can provide some relief.

It looks like Millie may be having an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be triggered by things in the environment, vaccines or insect bites and stings but it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly what caused the reaction. The tissue around the eyes and muzzle becomes swollen and hives can develop elsewhere on the body. Emergency treatment with injectable corticosteroids and antihistamines is necessary so I would recommend heading to an emergency veterinarian in your area.

Hello. This could be some type of allergic reaction. Apply a warm compress to the area twice a day for 10-15 minutes at a time. You will need to keep the water quite warm, but not uncomfortable. If the swelling does not go down by tomorrow, please make an appointment to see your veterinarian on Monday. Hopefully, the swelling will resolve by then. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor girl. Because she is keeping her eye closed, it is very likely she has a scratch or ulcer on her cornea (eye surface). Because of this type of injury, Suziee Lu will need to see your vet to have the eye checked. If there is a scratch, as suspected, then she will need topical prescription eye medication to get this to heal properly. It is ok to wipe the outside of the lid with warm salt water until you can get her in to your vet for further care. Try to get her seen soon to avoid further trauma to the eye which may be irreversible. I hope that Suzie Lu's eye injury resolves soon! Best of luck and take care. : )