Some common eye problems in dogs:

• Entropion: inward folding of an eyelid where lid hairs contact the cornea
• Cherry Eye: prolapsed gland of the third eyelid
• Ectopic Cilia: an abnormal eyelash that grows through the conjunctiva and is usually very painful and almost always causes an ulcer
• Distichiasis: abnormal position of eyelashes on a lid margin that result in irritation of the eye
• Dermoid: congenital defect where haired skin is located in an abnormal place on an eye and will often irritate the cornea and can cause ulcers
• Cataracts: opacity of the lens. Inherited cataracts can often appear in young dogs, in most cases a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist will have to make this diagnosis; owners are often unaware of small focal cataracts. There are also late onset cataracts that may not show up until middle or older age
• Follicular Conjunctivitis: itchy, reddened conjunctival tissues, tearing, squinting, often related to allergies.
• Puppy Pyoderma or Puppy Strangles: eyelid abscesses associated with generalized skin pustules. Stained cornea showing an ulcer
• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS): lack of or inadequate production of tears. Sometimes this can be congenital in which case it is often very serious.

What can you do about it?

If your Jack Russell develops eye problems, seek veterinary advice without delay to avoid irreparable damage.