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SUDDEN SWOLLEN
EYELIDS (CHEMOSIS)
QUESTION: I
took my 2 year old, large breed dog walking
again yesterday as I always try to do each day.
But last night I noticed his eyelid over top of
only one eye is swollen quite
big? Not both eyes, just the one? Could he
have been stung by a bee or something? What
should I do? He doesn't seem to care about it?
It is still quite swollen today? Maybe he
bumped it?
ANSWER: A
sudden swelling of the eyelids may be caused by
an "Allergic Reaction". These include insect
bites, hives, inhaled irritants and allergens in
medications. These lids looked fluid-filled and
fairly soft. In fact, water has passed out of
the circulation into the tissues in response to
the allergy. Some dogs may rub their muzzles or
the eye(s) themselves due to the itching
sensation caused. The condition may be
accompanied by "Hives" in which the hair stands
out in an erect manner in little patches
over other parts of the body.
Normally this is not
a serious problem. It is of short duration and
improves when the allergic agent is removed
or the body rids itself of the allergens toxic
effect.
So: Only one eye affected so sounds like an
allergic reaction from anything from a
flying insect sting (bees, wasps, hornets)
or else even a spider bite from on the walk
or even inside the home. Or he came into
contact with a plant such as stinging nettle
or any plant type where the barb penetrated
the skin over his eye (some thistles, etc.).
You have ever so gently ran the tip of your
finger over it feeling for the tiniest
sliver of something (bee stinger or barb
from a plant)? You have raised the eyelid
(make sure your in good lighting to help
see) to make sure no evidence of anything
under the eyelid (probably not the case as
the eye should then be watering). Close
inspection has ruled out a tiny scratch?
That leaves having banged his head (in that
exact spot). Usually if just banged his
eye, the fluid filling the membrane is more
evident. I don't know how to really say it,
but different than an insect sting or plant
barb?
If the swelling is not significantly down in
72 hours, the dog must be seen by a Vet to
rule out more serious problems.
Because we do not know what it is,
no use me saying to use an Antihistamine to
counter act an allergic reaction.
Don't wait 3 days if he begins rubbing it on
furniture, etc, or pawing at it. And of
course if he becomes lethargic or failure to
eat and drink properly
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