Can I Rinse a Scratched Eye Until the Vet Opens?
Reader Question
If eye is scratch would it hurt for me to wash it with solution yellowish goob in ieye no swelling and eye no visible cuts on lid or around eye .i think madie eye ball was scratched by his toe nail vet not open today
Answer from Our Team
Yes, gently rinsing the eye with plain sterile saline is safe. Don't use any other drops, especially ones containing steroids, and stop him from pawing at it with a cone if you have one.
Yellowish discharge after a scratch can mean the cornea is infected, and scratches can turn into ulcers that worsen quickly. If he's squinting or holding the eye closed, try to get him seen the same day by an emergency clinic, or as soon as your vet opens.
Our page on eye ulcers in dogs explains the warning signs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Eye.
