Painful, red eyes and eye emissions in your dog are understandable to see.
Unfortunately, these may be signs of an eye condition called conjunctivitis, which develops due to inflammation or infection. There are a variety of causes, ranging from mild to difficult.
Conjunctivitis in dogs is common, but it generally requires treatment of a veterinarian for resolution.
If you notice that your dog's eye seems red or if she shoots frequently, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Key dealers
- Conjunctivitis in dogs is common and can be caused by infections, allergens, injury or underlying health problems.
- The symptoms include red eyes, discharge, slicing and swelling and treatment depends on the underlying cause.
- Most cases dissolve within 7-10 days of veterinary care, but chronic conditions can lead to recurring inflating that requires ongoing handling.
What is conjunctivitis in dogs?
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the pink part of the eye, called conjunctiva.
Conjunctiva covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctiva protects the dog's eye, produces some of the dog's tears for lubrication and provides oxygen and nutrients in the eye.
Inflammation occurs for various reasons, such as an infection or exposure to an allergen, causing inflammatory cells in the eye reacts. As a result, dogs with conjunctivitis develop about symptoms, such as unusual eye emissions, slicing and eye redness.
Conjunctivitis is generally not a medical emergency in itself; However, it may be one if appropriate treatment is not given.
If left untreated, this condition can seriously worsen and affect a dog's vision.
If your dog experiences discomfort and pain, if they have trouble seeing, or if the eye symptoms are persistent or worsen, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs include:
Causes of conjunctivitis in dogs
Conjunctivitis in dogs has different causes, which may include:
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Bacterial infection: Normal eye bacteria, for example StaphylococcusCan cause infection when a dog's immune system is weak, leading to symptoms of conjunctivitis.
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Allergen: Dogs with seasonal allergies against pollen or dust, for example, may experience eye inflammation.
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Exposure of chemical or toxin: Exposure to chemicals in the environment, for example from smoke, can irritate the eyeball and surrounding structures.
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Eyelid deviations: Dogs with irregularities in their eyelids, such as incorrect twisting of the eyelids or abnormal eyelashes, have an increased risk of conjunctivitis.
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Tumors: Although rare, tumors that develop on the eyelid or conjunctiva may cause significant inflammation of the eye.
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Other eye conditions: Glaucoma and uveitis cause abnormal eye pressure, which can lead to inflammation of the eye.
Both men and women are equally likely to develop conjunctivitis. Although this condition can affect dogs of all ages, it is more common in puppies, young adults and seniors, probably due to weaker immune systems.
Some breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, pug, German shepherds and border collaries, have an increased risk of conjunctivitis due to genetics.
How veterinarians diagnose conjunctivitis in dogs
A veterinarian will start with a complete physical examination by controlling your dog from nose to tail.
The eyes will be carefully examined visually and by using an ophthalmoscope, which is a special tool used to identify deviations in the eye and surrounding structures. Pet parents can describe all the eye emissions they have noticed and when the symptoms first occurred, which gives the veterinarian a complete story.
If the veterinarian sees symptoms of conjunctivitis on an examination, she will do further tests to identify the underlying cause, which does not require any preparation at home from the pet parent. These may include:
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Schirmer Cake Test: A small strip is gently placed into the dog's eyelids to measure tear production. If the result is abnormally low, the lack of tear production can be a contributing factor to conjunctivitis.
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Conjunctional stick: For serious cases or those who do not respond to initial treatment, a waterpin can be used to collect a sample from conjunctiva so that it can be processed in a laboratory to identify the bacteria or virus that causes conjunctivitis.
Treatment of conjunctivitis in dogs
Treatment for conjunctivitis in dogs depends on the underlying cause.
Your veterinarian will determine the most appropriate treatment plan, but the options may include:
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Current ointment. Ointment containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatory, such as neo-poly-text ophthalmic ointment, can improve conjunctivitis in some cases, especially when the underlying cause is a bacterial infection. Terramycin ointment is advantageous if a dog cannot use current steroids, for example if she has a corneal wound.
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Oral antibiotics. In severe cases or for dogs that do not allow topical administration, an oral antibiotics such as Clavamox may be prescribed.
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Artificial tears. In some dogs, including those with viral infections, artificial tears can calm and lubricate the eyes and improve the symptoms.
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Antihistamines. Dogs with allergies can benefit from antihistamines, including hydroxyzine, to reduce the eye symptoms.
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Oral steroids. To reduce inflammation or treat an underlying immune -mediated disease, prednisone may be prescribed.
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Other current medicines. Takrolimus or cyclosporin can be prescribed if underlying immune -mediated conditions that affect the eye are diagnosed. Dorzolamide or Atropinsulfate can be given to treat underlying glaucoma or uveitis that can contribute to conjunctivitis.
Some dogs can benefit from flushing the eye with saline on a veterinary office to remove allergens or foreign objects.
Surgery may be required to correct eyelid deviations or remove tumors that contribute to symptoms of conjunctivitis.
A veterinarian will advise you on the most appropriate treatment option based on your pet's unique condition.
Recovery and handling of conjunctivitis in dogs
In general, conjunctivitis in dogs is cured with appropriate treatment.
Most sections of conjunctivitis are clear within seven to ten days, but some cases may take a few weeks to solve.
In dogs with chronic underlying health conditions, the inflating of conjunctivitis that requires treatment can take place during the dog's life.
Dogs may need to carry a cone as they recover from conjunctivitis, to prevent itching and pawing in the eyes.
Always follow your veterinary instructions carefully when treating your dog at home.
Prevention of conjunctivitis in dogs
Some cases of conjunctivitis in dogs may not be entirely preventive, for example those that develop due to underlying immune conditions.
To reduce the risk of conjunctivitis in general, avoid exposing your dog to environmental allergens or chemicals.
Keep regular health care, including vaccinations, to protect your dog from viral infections that can cause conjunctivitis.
Always follow your veterinarian instructions to manage other health conditions that your dog may have, as this can reduce their risk of secondary developing conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis in daily dogs
How do I treat my dog's conjunctivitis?
Treating your dog's conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best treatment after completing an exam on your dog.
Should I take my dog ​​to the vet for conjunctivitis?
Yes, you should take your dog to the vet if you notice any eye symptoms, such as redness, discharge or swelling.
How long does it take a dog to get over conjunctivitis?
Dogs usually recover from conjunctivitis in seven to 10 days. However, some cases may take a few weeks to solve. With chronic underlying health conditions, dogs may experience inflating throughout their lives that require handling.
Can conjunctivitis be left untreated in dogs?
If you suspect that your dog may have conjunctivitis, it is important to see a veterinarian. Untreated conjunctivitis can become serious and lead to vision problems.
Will dog conjunctivitis spread if I use home drugs?
Conjunctivitis can disappear on his own in some mild cases, for example if the dog was briefly exposed to an allergen. However, it is best to contact a veterinarian for guidance rather than using home drugs to treat any eye problems in your dog.
Will conjunctivitis disappear by itself?
In some mild cases of conjunctivitis, symptoms can be solved on their own. However, it is important to contact a veterinarian for guidance to reduce the risk of complications if eye symptoms are left untreated.
