Keratoconjunctivitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment. Keratoconjunctivitis dry in dogs and cats Conjunctivitis in spaniel treatment

Often, tears are perceived by a person as a reflection of sadness or, on the contrary, great joy. Few people think about the fact that the condition of our eyes and the eyes of our pets depends on the humble lacrimal glands. If something is wrong with them, then as a result keratoconjunctivitis dry may well occur: in dogs, it often causes not only blindness, but can also lead to the loss of the eye itself.

So, as it is easy to understand, under "dry keratoconjunctivitis" is understood a pathology, implying insufficient flow of tear fluid into the conjunctival cavity. As a result, inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea rapidly develops. The dried cornea, deprived of oxygen and nutrients, quickly undergoes destructive changes. Drying can lead to corneal ulcers, cracks and even ruptures, secondary bacterial infections, scarring, corneal vascularization (when vessels grow through the cornea) and even mineralization (salt deposition).

There are many reasons. These include hypothyroidism, infections of the lacrimal glands (the plague of carnivores virus is especially dangerous), autoimmune diseases, some neurological pathologies and other predisposing factors. In fairly rare cases, you can encounter congenital malformations of the lacrimal glands. As a rule, they appear from a very early age. It happens that the glands begin to function poorly after mechanical injury, impact, sand or some kind of chemical reagents getting into the eye.

Translation from English

Why are tears good?

Anyone can imagine the discomfort caused by dry and irritated eyes and the relief after applying the eye drops. Tear is essential for the eye, it is one of the components of the tear film that covers the cornea, but its function is not limited only to moisturizing the cornea. The main part of the tear is water (up to 99%). This allows the tear to perform a protective function: it flushes out various irritants and pathogenic microorganisms that constantly enter the eye. A tear contains antibodies, proteins, salts, carbohydrates, and even oxygen to nourish the eye. There are no blood vessels in the surface structures of the eye, and the tear takes on a nutritional function: it supplies the eye with oxygen and nutrients, and also removes metabolic products.

In cats and dogs, a tear is secreted by two lacrimal glands: one located above the eye, the other in the third century.

In the absence or lack of tears, irritation of the cornea of ​​the eye appears, the conjunctiva turns red, and an inflammatory process develops. Environmental factors freely affect the cornea, and over time it turns brown, viscous yellow discharge appears. The result is blindness.

What is keratoconjunctivitis dry? It is also called "dry eye". Kerato means "cornea" - the transparent part of the outer shell of the eyeball, which is in direct contact with the environment. Conjunctiva- a transparent mucous membrane, rich in blood vessels, lining the inner surface of the eyelids. The ending "-It" talks about inflammation. Thus, keratoconjunctivitis dry can be interpreted as dryness and inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

It develops when there is a lack of water in the tear. At the same time, the other two components of the tear film - fatty substances and mucus - form characteristic viscous yellow discharge.

Why does dry eyes develop?

There are many reasons for this condition. Here are some of them:

• Plague of carnivores virus infects all structures of the body in contact with the environment, including the eyes. Dry eyes are one of the hallmarks of this condition.
• In cats, a herpesvirus infection of the upper respiratory tract.
• Congenital insufficiency of the lacrimal glands (in representatives of some lines of Yorkshire terriers).
• Anesthesia can temporarily reduce the secretion of tear fluid (eyes are moistened with an ointment).
• Removal (instead of reduction) of the third eyelid with the lacrimal gland in case of its prolapse can lead to keratoconjunctivitis dry, since during the operation there is a high probability of serious injury to the lacrimal gland.
• A blow to the lacrimal gland.
• The most common cause of keratoconjunctivitis dry is considered immune-mediated destruction of the lacrimal gland tissue. It is not known exactly why such an inflammatory reaction occurs, but the predisposition of some breeds has been revealed - the American Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier.

How is keratoconjunctivitis dry diagnosed?

This disease has a rather vivid clinical picture. But at an early stage keratoconjunctivitis dry can look like a mild form of common conjunctivitis. To make a diagnosis, it is required to determine the volume of tear production and the degree of dryness of the eye. For this, the Schirmer test is performed.

To perform the test, a strip of special paper is placed in the outer corner of the eye on the lower eyelid for 60 seconds. Then the strip is removed, the length of the wetted area is measured and the result is interpreted:

• 15 mm and above is the norm
• 11-14 mm - borderline result
• below 10 mm - low tear production
• below 5 mm - extreme dryness of the eye.

How is this disease treated?

Until recently, treatment consisted of the use of tear substitutes and mucus-dissolving agents. And now such a scheme exists, but it is rarely used due to the inconveniences associated with the frequent administration of drugs.

As noted, the most common cause of keratoconjunctivitis dryness is autoimmune destruction of the lacrimal gland tissue. Real progress in the treatment of this disease has been achieved with the development of a method for the local use of cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine is a lacrimal drug with an immunosuppressive effect (it suppresses the immune response). It is used in the form of eye drops or ointment. Cyclosporin stops the destruction of the lacrimal gland and restores tear production. The indisputable advantages of this treatment regimen are its effectiveness and convenient frequency of drug administration (1 or 2 times a day).

Ointment "Optimmun" is widely used abroad, which contains 0.2% of cyclosporin A. It is difficult to find it in Russia, but it has successfully proven itself as a product of the domestic pharmaceutical industry - 0.2% liposomal eye drops of cyclosporin "Cyclolip".

Approximately 3 weeks after the start of the use of eye drops or ointment, it is necessary to re-examine in order to assess the dynamics of the patient's condition. If the Schirmer test shows dry eye again, it will be necessary to increase the frequency of administration of the drug up to 3 times a day; in case of positive dynamics, reduce the intake up to 1 time per week.

The use of Cyclosporin for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry is a surprising discovery. The effectiveness of the treatment is very high, even in dogs with a Schirmer score below 2 mm, it is approximately 80%. The only drawback is its relatively high cost, but against the background of other drugs, it pays for itself.

Tacrolimus- another drug that suppresses immunity. It has recently gained popularity in medicine as a local anti-inflammatory drug of non-hormonal origin. Tacrolimus is not available in ophthalmic form, but it is made in the prescription department of pharmacies. The action is similar to cyclosporine and practically does not differ in cost.

Pilocarpine- M-cholinomimetic, one of the effects of which is to increase the secretion of the body's glands. It is prescribed to increase tear production. The drug can be dripped into the eye or given orally. But recent studies have shown that pilocarpine has no effect on the lacrimal glands of healthy dogs, which casts doubt on its effectiveness.

Drugs artificial tear or substitutes for tears available for purchase at many pharmacies. The drug "Artificial tear" can be used in combination with other means, it has a very beneficial effect. The disadvantage is the need for frequent use (6-8 times a day).

Antibiotics often necessary at the initial stage of treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry. With a low level of tear production, pathogens are poorly washed out from the surface of the eye, resulting in a secondary (second) infection. It is best to use broad-spectrum antibiotics used in ophthalmology, such as Tobramycin, Ciprofloxacin. First, they are used 3-4 times a day, then the frequency can be reduced to 2 times a day.

Mukomist(eye drops) are prepared from the secretions of the respiratory tract, used to dissolve thick mucus. The active ingredient (acetylcysteine) helps to remove viscous secretions. Apply up to 4 times a day.

About surgical methods

The surgical method for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry has been developed, but the operation technique is very complicated and not all ophthalmologists can do it. Such an operation is not performed at the White Fang clinic.

The operation is called parotid duct transfer. The indication for surgery is long-term ineffective drug treatment. The parotid gland is a steam room, located behind the cheeks. The glands secrete saliva, which enters the oral cavity through a long duct. The duct is carefully removed from the surrounding tissue and moved so that saliva enters the eye. Saliva is a smart substitute for tear fluid. Over time, a mineral sediment is deposited in the eye, but in small quantities. Its formation is successfully controlled by eye drops. This treatment has a side effect: during feeding, the production of saliva is stimulated, it will fill the dog's eyes and drain down the face.

Another option for the surgical treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry is permanent partial tarsorraphy (reduction of the palpebral fissure).

The pigment on the cornea of ​​the eye (the result of a long course of keratoconjunctivitis dry), like the dark lenses of sunglasses, interferes with the vision of the animal, especially in low light. When the normal level of tear production is restored, it is possible to restore the animal's vision with the help of an operation to remove the surface layer of the cornea with pigment (superficial keratoectomy). This operation is performed only with normal secretion of tear fluid, otherwise the pigment is formed again. As with parotid duct transfer, keratoectomy should also be performed by an ophthalmologist.

The eyes are a weak spot for almost all dog breeds. An active healthy animal is not insured against getting a speck on the inner eyelid, which can provoke the development of conjunctivitis. A loving owner should protect the pet's eyes from inflammatory processes and know how to treat conjunctivitis in a dog.

Pets, undoubtedly, experience emotions, can worry, be sad and happy. But animals express feelings differently from humans. Therefore, tears in the eyes of a beloved pet do not mean sadness, but are a serious reason for contacting a veterinarian.

What it is

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva), characterized by redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes. The disease is primary, developing due to various factors, and secondary, which is a consequence of neglected diseases.

Not a single dog is immune from illness. Some breeds have a predisposition. These include "little eyes" - Pekingese, Chihuahuas, pugs, as well as breeds with a drooping eyelid - Basset Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, Bulldogs, St. Bernard. Often the disease is observed in German shepherds.

How long the disease lasts is difficult to say. With the rapid detection of symptoms and timely treatment of conjunctivitis, you can get rid of in one to two weeks. If the owner does not notice the inflammation, then the eyes can bother the pet for years, and the disease becomes chronic.

Causes

The primary causes of the development of the disease can be very diverse. Most often, the following factors of occurrence:

• clogging of the eyelid - the ingress of sand, plant seeds, spores, wool;
• ocular canal blockage- the development of microorganisms, fungi that interfere with lacrimation;
• eye injury - damage to the eye membrane, cornea, eyelid, for example, by branches;
• irritation - acrid smoke, strong wind, being in a cold draft;
• allergies - a reaction to food, pollen, dust, insect bites;
• burn - chemical or thermal - paint fumes, boiling water, aerosols.

Secondary conjunctivitis occurs due to various diseases not only of the eyes, but also of other organs. Past diseases include chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, eversion or volvulus of the eyelid, trichiasis (ingrowth of eyelashes), atopic dermatitis. Treatment of conjunctivitis alone in this case is unsuccessful. It is necessary to eliminate the original disease that caused the inflammation.

Views

In accordance with the factor of occurrence, primary conjunctivitis is divided into two types - infectious and non-infectious. Infectious is caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa that affect the membrane of the eye. In conditions of careful pet care and in the presence of routine vaccinations, infectious conjunctivitis is rare. Usually, the pathology develops due to other factors.

According to clinical signs, there are three types of conjunctivitis.

1. Catarrhal. The most "mild" disease, characterized by watery and then mucous discharge from the eyes. Often occurs due to allergies or mucosal irritation. It can turn into a chronic form with periodic exacerbation.
2. Follicular. It is often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis in dogs. allergic reactions are usually the cause. May occur due to advanced catarrhal conjunctivitis. Follicular conjunctivitis in dogs is characterized by swollen lymph nodes that injure the cornea. The eyelid swells, small vesicles (follicles) appear. It hurts the dog to blink, mucus or pus is constantly secreted from the eyes. Requires surgical removal.
3. Purulent. The pet's eyelids become hot, the body temperature often rises, pus flows from the eyes - a viscous opaque mucus with an unpleasant odor. Purulent conjunctivitis in a dog often becomes a consequence of allergic conjunctivitis, which "awakens" disease-causing bacteria due to a decrease in immunity.

The disease can affect both eyes or one. Abundant discharge, redness of the eyes, frequent screwing up - a reason to contact your veterinarian.

Signs

Regardless of the method of infection, common signs of conjunctivitis in dogs are highlighted. These include:

• redness;
• swelling;
• various secretions;
• frequent blinking;
• the formation of bubbles;
• hair loss around the eyes.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis in a dog are not always pronounced. Usually, depression, lethargy of the pet, lack of appetite, fever are noted. These symptoms may indicate other medical conditions. The suspicion of conjunctivitis should be caused by scratching of the eyes (the dog itches with its paws or on furniture) and a fear of light, a desire to hide in a dark corner. Only close observation of the pet's behavior can reveal the development of the disease at an early stage.

A type of disease is keratoconjunctivitis dry in a dog, which occurs due to insufficient tearing. One of the variants of advanced conjunctivitis often leads to the development of the disease. It also develops as a result of keratitis - inflammation of the cornea. Has additional signs: dryness, viscous yellowish discharge, darkening or clouding of the cornea.

Consequences

If conjunctivitis is not treated, the consequences will be dire. In addition to discomfort, itching, and blurred vision, a dog can get complete or partial blindness. Conjunctivitis at an early stage becomes chronic, more difficult to treat, and can result in surgery. Which is better: dripping the medicine into the eyes or sending your pet for surgery?

How to treat conjunctivitis in a dog

Treatment for catarrhal conjunctivitis in a dog should be supervised by a veterinarian. However, according to the owners, when the first signs appear (tears, redness, blinking), the disease can be dealt with without going to a specialist.

Folk remedies

If symptoms occur, the owner can prevent and treat conjunctivitis in the dog at home. First aid can be provided with folk remedies without the use of drugs. Follow just two steps.

1. Rinsing. First of all, if you suspect conjunctivitis, you should rinse your eyes. Wipe off dirt with a soft, clean cloth. Then make a decoction of chamomile, calendula, or rosemary. Get a special lotion from your veterinarian. You can also use a furacilin solution or simple boiling water. After dampening a cotton pad with warm liquid, gently wipe your eyes. Move from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner. Repeat several times a day.
2. Quarantine. Protect your dog from frequent walks, especially in windy conditions, and socializing with other dogs. Carry out wet cleaning in the apartment. Provide your pet with complete comfort - warmth, balanced nutrition, sleep.

In the absence of positive changes or worsening of the condition after the measures taken, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Medicines

For the selection of medicines, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics. Only a veterinarian can accurately identify the degree, type, features of the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. If conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, it is necessary to take a course of antibiotics to kill the microorganisms. With severe suppuration, simple rinsing with water may be ineffective. Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory lotions and ointments.

Not all drugs for humans are suitable for a pet. You can not use albucid (another name is sodium sulfacil), which is used to treat infectious diseases in adults and children. The liquid can burn the cornea of ​​the animal's eye and harm its health. The remedies used for convalescence as prescribed by a physician are described in the table.

Table - The main drugs for the treatment of conjunctivitis

The dosage for each drug may vary. Consultation with a veterinarian is required.

The latest development - eye film - is effective. It is introduced into the conjunctiva with special forceps. The film swells due to tears and envelops the eye, providing a therapeutic effect. You do not need to remove the film, it dissolves on its own.

In some cases, the systematic use of drugs of different types is required. Depending on the degree of the disease, it is necessary to relieve pain, swelling, cleanse the eye, suppress the growth of bacteria. Therefore, you should complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.

Preventive actions

It is always better to prevent trouble than to solve the problem that has arisen. Prevention of the development of the disease includes the following measures:

• vaccinations - carry out routine vaccinations;
• care - wipe your eyes at least once a week with a damp swab;
• creating comfort- exclude drafts, strong winds, smoke, chemical vapors;
• safe walks- walk in an area free of dust and thorny bushes;
• restriction of communication- do not allow contact with yard dogs and sick people.

Preventive actions will not completely eliminate the possible development of the disease, but will significantly reduce the risk of occurrence. Watch your pet. Examine the eye if there is watery eyes. Perhaps a blade of grass got on the eyelid, which is easy to remove, preventing the development of pathology.

In the absence of proper experience, entrust the treatment of conjunctivitis in a dog to a veterinarian, regardless of the severity of the disease. Get all the recommendations you need and follow them strictly. The health of the pet is the calmness of the owner. Remember to practice good personal hygiene when treating your animal. Be sure to wash your hands after the procedure.

Surely many dog ​​owners have faced such a problem as conjunctivitis. The pet's eyes turn red, inflamed, and this condition requires immediate treatment in order to prevent deterioration. Today we want to talk in detail about such a problem as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment may differ depending on the symptoms and the severity of the disease, but without intervention from the outside, the condition will only get worse.

How common is

Every owner should be ready for this. Despite the conditions of housing and nutrition, there is no guarantee that you will not face such a problem as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment will depend primarily on the form of the disease. This could be:

• catarrhal clinical form;
• purulent;
• follicular.

Each of these types can be further divided into subspecies, and they have peculiar symptoms and signs, which is why you cannot self-medicate if you are faced with such an ailment as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment should be comprehensive and optimal for your particular case.

Causes of occurrence

Surely you are interested to know what leads to the development of this formidable disease. It is also important from the point of view that, knowing the enemy by sight, you can take preventive measures and prevent the development of pathology. So where does conjunctivitis in dogs come from? Veterinary medicine answers this question rather vaguely. The fact is that the conjunctiva is in contact with air and the external environment, and microbes are constantly present in the conjunctival sac. Any decrease in immunity can lead to the fact that they begin their vigorous activity. As a result, inflammation occurs. Inflammatory and degenerative processes in the body are also reflected in the conjunctiva. These can be various diseases of internal organs, metabolic disorders, as well as various infectious diseases.

However, veterinarians-practitioners know what causes chronic mechanical injuries and various irritations of the organs of vision are almost never carried out. But such situations happen all the time: irritation is caused by foreign bodies trapped in the conjunctival sac, acids and alkalis, gases, as well as pyogenic microorganisms. So any, even the smallest, inflammation and redness needs to be treated. In addition, it is recommended to rinse the eyes daily with a weak chamomile decoction.

Symptoms

Every owner should know them in order to be able to provide first aid and consult a veterinarian in time. Let's now look at what is conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment covers your pet's entire lifestyle, so we'll cover that topic too. Let's start with how to define catarrhal conjunctivitis in dogs. Symptoms, causes, treatment - these are all important information that can be very useful to you.

There are two forms of this type of disease. Acute catarrhal conjunctivitis affects the epithelial layer. You can observe lacrimation, serous-mucous discharge, hyperemia and edema. In the most severe cases, edema causes the conjunctiva to protrude from under the eyelid roller.

The chronic form is somewhat different. In this case, you do not observe a sharp clinical picture. Discharge from the eyes is not profuse, they are purulent, thick, white in color. The conjunctiva is dry and red, with a prolonged course of the disease, it changes its color, becomes cyanotic.

Treatment of the catarrhal form of the disease

In fact, this knowledge will be useful to you in any case, whatever the conjunctivitis in dogs. What home treatment can you provide for your pet? Good results are obtained with aqueous solutions of chloramphenicol (0.25%), kanamycin (1%), sodium sulfate, which can have a concentration of 10, 20 or 30 percent, depending on the severity of the disease. They are all prescribed in the form of drops, 2-3 drops 4-5 times a day.

In addition, it is necessary to use eye ointments. Ditetracycline, olettrin and are placed under the lower eyelid 3-4 times a day.

The chronic form of the disease has less pronounced symptoms, but no less needs to be treated. In this case, a solution (0.5%) is instilled into the conjunctival sac 3-4 times a day, as well as a solution of 1%. Tissue therapy is also recommended, in this case the vitreous body is used.

Purulent conjunctivitis

This is the most severe form, which requires long and difficult treatment, and can often lead to complete blindness. Let's take a look at how this conjunctivitis occurs in dogs. The main symptoms and treatment are given for informational purposes only, because in no case should you self-medicate.

Clinical signs are photophobia and sharp pain when touching the eyelids. Severe hyperemia and swelling are visible to the naked eye. Discharge of purulent exudate changes its character over time. At first, they can be liquid, similar to mucus, and then they become thick, greenish in color, stick together the eyelashes and accumulate in the corners of the eyes.

The dog is constantly rubbing the affected eye. Corneal opacity and ulceration are common. The eye may lose some or all of its vision.

How to help your pet

Of course, you can't sit back, you need help. However, without wasting time, try to get your pet to the veterinarian for his recommendations. First of all, general and local antiseptic treatment is necessary. The eye should be rinsed well. This will require 3% boric acid, furacilin. After the eye is completely washed, it is necessary to start treatment. In severe cases, anesthesia may be needed to allow the dog to perform cleansing procedures.

Purulent conjunctivitis treatment

After rinsing, it is necessary to put antibiotic ointments and ophthalmic medicinal films under the lower eyelid. This procedure is performed 3-4 times a day. Subconjunctival administration of a mixture is very effective, which includes an antibiotic (10,000-20,000 units of kanamycin), 1 ml of novocaine solution, 0.1 ml of hydrocortisone. Very often, the doctor suggests performing a blockade of the cranial cervical sympathetic node. Be sure to intramuscularly injected with a course of antibiotics, the duration depends on the initial condition of the patient. In addition to them, appoint

Follicular form of the disease

This is another form of the disease that requires attention and long-term treatment. In fact, it is very difficult to confuse it with something else. Let's take a look at the characteristics of follicular conjunctivitis in dogs. His treatment is also very long, so it is very important to be patient.

So, in this case, the inner surface of the eyelid completely changes its appearance. It contains an accumulation of lymphatic follicles. As a result, the third eyelid resembles a bunch of small grapes. In dogs, it extends strongly to the very surface of the eyeball. In this case, the disease is accompanied by severe redness and discharge of pus from the eye. It becomes difficult for the animal to even blink, as this causes painful sensations. Enlarged follicles can injure the cornea of ​​the eye.

At risk

It is interesting enough whether all dogs are susceptible to the development of this form, or is there a tie to the breed. In fact, conjunctivitis develops very often in mastiffs and the like. In dogs, the causes, symptoms, treatment must be studied, all this is important information for the owners, so we will continue to consider this topic below. It is imperative to pay attention to the condition of your pet's eyes if you have a Labrador, Rottweiler or Bulldog.

Development of the follicular form of the disease

This is a chronic form of the disease. If once your pet has such a deviation, then in the first-aid kit you will constantly have to keep special drugs and carry out prevention, since relapses will occur regularly. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, that is, the degree of follicular development. The treatment is almost identical to that which we gave when we talked about the treatment of purulent conjunctivitis in a chronic form. However, just laying in medicines you will not get rid of the chronicle, therefore it is very important to devote time to the general condition of the pet's body. Strong immunity will make you more likely to avoid such complications.

Nutrition and maintenance as a way to prevent conjunctivitis

The room in which the dog lives must be dry and clean. It is very important to observe basic hygiene, to cover the sleeping area with clean capes. In second place is food. The higher the quality of the diet, the better the immune system will work. This is especially important when it comes to feeding the puppy. A poorly examined puppy (with a poor diet) is much more susceptible to inflammatory eye disease.

The third point is prophylactic pet eye care. Every day it is recommended to wipe them with cotton pads dipped in chamomile decoction or weak tea. It is also very important to isolate your pets from dogs with conjunctivitis. This disease is highly contagious, so vigilance should be exercised.

The first redness of the eyeball should be a signal that it's time to take action. It is recommended to connect in this case. You cannot be satisfied with what has already been achieved when the first symptoms have receded. Be sure to show your pet to your veterinarian so that he can assess his condition and prescribe treatment.

Conjunctivitis in dogs is one of the most commonly reported eye diseases. It can develop for many reasons, but the symptoms are almost always the same. Depending on the reasons, a treatment regimen is also chosen, including at home. What if my dog ​​has been diagnosed with conjunctivitis?

A bit in the definition of the concept. Conjunctivitis is acute and chronic. Chronic is periodically exacerbated and worries the pet for many months and even years. It is not so easy to treat a mustache with chronic conjunctivitis, for this you need to find the cause, then "exacerbate" the course of the disease, and only then start therapy. Also conjunctivitis is catarrhal, purulent, ulcerative and follicular.

Conjunctivitis in dogs is both an independent disease and a symptom of some other ailment. And it is very important to recognize what exactly led to the inflammation of the conjunctiva in the mustache. It is impossible to find an effective treatment without correct diagnosis. So, let's look at the main causes of conjunctivitis in dogs.

Allergy

Allergic conjunctivitis is more common than others. Allergies in dogs develop to food, medications, shampoos, helminths, insect bites and much more. In addition to conjunctivitis, the animal develops dermatitis, itching, hair loss, and edema. It is worth removing allergens by applying symptomatic therapy (antihistamines), as the pet quickly recovers.

Trichiasis (growth of cilia not outside the eyelid, but under it)

Sometimes it happens. With this disease in an animal on the eyelids, the cilia grow inward (towards the cornea and conjunctiva). This ailment can be attributed to the mechanical causes of conjunctivitis (cilia rub).

Only surgery will help. If you run it, the pet may lose sight due to persistent conjunctivitis and keratitis. Imagine how painful it is for a dog when, with each blink, hard cilia rub against the cornea and conjunctiva - not only unpleasant, but also very painful.

Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

Often, one disease spills over into another. Inflammation in the eye quickly "moves" from the conjunctiva to the cornea, and vice versa. Therefore, if the pet has conjunctivitis or keratitis, then very quickly the veterinarian will make (or change) the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis. It is very important to start therapy as soon as possible so that there are as few complications as possible.

Follicular conjunctivitis

This type of illness is often chronic. Often, follicular conjunctivitis in a dog occurs due to lack of treatment or poor medical care for other types of ailment.

The disease affects the lymph nodes located inside the eyelids. If the pathology is neglected, the nodes can increase so much that the eyelid literally turns outward. The spectacle, to put it mildly, is not a pleasant one. And the animal itself is not happy with the situation.

Because of the strongly inverted eyelid, it hurts the dog to blink, and from the eyes it constantly has discharge, often purulent. Additional suffering to the animal is a protruding third eyelid, which is often the case with follicular conjunctivitis. This keratitis of the dog's eye requires urgent veterinary care, otherwise the pet can easily be left without an eye.

After all, enlarged lymph nodes injure the cornea, which does not in the best way affect the vision of the animal. This pathology can develop over the years. It remains only to imagine how dogs feel when they do not receive qualified medical care.

Due to prolonged irritation, follicular conjunctivitis can become dry. With this type of disease, thin keratinized scales can be seen on the surface of the cornea of ​​the sick dog's eye.

For treatment, use standard drops for conjunctivitis in dogs, antibiotics. But it is difficult to treat the follicular form of conjunctivitis. In addition, even the most qualified specialists in the field of eye diseases are unlikely to give a guarantee for successful treatment. But in any case, you should not refuse veterinary care.

Purulent conjunctivitis

This conjunctivitis of the dog's eye is caused by pathogenic aerobic bacteria: staphylococcus, streptococcus. When the animal is healthy, the microbes are dormant, but if the conjunctiva is damaged, they are activated. Therefore, purulent conjunctivitis in dogs is often the result of other types of disease: allergic or follicular.

The bacteria provoke the mucous membrane of the eye, which leads to its inflammation and the formation of multiple purulent discharge. Additional symptoms of purulent conjunctivitis include:

• photophobia;
• soreness;
• increased temperature of the eyelids.

Other Causes of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Other causes of the disease include:

• Mechanical damage... If a foreign body (solid) enters the eye, then scratches appear on the conjunctiva and cornea, which become the gateway of infection for bacteria. Because of this, the animal develops severe inflammation. If you notice in time that something is "stuck" in the eye, rinse it out, then conjunctivitis can be avoided.
• Burn(thermal, chemical and others). Our four-legged friends can stick their faces anywhere. Very curious mustache by nature. Therefore, they can often crawl into a can of paint or other caustic substance (vapors are especially dangerous). Chemicals can also get on your eyes. There is no place for a dog in the kitchen! there are too many dangers.
• Draft... Strong wind, being in a draft can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. Surely, you remember how your eyes start to water when you are outside in very windy weather or you catch a cold. Dogs also have colds. And conjunctivitis can be a symptom of it.
• Infectious diseases... Almost all infectious diseases are accompanied by a reaction from the side of the eyes. This is due to the fact that the immunity of the animal is weakened, and bacteria with viruses are carried with the blood and lymph flow throughout the body.
• Fungal infection... Fungi can also trigger the development of conjunctivitis. They are more difficult to remove than bacteria, since it is necessary to use fungicidal preparations for a long course.

Symptoms

What are the most common symptoms of conjunctivitis in a dog?

• Redness of the eyes (not only the mucous membrane of the eyelids, but also the vessels on the white "part of the eye" burst).
• Profuse lachrymation. Not necessarily in both eyes. If the conjunctiva in one eye is inflamed, then only from that eye will tears flow.
• Fear of light. Due to the inflammatory process, the pet is afraid of bright light, closes its eyes when it goes outside or goes out into the light.
• Discharge (catarrhal, mucous or purulent) begins to appear in the inner corner of the eye. Over time, the mustache cannot even open the eye, because the eyelids are glued together with dried secretions.
• The body temperature may rise (especially if the dog has developed conjunctivitis due to an infection).
• Lethargy, weakness, appetite at zero. The dog has practically no mood. The pet does not want to play or walk for a walk. He tries to hide in a corner farther and darker.

Examples of conjunctivitis in dogs in the photo:

Treatment

How to treat conjunctivitis in dogs at home? We will talk about this further, but first of all, remember the main rule: you should not prescribe treatment yourself! You can make a mistake in the diagnosis and start treating the dog for something else, thereby harming it even more.

Treatment for a dog with conjunctivitis should begin with confirming the diagnosis and identifying the underlying causes of the inflammatory process. Without this, it is impossible to prescribe a truly effective treatment. The easiest steps to take at home are:

• This is rubbing the inner corners of the eyes with clean gauze (rolled or folded in several layers) dipped in boiled warm water, a decoction of herbs (chamomile, for example). Some people decide to wipe their eyes with strong black non-fruity tea (no sugar!).
• Be sure to take good care of your pet. Keep outdoor walks to a minimum so that wind, dust and sun rays do not disturb the mustache. At home, improve the living conditions: find a warm corner for your pet, where there is no draft and clean.

What's the first thing owners do? They run to the pharmacy for an eye tetracycline ointment and hope that this will relieve the four-legged friend of conjunctivitis. However, in most cases, this ointment only dulls the symptoms. It is often necessary to use stronger antibiotics, moreover, they will have to be injected intramuscularly for at least 5 days! Antiviral drugs and immunostimulants may also be required (especially if the cause of the inflammation lies in a viral disease).

Do not forget about local therapy - drops and ointments. Kanamycin, chloramphenicol (be careful with babies and pregnant women), sodium sulfate and the famous droplets - Diamond eyes. But remember that everything is appointed only after a full-time examination of the pet by a veterinarian! Only a doctor can say what exactly, in what dosage and for how long it is necessary to apply.

To prevent the dog from injuring itself, trying to scratch the inflamed eye, put a special protective collar around the neck of the mustache.

Prophylaxis

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely protect your pet from this disease. But you still need to reduce the risk of developing inflammation.

• To do this, do not forget about vaccinations. They will help protect the mustache from viral and bacterial infections (the immunity developed after vaccination will prevent the pet from getting sick).
• Do not walk in strong winds for a long time and exclude drafts.
• Do not allow your dog to walk where there is a risk of eye injury. Small branches on bushes, dust, sand - this can get into the eye and scratch the cornea and conjunctiva.

If you notice that a four-legged friend has a watery eye, examine him - are there any foreign objects? If you quickly remove them, rinse the eye with boiled water, then there are more chances that you will not have to treat your eyes.

• Hide household chemicals away. If you are making repairs at home, then try to remove the animal from the room (if possible, leave it with someone close to you).
• Do you cook in the kitchen? Don't let the dog in. Tangled under your feet, it can cause you to drop a hot pot or something else. As a result, you yourself are injured, and the animal will suffer. Whiskers have no place in the kitchen!

Still have questions? You can ask them to the in-house veterinarian of our website in the comments box below, who will answer them as soon as possible.