How and how to treat conjunctivitis in dogs: types of disease with photos and descriptions

Any breed of dog can develop conjunctivitis, a common eye ailment. Inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids and the surface of the eye results in this condition. Numerous things, such as allergies, infections, and irritants, can contribute to it. Early symptom recognition can aid in appropriate treatment selection.

Conjunctivitis comes in a variety of forms, each with unique causes and therapies. For example, dust and pollen are common environmental triggers for allergic conjunctivitis. Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Effective treatment requires an understanding of these variations.

The diagnosis and treatment of canine conjunctivitis will be discussed in this article. We will discuss the various forms of conjunctivitis, warning signs to look out for, and suitable therapies, such as over-the-counter and veterinary care options. With the correct information, you can safeguard your pet’s eye health and help them feel better.

Type of Conjunctivitis Treatment
Allergic Conjunctivitis Antihistamines and cold compresses
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Antibiotic eye drops
Viral Conjunctivitis Supportive care; keep eyes clean
Foreign Body Conjunctivitis Remove the foreign object; flush eyes

Dog conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as "pink eye," can result in eye redness, swelling, and discomfort. This article examines the different kinds of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial, viral, and allergic cases, and offers useful descriptions and illustrations to make diagnosis easier. It also provides helpful guidance on how to manage the illness well, making sure your pet receives the attention they require for a speedy recovery.

Causes of conjunctivitis in dogs

  • Mechanical (ingress of sand, dust, small debris, eye injury, bruise);
  • Contact with smoke, chemical vapors or liquid substances (detergents, shampoos, toothpastes);
  • Dermatological problems affecting the skin of the eyelids;
  • Burns, frostbite;
  • Ingrown eyelashes;
  • Fungal or viral infections;
  • Metabolic disorders;
  • Allergic reaction to pollen or food;
  • Vitamin deficiency;
  • Constant ingress of wool into the eyes, causing profuse lacrimation;
  • Eye age diseases.

Types and symptoms of the disease with photos

Initially, the illness can be separated into two categories: primary, which occurs when an external factor (such as a sand ingestion or eye injury) causes the problem, and secondary, which occurs when an infection (such as a plague, adenovirus, or hepatitis) causes conjunctivitis to develop.

Dog conjunctivitis is generally classified into four types. Every one of them has unique causes, symptoms, courses of action, therapies, and side effects.

Follicular conjunctivitis in dogs

Dogs with drooping lower eyelids are frequently diagnosed with chronic breed disease. characterized by follicles—small, liquid-filled bubbles—appearing on the third eyelid and inflammation brought on by gland enlargement. treated either by surgery or the application of antibiotic drops and ointments.

Follicular conjunctivitis symptoms include:

  • Itching, lacrimation, whitish or yellowish purulent discharge;
  • Swelling of the eyelid and conjunctiva, redness;
  • Dried crusts on the surface of the eyelids and eyelashes;
  • Pain, swelling of the eye, closure of the eye slit;
  • Photophobia;
  • Increased body temperature.

Blindness may result from follicular conjunctivitis left untreated for a long time.

Catarrhal

The mildest kind of conjunctivitis, it is frequently brought on by an allergic reaction or an eye injury. The risk comes from the fact that the mild form turns into a chronic form with frequent exacerbations in the absence of sophisticated treatment. Catarrhal conjunctivitis symptoms include:

  • Reddening of the mucous membrane and eyeball (burst vessels may appear after an injury);
  • Swelling of the eyelid;
  • Mucous transparent or whitish discharge;
  • Excessive lacrimation;
  • Symptoms of allergic reactions may appear.

Purulent conjunctivitis

A pathogenic microorganism is often present when purulent discharge occurs. This kind of conjunctivitis is a sign of an adenovirus infection that causes canine distemper. In this instance, the animal will spread to people as well as other animals. However, blepharitis, trichiasis, and keratitis—inflammation of the cornea of the eye—can also occasionally cause suppuration. The most "harmless" causes are a wide eye slit and ingrown eyelashes.

Signs of the illness:

  • Purulent yellow or greenish discharge, accumulations in the corners of the eyes;
  • An unpleasant odor is possible;
  • Fever;
  • Redness of the eyelids;
  • Photophobia.

To identify the cause of this type of conjunctivitis, a veterinarian must become involved. In the event that an infectious infection within the body is the cause of the issue, the treatment plan will center on eliminating the virus and strengthening the immune system.

A rare kind of keratoconjunctivitis where there is insufficient tear production manifests itself. The illness frequently results from untreated conjunctivitis or keratitis. symptoms include yellowish viscous discharge, dry mucous membrane, and clouding of the cornea.

Purulent conjunctivitis in puppies

Another name for this kind of conjunctivitis is physiological ankyloblepharon. manifests in puppies whose eyes have not yet opened. The primary cause is intrauterine pathologies or an infectious disease in a postpartum woman. The swelling of closed eyes and the buildup of whitish discharge in the corners are characteristic symptoms.

The issue necessitates particular attention:

  1. Opening the eye surgically (less often manually);
  2. Cleansing from pus with herbal decoctions (chamomile);
  3. Lubrication with antibacterial ointment (requires veterinarian consultation).

Allergic

This kind of conjunctivitis happens when an allergen—such as dust or pollen—gets onto the cornea or mucous membrane of the eye. The symptoms—transparent discharge, intense redness, and tearfulness—differ from the usual form. Additional signs of allergic irritation include rashes, itching, sneezing, and hair loss.

The dog may squint, scratch itself against furniture, or use its paw to scratch a sore eye. Depression, lethargy, and appetite loss are uncommon.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in dogs at home

It is preferable to take the pet to the veterinarian and perform diagnostics to determine the cause of the illness if this is the first time the owner has encountered the issue. Test your blood and urine, look into the kind and nature of the discharge, and do all of this.

In the event that you are unable to visit the clinic anytime soon, you must administer first aid and relieve your pet’s discomfort and swelling. You can assist your pet with washing and ointment application at home:

  • 1 furacilin tablet per 100 ml of water, soak a cotton swab in the solution and thoroughly wash the suppuration areas, each eye is treated separately (it is better to divide the liquid into 2 parts and use different swabs), you need to move from the outer corner to the inner one, repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day;
  • In folk medicine, instead of furacilin, they use strong black tea, chamomile infusion or eyebright decoction (10 g of herb per 100 ml of boiling water);
  • If you have veterinary eye drops at hand, then the cleaned eyes need to be dripped;
  • If the animal is allergic, the owner observes itching, skin rashes and other symptoms of allergic irritation, it is necessary to give the dog an antihistamine (Suprastin, for example).

It is preferable to give the dog a protective collar, restrict how long it walks, and forbid the sick pet from coming into contact with healthy pets while the illness is present. It’s critical to keep an eye on the animal’s nutritional status, shield it from drafts, and make sure it gets enough sleep.

Dogs with conjunctivitis need to be treated for their comfort and wellbeing. The first step in treating conjunctivitis is to determine its type, as there are several potential causes, including allergies, infections, and irritants. Selecting the appropriate course of treatment is made easier by being aware of these variations.

The right treatments can be implemented after the cause has been identified. This could involve antihistamines for allergies, ointments, or medicated eye drops. Frequent veterinary examinations guarantee that any underlying problems are resolved and stop additional complications.

Also, owners need to keep a careful eye on their dog’s symptoms. It’s imperative to consult a veterinarian if the condition gets worse or doesn’t get better. Timely medical attention can have a big impact on your dog’s healing process and general health.

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Maxim Kovalev

Veterinarian with many years of experience. Main interest is the prevention and treatment of diseases in cats and dogs. I constantly share proven tips for caring for the health of pets to help avoid common problems and maintain their excellent health.

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