Inflammation of the eyes in dogs is a fairly common problem. It can be caused by many diseases, which only a specialist can correctly diagnose. Untimely access to a doctor can lead to blindness of the animal. We highlight the main eye diseases in dogs that can cause inflammation. Consider their symptoms and causes.
General information
Inflammation of the eye in a dog is the first alarm bell that should seriously concern the owner. Behind this symptom can be quite serious diseases, which in the end can lead to blindness of the pet or loss of eye.
There are three types of eye diseases in dogs:
- Infectious - are the result of infection of the body with a virus or bacteria. The eye itself may be infected, or its inflammation may be a symptom of another infectious disease in the dog.
- Non-infectious - they can lead to mechanical damage to the eyes, swelling, inversion of the eyelids and eyelash ingrowth.
Congenital - are the result of abnormal intrauterine development, or diseases inherent in certain breeds, as a result of selection.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye in a dog, in particular the inner part of the eyelids and the mucous membrane of the eyeball. This is a fairly common disease, it is especially common among breeds with bulging eyes, but is often found among other dogs. This disease has an infectious nature and is difficult to treat. In the absence of timely therapy, it can become chronic. Conjunctivitis may be one of the possible reasons why a dog's eyes are festering.
The cause of conjunctivitis can be eye injuries, clogging of the lacrimal canals, ingrown eyelashes, viruses, an allergic reaction.
The main symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- tears and pus stand out from the eye;
- conjunctiva swell and redden;
- the third eyelid swells;
- the dog often rubs his eyes with his paw;
- the dog becomes restless and whines.
The following varieties of conjunctivitis are distinguished:
- Purulent.
- Catarrhal.
- Phlegmonous.
- Follicular;
- Fibrinous.
Keratitis
With keratitis in the dog , damage and inflammation of the surface layer of the cornea occur. Keratitis can occur due to conjunctivitis, become a symptom of an infectious disease or vitamin deficiency. If the dog has cloudy eyes, this is a reason to sound the alarm. Problems with the cornea entail a sharp drop in the pet's vision, and in order to avoid blindness, keratitis must be treated with the first symptoms.
Types of keratitis:
- Surface.
- Deep.
- Purulent. The cornea swells, acquires a yellowish color. Purulent discharge appears from the eye. In the absence of timely treatment, it can lead to corneal ulcer.
- Point.
- Ulcerative.
- Vascular. The cornea becomes gray-red.
- Sure.
- Conflictful. Grayish nodules form on the cornea, which fuse together if untreated. The cornea turns gray red. This type of keratitis is characteristic of collies, German and East European shepherds.
- Catarrhal. Very quickly becomes cloudy and becomes a cornea. It takes on a gray or blue color.
Dermatitis of the century
With dermatitis, the dog's eye swells, the eyelid becomes inflamed and reddens, becomes wet. You may notice a purulent odorless discharge. The skin of the eyelids begins to peel off. Over time, eyes turn sour, eyelids swell. Conjunctivitis may form in the eyes. Eyelid dermatitis often appears in dogs with long hair, drooping ears and drooping folds of skin on the face.
Dermatitis of the eyelids is basically an independent disease, however, with untimely treatment, it can develop into other more serious diseases.
To prevent the dog from combing its eyelids with its paws, a special collar is put on it. The hair is sheared from the eyelids, and antiseptic ointments are applied to the skin.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a neurological syndrome characterized by an arbitrary contraction of the muscles of the eyelids, which causes rapid blinking almost without stopping. In addition, the dog’s eye is swollen; when it is touched, the animal feels pain and may whine. The animal is constantly squinting, hiding from the light. Fluid builds up in the corners of the eyes.
This disease can be a symptom of an inflammatory process that occurs in the body. Also, its cause may be mechanical damage to the eye, inflammation of the nerve, congenital pathologies and diseases. Blepharospasm can be a defensive reaction to severe pain in the eye.
This disease in itself does not pose a particular threat, however, it may well become chronic, which can cause the animal to drop vision, and in the worst case scenario, complete blindness is possible.
The doctor prescribes treatment in connection with the diagnosed underlying cause.
Prolapse of the third century
Third-century prolapse is often referred to as the “cherry eye”. The eyeball is very swollen and red, the third eyelid loses its tone and protrudes from the edge of the eye. Prolapse rarely occurs in both eyes, more often it affects only one eyelid. The main cause of this disease is infection, although a hereditary factor is not uncommon. Most often, third-century prolapse is found in bulldogs, spaniels and hounds.
Due to prolapse, the mucous membranes dry out, which can lead to problems with the cornea and conjunctiva. The prolapse can only be corrected surgically. Before surgery, the dog is prescribed moisturizing drops for the eyes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a severe inflammation of the eyelids, in which not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous are affected. The eyelid turns red and swells, covered with scab. Moisture appears on the skin, glands protrude from the corners of the eyes. Blepharitis can be one of the reasons why a dog's eyes are festering. A disease can result from trauma, infection, exposure to an allergen, or an inherited factor. Another cause can be skin parasites, and in particular ticks.
Blepharitis is often associated with other eye diseases. To avoid serious consequences, its treatment must be carried out immediately when the first symptoms occur. Most often, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, antiallergic and antimicrobial drugs to the animal. It also recommends how to instill a dog's eyes with inflammation.
Cataract
As a result of cataracts, the crystalline eye brightens and swells, and intraocular pressure rises. Cataracts can be congenital or result from exposure to toxins. This disease can lead to partial or complete loss of vision due to rupture of the tissues of the eyeball.
The tendency to cataract is often transmitted genetically. The disease develops slowly, gradually progressing and worsening the state of vision of the animal. Therefore, if the dog has a white eye, urgently need to see a doctor. Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire and Boston Terriers, poodles and golden retrievers are most affected by it.
Cataracts can be treated with medication, but it is ineffective. Only surgery can really help. The effectiveness of the operation depends on what stage cataract development is at:
- with cataracts in the initial stage, the animal's vision decreases slightly, the crystalline cloud is only slightly cloudy;
- with an immature cataract , the dog's vision drops quite strongly, she sees only the outlines of objects;
- cataract in maturity - the dog is able to see only light, it can hardly navigate in space;
- overripe cataract - the dog completely goes blind and does not even see the light.
Frequent is inflammation of the eyes in the dog after cataract surgery. In this case, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, and the animal needs special care. For the first time, it is worthwhile to provide the dog with peace, carefully monitor its well-being and adhere to all the doctor's recommendations.
Eyeball dislocation
Sometimes a dog’s eyeball can go out of orbit in an eyelid. The main reason is mechanical damage to the head as a result of a sharp blow or shock. The eyeball moves forward strongly, looks swollen and inflamed. The conjunctiva swells and dries out, becoming like a hanging roller. Dislocation can result in blindness and necrosis of the eyeball tissue. Very often dislocation occurs in Japanese chins, Pekingese and similar breeds.
If the eyeball is dislocated, the owner can provide first aid to the pet by irrigating the eyeball with a solution of novocaine or furatsilina. This is necessary to avoid drying out of the mucous membranes and to reduce pain. Only a doctor can correct the eye with surgery. After a temporary suture is applied to the eye, which fixes it.
Uveitis
With uveitis, inflammation of the iris and choroid occurs. This is a rather dangerous disease that can be found in all breeds. With uveitis, the dog's eyes become inflamed at first, after which photophobia and a sharp decrease in vision occur. The animal can hardly open a sore eye, trying to hide in the dark.
Uveitis can occur as a result of infection, bacterial or viral infection, keratitis, trauma, or can be a complication of internal inflammatory diseases.
Only a doctor can diagnose pathology. With the advanced form, uveitis can lead not only to blindness, but also to loss of eye, which is why it is important to seek help from a specialist in time.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of eye diseases is not an easy question, and only a specialist can find an answer to it. As soon as you notice any problems with the dog’s eyes, you should immediately lead the dog to the hospital.
The doctor should examine the dog, take tests, and try to find out the cause of the dog’s eye inflammation.
When the diagnosis is made, the veterinarian must prescribe treatment.
It is worth remembering that the eyes of dogs are very sensitive to medicines, and therefore, using drops, it is worth strictly adhering to the dosages and recommendations of the doctor. The veterinarian should prescribe how to rinse the dog's eyes from pus. This must be done before using the drops. To flush a dog’s eyes, clean, lint-free fabrics must be used.
For infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Vitamins may be prescribed to maintain the body during treatment.
Often during treatment, a dog is put on a special collar or socks so that it does not have the opportunity to disturb the affected areas with its paws. The animal should be put on a special diet full of all the necessary vitamin and minerals. It is worth protecting the animal from stress, providing it with calm and comfortable living conditions.
Thus, inflammation of the eyes in a dog is a symptom that may indicate that the animal has serious health problems. To avoid the negative consequences that eye diseases can lead to, you need to be careful about the dog and occasionally examine its eyes. In case of inflammation, you need to urgently consult a specialist.