Vidhi Kapoor Dear readers, today through this article we are going to give you information about the dog eye infection treatment.
Dogs use their claws to dig, grab objects, play, get attention, and itch. Due to the empty space in their feet, there is a risk of getting trapped in dirt and germs, which is why the risk of infection through their feet is also high. It is not surprising that this dog eye infection can often affect their eyes as well.
Some common eye problems in dogs can affect the eyelids and the lens of the eye. Its symptoms include problems ranging from burning eyes to blindness.
Eye problems in dogs can be easily treated with a drug called ‘Artificial Tear’. Apart from this, washing the eyes with lukewarm water can be done. However, surgery may be needed in some cases.
Eye problems can occur in any breed of dog, but some breeds are more prone to the condition. For example, a breed called the pug is prone to conditions such as entropion (in which the eyelids are turned toward the eye) and conjunctivitis. The causes of these eye problems include genetics and past injury triggers or medical conditions.
The most common eye problems include eyelid problems in dogs, glaucoma, cataracts, cherry eye in dogs, keratoconjunctivitis in dogs, and conjunctivitis in dogs.
Types Of Dog Eye Infection And Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Entropion In Dogs
This is a problem in which the skin of the eyelids starts turning inward.
Symptoms Of Entropion
- Discomfort or pain from touching the eyelashes on the cornea
- Eye redness and tearing due to the inward turning of the eyelid skin
- Squint or keep your eyes closed most of the time
- Abnormal discharge from the eyes
In some cases, there is no problem or pain so there is no need to go to the vet. But it can cause a lot of discomfort and pain for some dogs, due to which they may appear to rub their eyes frequently. They may try to blink continuously when there is a burning sensation in the eyes. In some cases, there may be a mucus-like discharge from the eyes. In addition, the hair around the eyelashes may appear more moist and tangled than usual.
Causes And Risk Factors
The problem of entropion is linked to genes. If the disease is passed on from the dog’s parents to their young, symptoms may be noticed as early as the age of only one year. Entropion is rarely caused by something else. These can be dangerous for the eyes, eye infections, corneal spasms, or neurological problems.
Diagnosis
Testing for entropion is usually easy. If facial abnormalities or a serious underlying cause are not known, a vet may perform an eye examination.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Antibiotics are usually prescribed to deal with any infection but in severe cases, surgery (known as blepharoplasty) may be needed.
Complications
If the condition worsens, ulcers can form on the cornea (eye lens), affecting a dog’s vision. Apart from this, it is also possible to get infection and scarring in the eyes.
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Ectropion In Dogs
Ectropion is a common eye problem in dogs. In this, the lower eyelid turns outwards, due to which the lower part of the eye appears red and bloody. Normally, the eyelid prevents dirt from getting into the eye, so this deformity makes the dog more prone to conjunctivitis or other infections.
Symptoms Of Ectropion
- Drooping eyes
- Redness in the lower part of the eye
- Pus-like discharge from the eyes
- Eye irritation, which can cause the dog to rub the eyes frequently.
- Ectropion can be painful for a dog. In more severe cases the cornea may be scarred.
Cause
It is believed that there may be a genetic component behind this, which makes the muscles around the eyes a little weak. Sometimes this problem can also occur due to the underlying cause. This is also called acquired ectropion, which is characterized by facial paralysis, hypothyroidism, or neuromuscular disease (which affects the muscles and the nervous system that controls them).
Complications
Dogs with this condition are at risk for conjunctivitis and keratitis. In severe cases, the dog may be at risk of becoming blind.
Diagnosis
The disease is usually diagnosed within a year after birth. In dogs that are diagnosed after a year, there may be a secondary cause behind it. If there are no other symptoms, the diagnosis can be made through a physical examination. Blurred vision may occur if there is damage to the cornea or if an ulcer is suspected in the eye.
Treatment
Some mild, ophthalmic antibiotics may be given to prevent infection. Artificial tears can be used to keep the eye moist. In this case, it can be done with cold or hot water.
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Lagophthalmos In Dogs
In this condition, the dog is unable to close its eyelids completely. This is largely due to genetic reasons.
Symptoms
Inability to close the eyes completely even during sleep
Diagnosis
If you notice the dog’s eyelids slightly open while he is sleeping, this could be a sign of lagophthalmos. In this case, take your dog to the vet for confirmation. If no other symptoms are seen, the diagnosis can be made by observation. If the vet suspects an underlying cause, they may seek help from imaging tests and blood samples.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Hot or cold compresses can reduce the burning sensation to some extent. In this situation, the veterinarian may also recommend artificial tear medicine. The doctor may also prescribe some other medicines to avoid infection. In cases where the dog does not improve, surgery is needed.
Conjunctivitis In Dogs
The condition of inflammation in the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis. This problem is often caused by the ingress of dirt, bacteria, or dust particles. The function of the conjunctiva is to prevent dust particles and waste from entering the eyes. It also facilitates the movement of the eyelids.
Symptoms
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs are the same as in humans:
- Redness in eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Swelling around the eyes
- Pain
- Dogs in this condition can often paw at their eyes to ease the pain.
Cause
Conjunctivitis in dogs can be caused by several factors including allergy to a substance, congenital factors, viral infection, injury, or some other problems. Apart from this, some other diseases like dry eyes, glaucoma, anterior uveitis, and certain cancers can also cause eyes.
Diagnosis
This condition can be caused by several underlying causes, so the veterinarian may ask about the dog’s medical history and symptoms. Since this condition can occur even when the nose is blocked, the veterinarian may also examine the nose.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Its treatment depends on the diagnosis. Since the cause is often pathogenic, appropriate antibiotics and certain medicines are prescribed. These medicines are continued if parasitic or viral causes are suspected. Cases like cancer require more treatment. At present, according to the doctor, the condition can be controlled by using eye drops.
Complications
This problem should not be ignored, as it can lead to blindness. With no symptoms, this problem can become more serious.
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Blepharitis In Dogs
An inflammatory condition around and inside the eyelashes is known as blepharitis. This condition can occur in both the upper and lower eyelids.
Symptoms
- This is a painful condition whose symptoms include:
- Swelling, redness, and itching of the eyelids
- Itchy eyes
- Discharge from the affected eye
Causes
Causes of blepharitis include mites, ticks, allergies to certain foods and drugs, bacterial infections such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, some types of cancer, injuries around the eye, and parasitic infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The veterinarian makes a diagnosis based on the information provided by the owner. In this case, the doctor can do blood and imaging tests of the dog. The treatment of the disease is determined based on its symptoms.
Distichiasis In Dogs
Distichiasis is also called double eyelashes. This is a rare disorder in which there is an abnormal growth of hair on the eyelashes.
Symptoms
The hairs of the extra eyelashes are often hard and constantly stinging in the dog’s eyes. Its symptoms include:
- Excessive tearing
- Squint
- Blink frequently
- Your dog will mostly keep his eyes closed if the pain becomes severe.
Cause
Distichiasis is a genetic disease. However, in some cases, it can develop even after birth. According to the reports of veterinarians, it is one of the most commonly found eye problems in dogs.
Risk Factors
Distichiasis can occur at any age and in any dog, but it is most commonly seen in younger dogs under three years of age. It usually occurs in certain breeds such as the cocker spaniel, poodle, pug, and dachshund.
Diagnosis
Immediately after showing signs of distichiasis take him to the vet for a physical examination. If the excess hair on a dog’s eyelid is very fine, diagnosis can be difficult. But usually, these extra hairs can be easily examined and the cause of this problem can also be identified.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Hair removal is not a permanent cure as it tends to grow back. Surgery is needed to get rid of distichiasis.
Complications
The condition of distichiasis may get worse because of the underlying cause. If so, there may be other symptoms. If the person suspects that the dog has persistent inflammation of the eyes, take him to the vet immediately, as home remedies for distichiasis are not very effective.
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Trichiasis In Dogs
In this condition, the dog’s eyelid hair starts growing in the wrong direction (towards the eye). However, unlike distichiasis, the growth in trichiasis does not come from an abnormal location.
Symptoms
Eyelid problems in dogs include the following symptoms:
- More tears
- Change the color of the pupil of the eye
- Blink frequently
- Eye infection
Causes And Risk Factors
Dogs with long facial hair such as the Shih Tzu, dogs with skin folds such as Bulldogs, and dogs with short scalps such as the Pug are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Diagnosis
This disease is diagnosed by the Schirmer Tear Test. In this test, filter paper is placed under the lower eyelid for up to five minutes and during this time the level of tear production is assessed.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Like distichiasis, surgery is also necessary to correct this problem. The doctor may recommend cryosurgery to remove the root of the hair or part of the eyelid to prevent the hair from growing in the wrong direction.
Complications
Ingrown hairs can irritate the eyes and dogs can scratch the cornea. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to ulcers in the cornea.
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Ectopic Cilia in Dogs
In this condition, the hair starts growing from inside the conjunctiva (inner part of the eyelid).
Symptoms
Burning and pain in the eyes, excessive tearing, and frequent blinking
Causes And Risk Factors
The condition is more frequent in dogs with long hair, dogs with facial folds, and dogs with short scalps.
Diagnosis And Treatment
The condition is usually diagnosed by a physical examination of a dog’s eye. Apart from this, the help of surgery called cryosurgery can also be taken.
Glaucoma In Dogs
Glaucoma is caused due to pressure in the eyes. Intraocular pressure (the pressure of the fluid inside the eye) increases the pressure on the retina and the nerve of the eye, which can also lead to blindness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of glaucoma are subtle initially, making it difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Its symptoms include the following:
- Loss of sight
- Blurred vision
- Eyeball rise
- Eye inflammation
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Behavior modification
Cause
Doctors believe that one or more of the following factors can trigger glaucoma:
- Apnea
- Drugs Such As Corticosteroids
- Decreased blood flow to the optic nerve
- High bp
Diagnosis
Apart from the medical history, the veterinarian can take the help of a tonometry test, pachymetry test, and perimeter test.
Dog Eye Infection Treatment
Glaucoma can be treated with medicines or surgery. Glaucoma can be treated depending on its underlying cause, stage of the disease, desired outcome, equipment available, and the financial limitations of the owner.
