If you notice how your pet constantly scratches the area in the eye area, and also has swelling of the eyelids, tearfulness is the first signal of the presence of a pathology of the organs of vision. Carefully examine the animal, or better yet, with such indicators of deviation from the norm, take it to a veterinary clinic.
Dog scratching its eyes
Why does my dog constantly scratch his eyes?
The inflammatory process is always associated with itching and discomfort that bother the dog. The pet begins to behave irritably, actively scratching the area of the organs of vision, damaging the skin and the eye itself. The inflammatory process of the organs of vision is most often caused by mechanical damage during the walking period: the ingress of a piece of grass, a splinter, small fragments of glass, can also provoke a blow from a branch or while playing with other animals. Very often, the inflammatory process is caused by conjunctivitis or an infectious disease, for example, an inflammatory process of the liver, viral etiology (various groups of hepatitis), a highly contagious bacterial infection - plague, an infectious disease caused by mycoplasma bacteria - mycoplasmosis. When a dog’s body is infected with certain parasites, it also happens that the eyes become inflamed. Such diseases manifest themselves as general lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, and apathetic behavior. Inflammation occurs simultaneously in both eyes.
The clarity and purity of a pet’s gaze is an indicator of the absence of pathological changes in the visual organs
Convergent strabismus
Convergent strabismus is a noticeable visual deviation from the normal position and joint movement of both eyes of a dog.
Moreover, with paralytic strabismus, the dog's squinting eye does not repeat the movement of the fixed eye.
Cause. Traumatic eye injuries, hypertrophic processes in the orbit (tumors), damage to the central nervous system.
One of the reasons may be congenital underdevelopment of the periorbital muscles, congenital hydrocephalus.
Treatment. Treatment of convergent strabismus involves treating the underlying disease that led to the strabismus.
Causes of eye inflammation in dogs
The reasons why inflammatory processes in the organs of vision develop:
- An infection of an infectious nature is the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, both in the body itself and at the site of infection of the eye itself.
- A non-infectious lesion is a violation of the mechanical integrity of the organs of vision, neoplasms, ectropion of the eyelid, trichiasis of the ciliary margin.
- Genetic pathologies are deviations of intrauterine development, and may also be associated with the characteristics of the breed, as a result of selection.
If eye inflammation is expressed as a symptom of an ophthalmic disease, then after visiting a veterinarian, it can be cured by following the instructions and prescription:
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- third eyelid prolapse;
- eyelid dermatitis;
- injury;
- neoplasm.
Only a veterinarian can determine the exact cause and prescribe treatment.
With these types of disease, only the eyes are affected. Otherwise, the animal behaves actively and nothing else bothers it. Drug treatment prescribed by a doctor quickly eliminates the disease and the dog is healthy again.
If it is accompanied by other symptoms, and the inflammation does not subside within three days, then this may be due to the spread of the virus. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly vaccinate your pet to prevent the occurrence of the virus in the blood.
The presence of parasites in a dog’s body can also lead to eye inflammation. Therefore, we should not forget that helminthiasis affects not only the gastrointestinal tract. Such parasites can easily enter the heart, lungs and other organs, and the eyes are no exception. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to carry out treatment on your own, so the dog will need to be shown to a veterinarian to assess the situation, and if the eye tissue is damaged, surgical removal of the dead helminths will be performed.
Video - First signs of eye disease in dogs
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids.
Cause. Unilateral blepharitis in a dog occurs due to injury and local infection. Bilateral blepharitis occurs as a result of allergies, including food allergies in animals, staphylococcal infections in dogs, demodicosis (treatment and prevention of demodicosis in dogs), mycoses and systemic diseases.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination, the veterinarian notes redness, swelling, itching, scaling, loss of eyelashes and hair, erosion and ulcers in the eyelid area of a sick dog.
Treatment. In the case where the cause of blepharitis is an allergy, dog owners should exclude its contact with the allergen and use antihypertensive drugs (diazolin, suprastin, diphenhydramine, tavegil) in treatment. For staphylococcal infections - antibiotics. For demodicosis, anti-mite drugs.
Symptoms of major diseases
Symptoms of eye disease are largely related to the age group, general health, body stability, frequency of negative influences, cause and stage of infection. Symptoms may include:
- discharge of pus, lacrimation;
- accumulation of fluid in the corners of the organs of vision (exudate);
- formation of scabs and scabs on the skin of the eyelid;
- swelling and redness of the eyelid;
- itching and burning;
- increased blinking frequency;
- scleritis, leukoma, opacity of the corneal layer;
- increased body temperature, weakened and lethargic state of the animal;
- impaired pupillary reactions in light, photophobia;
- blepharospasm;
- decreased vision.
Pus discharge from a dog's eye indicates a disease
What you need to know! Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice these symptoms. After diagnosis and examination, the specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary medications.
Treatment
The most common eye disease is conjunctivitis.
Veterinarians prescribe:
- Tsiprovet;
- Leopard;
- Conjunctivin (antibacterial ointment).
In case of injury, it is important to know what to do if the organs of vision are affected. The eyes are washed with an anesthetic solution .
The item can only be removed after appropriate processing. It is even better if this procedure is performed by a specialist. If necessary, painkillers are administered in the form of drops.
For blepharitis, the following may be prescribed:
- Sofradex;
- Lacrican;
- Calendula ointment.
For keratitis, Lacrimin, Sofradex or Forvet eye drops are prescribed.
The drug Diamond Eyes is an effective antibacterial and decongestant. Used to effectively eliminate itching and discharge from the eyes. Drops are a means of preventing the development of cataracts.
Types of visual pathologies in dogs
Blepharospasm
Involuntary contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle (blepharospasm) - repeated contraction of the muscles of the eyelid. The dog begins to avoid light, and the eyes secrete exudate. The eyelid swells and becomes painful.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an infection and inflammation of the cornea due to damage. Keratitis is often caused by infectious pathogens such as bacteria, adenoviruses, fungi, and thelaziosis (helminths). The dog begins to squint his eyes, scratch his eyes with his paws, become nervous and behave restlessly.
Keratitis is very dangerous and can lead to serious complications if not treated correctly.
Prolapse
Prolapse is a deviation in the placement of the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid. After the loss, inflammation and swelling occur. A characteristic feature of this deviation is that it can appear and go away after some time.
It is believed that prolapse has a hereditary predisposition
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process of the film membrane (conjunctiva). The animal blinks frequently, constantly touches its eyes with its paws, and whines. In most cases, it has a viral and bacterial form.
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in dogs.
Cataract
Cataract is a pathology of the light-refracting structure of the eye, characterized by clouding of the lens and loss of its transparency. During clouding of the lens, the dog is careful in movement and completely switches to auditory and olfactory perception. The main reasons for its occurrence can be considered heredity and old age.
Cataracts in dogs develop in old age and are often inherited
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the skin tissue of the eye due to infection, insect bites, the presence of parasites, and burns of various types.
Inflammation of the eyelids occurs against the background of allergic reactions, injuries, infections
Entropion and eversion of the eyelid
Eversion of the lower eyelid (ectropion), inversion of the eyelid (entropion) - inversion and inversion of the eyelid, a deviation that mainly predominates in dogs. Soreness appears, the conjunctiva dries out, purulent discharge and excess tear fluid occur.
Pathological changes in entropion and ectropion of the eyelid occur in the eyelid itself in breeds with folded skin and a large palpebral fissure
Dermatitis of the century
Dermatitis of the eyelid – provokes the occurrence of pathologies. The tissues acquire a reddish tint, peel, pus is released, swelling appears - all this actively develops conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Dermatitis affects the tissue around the eye and provokes the active development of other diseases
Ulcerative keratitis
Ulcerative keratitis. After the inflammatory process, the affected corneal tissue becomes thinner, and small ulcers occur. The contours of the pupil blur, the cornea gradually becomes cloudy, and the membrane of the eyeball acquires a red tint. The dog actively scratches its eyes, lacrimation and pus appear.
Damage to corneal tissue by ulcers
Lens luxation
Lens luxation is a dislocation of the lens from its normal position. Injury to the pupil and movement to another place, which often leads to deformation of the eyeball itself. It occurs after a complication of an infectious disease, injury, glaucoma, cataract and is often hereditary. Basically, complete loss of vision occurs.
Displacement of the pupil from the center to the side
Eyeball prolapse
Eyeball prolapse is a dislocation of the organ of vision beyond the eyelid. Appears due to cranial damage, intracranial pressure or muscle tension. More often, infection occurs with subsequent loss of vision.
Strong extension of the eyeball beyond the eyelid
Diseases and problems of the lens
Pathologies of this category in veterinary ophthalmology are considered the most dangerous for dogs of all breeds. Animals of any age category suffer, regardless of gender, health status, or breed.
Any disease of the eye lens is detected based on clouding of the protein and signs of visual impairment. The prognosis for such diseases is unfavorable, since there is practically no productive therapy for lens pathologies.
Cataract
One of the most common and most unpromising diseases in terms of treatment is cataracts. This disease most often occurs in the following age groups of dogs:
- puppies under 1 year of age;
- adults starting from 8 years of age.
Between the ages of one and eight years, animals are at risk of developing cataracts. The juvenile form of cataracts is more typical for breeds such as:
- dachshund;
- poodle;
- Labrador;
- bull terrier;
- Staffordshire Terrier.
The age-related form of cataracts in dogs after 8 years can develop in all breeds. This ophthalmological problem occurs against the background of primary diseases: for example, with progressive glaucoma, dysplasia or retinal atrophy.
Treatment methods for this disease have not been developed for dogs. A surgical operation may be performed to:
- removal of damaged eye lens;
- implantation of an artificial lens.
Currently, cataract surgery is performed using ultrasound technology, as well as phacoemulsification, a minimally invasive operation using a microscopic incision.
Age-related eye pathologies
The older the dog, the more signs of visual impairment may appear, but these are considered normal. The main thing is to exclude the presence of a serious pathology, then nothing threatens the health of your pet.
Normal features include:
- Iris atrophy. Formed due to atrophy of the iris muscle. The pupil becomes “ragged” at the edges, and the iris tissue becomes thinner. Occurs in animals older than ten years, especially in small purebred dogs.
- Nuclear sclerosis. The core of the lens becomes denser, and can create the appearance of cloudiness in the central part. It is mistakenly mistaken for cataracts, but an experienced specialist, using the necessary methods, can always distinguish the disease from age-related changes in the animal.
Nuclear sclerosis of the lens and atrophy of the iris, which appears in dogs with age
Retinal diseases and problems
This category of ophthalmic problems in dogs is common to all breeds. Dogs of all age categories suffer from similar pathologies, but animals over 5-6 years of age suffer more than others. The causes of such diseases are injuries to the eyes and muzzle, hemorrhages in the skull. Often diseases develop at the genetic level and are hereditary.
Retinal detachment
The retina can peel off under the influence of traumatic factors, when exposed to harsh bright light, when looking at the sun or too bright sources of fire. Retinal detachment can occur in all breeds of dogs, regardless of age.
This disease is characterized by a rapid course and a cautious prognosis. It can result in the dog becoming completely blind if timely treatment measures are not taken. For this purpose, a course of drug therapy is prescribed using anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs. At the same time, surgical manipulations can be prescribed, including ophthalmic surgery.
Retinal atrophy
Retinal atrophy is more depressing for the dog and its owner, since it cannot be treated. It manifests itself as a gradual loss of vision, initially in darkness. Subsequently, vision becomes weak even in daylight.
There is no effective treatment for canine retinal atrophy.
Foreign object in the eye
Mechanical damage from a blow from a branch, the introduction of a splinter or grass, a small piece of glass or a pebble is often encountered while walking. Tearing may be moderate at first, but over time it turns into inflammation, and if attention is not paid in time, this can develop into a dangerous disease, and sometimes can lead to loss of vision. A visit to a veterinarian is the solution to this problem. Because it is not always possible to help your pet on your own due to the lack of necessary equipment to remove a foreign body from the eye.
Forbidden:
- Try to remove shards of metal or glass with your own hands, especially particles that are located in the cornea itself. Self-extraction may damage the eyeball;
- try to apply pressure or rub the eye;
- use hard objects (cotton swabs, toothpicks).
Foreign body in the eye. How to delete?
Exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeball)
Exophthalmos in dogs can be species-specific and is typical for dogs of brachycephalic breeds, with a normal eyeball size, a flat orbit and an overly large palpebral fissure.
Acquired exophthalmos - in which a normal-sized eyeball moves forward due to space-demanding processes in the orbit or its immediate surroundings, or due to an increase in the size of the eyeball as a result of glaucoma in a dog.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination, the veterinarian notes that the dog has strabismus, an abnormally wide palpebral fissure with protrusion of the eyeball; in some dogs, prolapse of the third eyelid is possible.
Treatment is only surgical.
Tearing common to certain dog breeds
Tearing is normal in some breeds. For example, brachycephalic dogs, long-haired dogs, as well as in breeds with an enlarged palpebral fissure, the secretion of tear fluid will be normal. These breeds require regular care and careful eye treatment. Breeds with this feature include:
- Saint Bernard;
- bloodhound;
- mastiff;
- Shar Pei:
- cocker spaniel;
- bullmastiff;
- bulldog;
- chow-chow;
- Basseta;
- decorative dogs (Yorkshire terrier, Pekingese, etc.).
Bulldogs are prone to lacrimation
Trichiasis
Trichiasis is a condition when hair from a dog's eyelids or muzzle gets into the eye, coming into contact with the conjunctiva and cornea. Trichiasis can be primary or secondary. Primary occurs in dogs with medial inversion of the eyelids and a large nasolabial fold. Trichiasis occurs in the following dog breeds: Pekingese, Pugs, English Bulldogs, English Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, Shar-Peis.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination of a dog, a veterinarian notes lacrimation, hairs in contact with the cornea cause blinking in dogs, constant discharge from the eyes, symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis, inflammation of the skin in the area of the nasolabial fold.
The diagnosis is made based on the detection of hair in contact with the cornea, provided there is no other eye pathology.
Differential diagnosis. Trichiasis is differentiated from keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion and eversion of the eyelids, dystrichiasis, and ectopic eyelashes.
Treatment. Treatment of the disease is surgical. Temporary improvement can be achieved by trimming the hair that gets into the eye.
Dog eye examination
It is necessary to regularly examine your pet, and do not forget to pay attention to the eyes. A large dog can be examined by placing it on the floor, and a small dog can be examined on a table by sitting or laying it down. Carefully, without effort or pressure, use the fingers of your free hand to slightly open the palpebral fissure. This will allow you to examine your dog's eyes for the presence of a foreign body or determine the type of discharge from the eye.
Examination of the organs of vision must be done very carefully so as not to harm the pet.
What you need to know! If the dog does not allow you to approach him or shows aggression, trying to defend himself, then you need to carefully secure the mouth with a wide braid. In this case, a muzzle may make inspection difficult.
A healthy animal is distinguished by clarity, cleanliness, with the absence of excessive eye fluid, as well as the presence of a transparent cornea of the eye. The outer membrane of the eye (the tunica albuginea) is white, without inclusions or bloody stains. If there is a characteristic change in the eye, then this indicates the spread of the pathology.
Regular inspection is carried out in a well-lit place, preferably in the morning and after walking. It is necessary to examine the condition of the eyeball as a whole, the conjunctiva, the absence of redness, swelling, the absence of a foreign body, the normal position of the organs of vision, the reaction of the pupil, the absence of various types of formations.
Every year, take your dog to see an ophthalmologist to examine the condition of the cornea and its internal structure, and to rule out the presence of ophthalmological pathology. If the cornea has changed color, it may be an ulcer or injury. Deformation of visual functions, blepharospasm, lacrimation, and the appearance of a nictitating membrane are symptoms of an ophthalmological disease. Yellowing of the conjunctiva indicates a problem with the liver, possible hepatitis, helminthiasis. Blue discoloration is, in turn, a symptom of intoxication poisoning in a dog.
The dog must be taken to an ophthalmologist annually
For preventive purposes, you can wipe your pet's eyes with a strong tea infusion without additives and chamomile infusion.
Distichnaz
With this disease, single or multiple hairs appear in a row on the free edge of the eyelid, which should be hairless.
These hairs appear in a dog only at the 4-6th month of life and can be either very delicate or quite hard. With this disease, several hairs most often grow from one point. This disease is most often recorded in English and American cocker spaniels, boxers, Tibetan terriers, collies, and Pekingese.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination of a dog, a veterinarian notes profuse lacrimation, constant blinking, blepharospasm, irritating hairs have contact with the cornea of the eye. If a dog has curled eyelashes, keratitis is diagnosed.
The diagnosis of the disease is made based on the above symptoms.
Differential diagnosis. Distichnasis is differentiated from trichiasis, entropion and eversion of the eyelids, allergic conjunctivitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Treatment. It is carried out in veterinary clinics by electrolysis under an operating microscope. Excision of the third eyelid.
Treatment of eye diseases in dogs, medications for eye treatment in a veterinary kit
Treatment of conjunctivitis
When treating conjunctivitis, on the recommendation of a veterinary specialist, the owner can use these drugs:
- antibacterial drops ("Tsiprovet" - 1-2 drops/4 r per day for 1-2 weeks; "Bars" - 1-2 drops/4 r per day; "Anandin" - 2 drops/2 r per day);
- antibacterial ointment (“Conjunctivin” - 2-3 drops/3 times per day for 5-10 days).
Eye drops "Tsiprovet"
Treatment of an injured eye
If an eye injury is detected in a dog, first aid is necessary. When examining the eye and detecting a foreign body (splinter, grass, fragments, pebbles), it is necessary to rinse the eye with an anesthetic (Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride, Benoxy - 1-4 drops), and only then proceed to remove the object. With such an intervention, do not forget about the use of antibacterial drugs.
Before starting treatment, you need to visit a veterinary clinic, only there they will examine the dog and prescribe the correct treatment. The specialist will first prescribe means for washing the eyes from purulent accumulations, and will tell you what materials to use to treat the eyes. The next step is to prescribe eye drops, which are used strictly after washing the eye from pus. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for infectious diseases. Vitamins can also be prescribed to strengthen the immune system. During the treatment period, special socks and a collar may be used to limit access to diseased areas.
What you need to know! Try to strictly adhere to the specialist’s instructions, especially with regard to the dosage of eye drops, since dogs have very developed sensitivity of the visual organs.
It is necessary to instill medications according to the veterinarian's prescription.
In case of eye injury, first aid is provided, so the first aid kit should always have painkillers (1-2% novocaine solution) for disinfection (1% brilliant green solution). The treated surface is covered with a sterile bandage, and the dog is taken to a veterinary clinic.
Treatment of blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis). Usually provoked by careless scratching, a tick bite, or a bruise. Bleeding ulcers at the base of the eyelashes, with the appearance of dried crusts and scales, at the same time there is thickening and redness of the eyelids, loss of eyelashes, severe lacrimation - a manifestation of blepharitis.
The following drugs are used for treatment:
- "Sofradex" (strictly as prescribed by the doctor);
- “Lakrikan” (1-2 drops 2-3 times a day for 8-10 days);
- "Calendula" 10% ointment for external use;
- “Hydrocortisone acetate” (0.2 ml 2-3 times a day).
Video - How to put drops in a dog's eyes
Treatment of inflammation of the conjunctiva
Inflammation of the conjunctiva. It occurs due to a deficiency of various vitamins and minerals in the dog’s body, or the penetration of a foreign body.
The following drugs are used for treatment:
- "Bonkharen" (1-2 drops every 2-12 hours for 5-7 days);
- “Veteritsin gel” (3-4 times a day);
- “Desacid” (2-4 drops 3-4 times a day for 7-10 days);
- “Dekta-2” (2-3 drops 2-3 times a day for 5-10 days);
Eye drops "Desacid"
Treatment of keratitis
Keratitis. Inflammation causes clouding of the cornea of the eye, which, without proper treatment, can lead to perforation of the cornea itself and cause the appearance of ulcers and abscesses. Inflammation of the cornea can be superficially purulent, deeply purulent, superficially vascular, catarrhal, phlyctenulous, punctate, and superficial.
Depending on the type of inflammation, medications are used:
- "Lacrimin" (3-4 drops daily);
- “Forvet” (1 drop 4-5 times a day for 7-30 days);
- "Sofradex" (strictly as prescribed by the doctor).
Video - Prevention and treatment of eyes in dogs
Preventing itchy eyes
To prevent the development of diseases, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
choose high-quality food for your dog;- carry out vaccinations;
- take anthelmintic drugs in accordance with the calendar;
- treat wool from insects;
- protect your pet from contact with homeless relatives;
- limit access to household chemicals.
Lens luxation
Lens luxation (luxation) - the corresponding part of the eye is displaced from the hyaloid fossa. Lens luxation in a dog can be partial or complete.
Cause. Lens luxation in a dog can be due to genetic predisposition, glaucoma, cataracts, and as a result of severe injuries and infectious diseases suffered by the dog. Lens luxation occurs in dogs as a result of rupture of the ligaments of the lens and the ciliary muscle. Terriers are more susceptible to this disease.
Symptoms. During a clinical examination of a dog with a similar pathology, a veterinarian notes a deformation of the pupil, its displacement away from the center or it is swollen, and the shape of the eyeball itself may change. There is a disruption in the movement of fluid in the ocular body.
Treatment. Treatment of lens luxation is carried out in a veterinary clinic through surgical correction. After removal of the lens, an intraocular lens implant is placed. In especially valuable dogs, it is possible to implant the entire eyeball.
Purulent conjunctivitis
Purulent conjunctivitis in a dog develops due to the entry of various pathogenic microorganisms into the conjunctiva. Purulent conjunctivitis is one of the symptoms of carnivore plague......
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination, a veterinarian notes reddening of the conjunctiva, its swelling, and purulent discharge from the eye of a sick dog.
Treatment. With this form of conjunctivitis, a sick dog is treated with eye drops and ointments that contain antibiotics. Tetracycline eye ointment and Ciprovet drops are widely used. Before applying eye drops and eye ointment, it is necessary to clean the affected eyes of exudate.
Diseases of the cornea.
Keratitis is a disease of the cornea of the eye. The most common types of keratitis in dogs are:
- Purulent superficial keratitis.
- Vascular keratitis.
- Purulent deep keratitis.
The causes of keratitis in dogs are varied:
- Mechanical injuries.
- Burn damage to the ocular surface.
- Hypovitaminosis state.
- Infectious diseases (canine distemper, parvovirus enteritis in dogs, infectious hepatitis in dogs).
- Invasive eye diseases (dirofilariasis).
- Diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus).
- Weakening of the immune system.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Allergic reactions.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination of a sick dog, a veterinarian notes in a sick animal:
- Profuse lacrimation from the affected eye.
- Cloudiness of the eye cornea.
- Photophobia.
- Swelling.
- The sclera and conjunctiva are hyperemic.
- Purulent discharge comes from the eye.
- Gray, yellow and white spots appear in the cornea of the eye.
- Redness of the white of the eyes and mucous membranes.
- The ocular membrane is rough.
- The dog blinks frequently.
- Dark smudges appear in the inner corner of the diseased eye.
- The dog becomes nervous, restless or lethargic and depressed, trying to hide from the light, constantly rubbing its eyes with its paws.
If keratitis in a dog is not treated in a timely manner. As the disease begins to progress, inflamed blood vessels grow into the eye cornea, causing it to become lumpy and thickened.
Consequences of keratitis. Keratitis for a dog is fraught with the development of complications such as the development of glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal perforation. Partial or complete loss of vision.
Treatment of keratitis in a dog depends on the cause of the keratitis, as well as on the factors that provoked its development.
Based on this, the clinic’s veterinary specialist prescribes appropriate treatment for the dog. At the same time, in all forms of keratitis, the sick dog’s lacrimal sacs are washed daily with solutions of furatsilin, rivanol, boric acid, which have an antiseptic effect.
Treatment of each type of keratitis is strictly individual. For superficial keratitis, the dog is prescribed chloramphenicol drops or sodium sulfacide, injections of novocaine and hydrocortisone.
For purulent forms of keratitis, the sick dog is treated with antibiotics. Oletterin or erythromycin ointment is applied to the affected eye.
For allergic keratitis, treatment begins with eliminating the effect of the allergen on the body and prescribing a special hypoallergic diet. Antihistamines are used.
In other forms of keratitis, the sick dog is given a course of antibiotic therapy, using broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, vitamins, eye drops and antiseptic solutions to wash the sore eye.
With advanced keratitis, it is necessary to resort to tissue therapy. To resolve scars on the eye cornea, lidase and yellow mercury ointment are used. Sometimes in a clinical setting it is necessary to resort to surgical treatment by performing superficial keratectomy.
Dog owners should know. That the treatment of keratitis in a dog is long and takes 1-2 months.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the disease and determine its severity, an ophthalmological examination is performed. This examination usually includes a Schirmer tear test and other tests of substances secreted by the eye glands. These tests help detect the presence of bacterial infections, fungi and mites. To determine what treatment your dog needs, tests are sent to a diagnostic laboratory.
If the veterinarian suspects an allergy, further tests are performed to identify an allergic reaction.
If a tumor is suspected, fragments of it are taken for biopsy to understand the nature of the tumor and determine the appropriate way to treat it.
If obvious causes of inflammation of the eyelids cannot be found, it is recommended to do a blood test to look for signs of general diseases of the body.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis in dogs occurs as a result of contact with the mucous membrane of the eye of one or another allergen (contact allergy). The allergen can be pollen from flowering plants, dust, etc.
Allergic conjunctivitis in dogs In recent years, allergies to certain food products (food allergy) have often been recorded.
Clinical picture. During a clinical examination, a veterinarian notes in such a dog redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes, mucous discharge from the palpebral fissure. As a result of itching, the dog rubs its paw on the affected eye.
Treatment. If contact dermatitis occurs, it is necessary to rinse the eye affected by inflammation with saline solution or chamomile decoction.
In case of food allergies, it is necessary to exclude the allergic product from the dog’s diet and transfer the dog to a hypoallergenic diet (buckwheat, rice, beef).
The sick dog is prescribed antihistamines (cetirizine, diazolin, suprastin, diphenhydramine, tavegil), and Diamond Eyes eye drops are instilled into the conjunctival sac.
