![]() |
|||||||||||||
How To Recognize Conjunctivitis In DogsWhile conjunctivitis in dogs is generally an easily treated minor condition, the symptoms can also be signs of more serious dog eye problems. ![]() What is Conjunctivitis In Dogs?Canine conjunctivitis or pink eye is a very common eye problem in dogs. Basically it is irritation or inflammation affecting the mucus membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and white part of the eyeball - extending to the cornea.This membrane is important in protecting the eye from microbes as well as providing a portion of the moisture needed for eye health. Conjunctivitis is a sign that something is interfering with the functioning of this membrane. Sometimes the interference may extend to the white of the eye, producing a condition termed "pink eye". Symptoms of Conjunctivitis In PetsOne of the first symptoms a pet owner will notice is that his dog is rubbing his paw against the affected eye or eyes - an indication that the dog is experiencing some irritation. If this symptom escalates, the condition affecting the eyes is more significant, making them either itchy, dry, and/or painful.Other signs to look for:
Treatment of Dog ConjunctivitisFinding the underlying cause of conjunctivitis is the first step in determining the appropriate treatment. Some aspects of this condition can be handled at home, but beware....There are some serious eye problems that have symptoms similar to those seen in conjunctivitis. One is Keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea. If a dog's eyes are red and teary with accompanying blinking or squinting and he favors keeping his eye shut, he could have this condition which can very quickly lead to ulceration of the cornea - and even loss of sight. Scratches or embedded objects involving the cornea can also lead to this condition, as can untreated dry eye. What's important to remember is there's no time to waste. Immediate attention of a veterinarian is needed if these signs are present. Two eye conditions that may be similarly indicated, are glaucoma and uveitis. Hopefully, if your dog is affected by conjunctivitis, it turns out to be one of the milder types such as those caused by environmental allergies where the eye tissue looks a bit red and has a clear watery discharge. If your dog is frequently rubbing at his eye, attaching an e-collar is a good idea for the sake of eye protection. It's also helpful during treatment. The first line of defense in this case, is frequent flushing of the eye throughout the day with a natural eye wash. Also, if any discharge has crusted around the rim of the eye, take a cloth soaked in warm water and gently compress it to the area to for a few minutes to loosen the material so that you can wipe it away. If the eyes continue to discharge, it may be an infection requiring a vet's diagnosis. When you can see that a foreign object is embedded in the cornea, do not try to remove it. While eye flushings may be able to release the object, since the cornea is critical to vision, the wisest course of action is to take your dog to the vet for expert removal. When treating follicular conjunctivitis, your vet may recommend antibiotic ointments if an infection has been identified as the root cause. The same is true for other types of conjunctivitis that have escalated into bacterial conditions. Causes of Conjunctivitis
Prevention of Canine ConjunctivitisUsually the best form of prevention has its roots in hygeine and sound nutrition - (much the same advice given by your dentist to protect your teeth!).That being said, the preventative steps include:
The advantage of having a preventative plan in place is that eye problems will be identified and treated promptly, ensuring the best chance of a successful outcome. Other Health Related Pages Your Support Is Valued.
If you enjoy this site or page, please consider using the Box below to Share or Tweet about it. The doggies thank you! TOP Of Page - Conjunctivitis In Dogs Back To Dog Eye Problems |
|
||||||||||||
![]() Highly Recommended Pet Reference Book Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright for Dogs   |
|||||||||||||
Home | Site Map | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | Advertising/Disclaimer
© 2004-2020 dog-spoiling-made-easy.com |