2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Such a disease as conjunctivitis can also occur in a pet. In dogs, it is chronic. In an animal, the ocular connective membrane becomes inflamed. Treating conjunctivitis in a dog is a lengthy process. This disease can lead to loss of vision. But if you pay attention to it in time and start treatment, then there is a high probability that the dog owner will be able to save his pet from this disease for a long time.
Why does the disease appear?
Conjunctivitis can occur for several reasons. Usually this is due to some external influence on the eye membrane. Insects can also damage the eye.
Getting wool in the eyes can cause conjunctivitis. Various microorganisms can damage the transparent shell. Acrid smoke and gases can cause inflammation of the eye. The animal can grow eyelashes into the eye shell. Allergies can also cause conjunctivitis in an animal. If allergic conjunctivitis is present in dogs, treatment will be to rule out the source. Sand, grass or other plants that get into the eye can provoke the onset of the disease. Viruses, fungi and infections contribute to inflammation of the transparent membrane of the eye.
In addition to the above causes of conjunctivitis, this ailment can occur as a result of other already existing diseases - such as distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus infections.
There are breeds of dogs that, due to their physiology, are at risk for developing conjunctivitis. These species include Pekingese and French Bulldogs. The reason that they are more susceptible to this disease is the shape of the eyes. Namely, that they are located protruding. Therefore, dogs can easily injure the eye and damage its membrane, which, in turn, will lead to conjunctivitis.
How to tell if a dog has eye problems?
First of all, it should be noted that there are different types of disease. Treatment for conjunctivitis in a dog depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Happens:
- Follicular conjunctivitis.
- Catarrhal.
- Purulent conjunctivitis.
These manifestations of the disease have different signs and symptoms. Therefore, in order to identify one or another type, it is necessary to know the characteristics of each and how they proceed.
Canine Follicular Conjunctivitis
Treatment of this disease can be done at home. This conjunctivitis forms on the inner wall of the third eyelid, whichbecomes dark red. The inflammation of the transparent membrane of the eye begins.
Catarrhal conjunctivitis
It flows in an acute form. The dog's eye is watery and flowing. Usually such a disease becomes chronic.
Purulent conjunctivitis
How does purulent conjunctivitis manifest in dogs? Treatment of the disease should take into account the characteristics of its course. The main symptom of this type of conjunctivitis is the depressed or depressed state of the animal. The eye swells, reddens, and pus appears. At first, the discharge has a liquid structure, and then becomes thick.
Conjunctivitis in dogs. Symptoms and treatment at home
Many dog owners are wondering if there is anything they can do on their own? What can be done to treat conjunctivitis in a dog at home? For example, wipe the dog's eyes with a sterile cotton swab dipped in boiled water. This action should be done at the first symptoms of conjunctivitis. Namely, if the owner of the dog noticed that the pet's eyes were watering.
In order to continue the treatment of conjunctivitis in a dog, it is necessary to exclude factors that can aggravate the condition of the animal. Namely, you should not load the pet physically, you need to look so that no dirt gets into your eyes. Therefore, it is better to refuse walks in windy weather. You should know that conjunctivitis is a contagious disease. Therefore, it is better to avoid contact of the animal with other dogs.
Which drugs shoulduse to treat conjunctivitis?
It is better to consult a veterinarian if an illness occurs, so that he can examine and prescribe treatment. If conjunctivitis has an acute form of the course, then the veterinarian will prescribe drops with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory action. Also, the doctor will prescribe special ointments. The following drops are usually prescribed:
- "Sulfacyl sodium". These drops come in different concentrations from 10 to 30 percent.
- "Levomycetin".
- Kanamycin.
- Sofradex.
Also, in the treatment of conjunctivitis, ointments are prescribed, such as:
- Tetracycline.
- Chlortetracycline.
- "Etazol".
- "Sulfacyl-sodium".
If the dog has large swelling, then special mixtures are used to alleviate the condition of the pet.
If you doubt your own ability to treat conjunctivitis or the assistance provided does not lead to positive results, then you need to contact a veterinary clinic so that professional assistance is provided to the animal.
Folk methods
What to do if a dog has conjunctivitis? Treatment with folk remedies at home will help.
If the animal was in high danger, then it is necessary to make a thorough examination of the eyes and wipe them with boiled water. You should know that it is necessary to wipe both, even if one is affected. This is done for prevention, since conjunctivitis tends to move to the second eye.
In addition to boiled water, it is recommended to use a solution of boric acid with a concentration of 2% to wipe the eyes. Rubbing the eyes should be done several times a day, namely 2 or 3 times. In no case should you increase the concentration of the solution in the treatment of such an ailment as conjunctivitis in dogs.
Treatment at home allows, in addition to boric acid, to wipe the dog's eyes with tea. It is necessary to brew black, you can also use bags. When washing the eyes, clots and mucus that form in the eyes should be removed. If necessary, it should be washed several times. Also, using a cotton swab, you need to remove dried formations on the skin around the dog's eyes. Wipe the eye of the animal should be from the outer to the inner edge. If it is necessary to wash the eye several times, then you need to take a new swab each time. You should be especially careful when wiping the second, uninfected. All security measures must be taken to prevent infection. It is better if the animal at the time of exacerbation of the disease will be in a darkened room. It is also recommended to ensure that the pet does not scratch the eyes.
Prevention of conjunctivitis
It should be said that it is always better to prevent a disease than to cure it. Particular attention in preventive measures should be given to dog breeds that are at risk and, due to the shape of the eye, can easily injure it. But in the restcases, you should also properly care for your eyes. The owner of the dog should regularly examine the eyes of the animal. If any signs of conjunctivitis appear, you should see a veterinarian in order to take measures to treat this ailment.
A person needs to monitor the growth of a dog's eyelashes. This must be done in order to remove in time those that can grow into the shell of the eye, since ingrown ones cause conjunctivitis.
If the dog has long hair and there is a possibility that it will get into the eyes, then you should cut it in the area around the eyes. This measure will protect the eyes from falling into the villi.
Don't let your dog stick its head out of the car window while driving. Such behavior of the animal can lead not only to the occurrence of conjunctivitis, but also to the appearance of otitis media. And there is also the possibility of injury during the trip.
It's best to avoid situations where the dog makes his way through the bushes or frolicking in the sand.
As a preventive measure, it is necessary to wipe the dog's eyes after walking or in the evening. It is also important to see a veterinarian in order for him to examine the animal and identify any ailments at an early stage, since neglected forms are always more difficult to treat.
Small conclusion
Now you know how conjunctivitis manifests itself in dogs. We also wrote what should be done to protect your pet from such an ailment.
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