Mary Allen
Conjunctivitis, known in professional circles as “conjunctivitis”, is a mostly harmless inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. However, there can also be more serious reasons behind the symptoms that occur.
Here you can find out exactly what conjunctivitis is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.
Conjunctivitis – when the eye hurts and itches
A dog’s eye consists of 3 so-called “eyelids”. These protect the eyes. There is an upper and a lower eyelid and the so-called nictitating membrane. The conjunctiva is basically the inner part of the eyelids, which is covered with a mucous membrane. If this conjunctiva is irritated, it can become inflamed – conjunctivitis occurs.
Puppy conjunctivitis: but which factors favor conjunctivitis?
Some breeds are prone to conjunctival inflammation due to inbred “defects”. Especially in smaller breeds with large “googly eyes” there is a risk that the conjunctiva will become inflamed if the eyelid is too narrow or too large.
In other breeds, hair may grow on the edges of the eyelids, which then leads to irritation. However, drafts, foreign bodies or pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi) can also lead to such an inflammation of the eye. Sometimes an allergy (e.g. to grass or pollen) can also trigger conjunctivitis.
There are even rare cases of parasites that cause inflammation. A special form of conjunctivitis is the so-called “conjunctivitis follicularis”, in which tiny lymph nodes are located on the back of the nictitating membrane and permanently irritate the conjunctiva, thus triggering an inflammation. Also, a special form is the so-called “Keratonjunktivitis sicca (KCS)”. The eye dries out because the lacrimal glands do not produce enough fluid.
Conjunctivitis in dogs: and what are the symptoms?
Conjunctivitis is usually recognized by a red eye, discharge, and/or swelling. Later, the dried secretion closes the eye so that the dog can no longer open it on its own. The dogs are usually also sensitive to pain and squint their eyes tightly.
However, if e.g. the herpes virus is to blame for the inflammation, the typical blisters form, which can also weep later. In the case of nictitating skin, on the other hand, the third eyelid is covered by small bumps. In all 3 cases, the inflammation is usually accompanied by itching.
How is the diagnosis made?
First of all, it must be clarified what the trigger is. There is usually no getting around the way to the vet. Although you can initially try to soothe the eye with “eyebright” from the pharmacy, you should not delay treatment by the vet for too long. The more advanced the inflammation is, the more difficult it may be to treat.
If you have now gone to the vet, he will first look at the eye and use a special piece of paper to test whether the tear fluid production is normal. Then he will rule out that it is a foreign body. An examination for any damage to the cornea is carried out using a fluorescent liquid.
This is deposited in the cracks in the cornea and can thus make visible whether there is a defect. If this is not confirmed either, a swab can be taken to determine any viruses, bacteria, or fungi that may be present. The tear-nasal canal can also be examined. If this is clogged, it must be flushed.
How is conjunctivitis treated?
The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the trigger. If the irritation is only slight, “eyebright” can be used to remedy the situation. Irritations caused by dust, drafts, or foreign bodies can usually be treated well with anti-inflammatory eye ointments or drops. In the case of a bacterial infection, an antibiotic ointment is usually used. If fungi are the cause of the inflammation, the vet will prescribe an antifungal. If parasites are the villains, antiparasitic will be used.
And the prognosis?
Conjunctivitis usually heals without any problems. If it is recognized and treated quickly and the cause is not too great an injury to the cornea, for example, nothing will be visible after a few days. However, if the first symptoms are ignored for too long and the conjunctivitis is not treated, the inflammation can spread to other parts of the eye, causing consequential damage and, in the worst case, even blindness. So you should not ignore itchy eyes and redness. Especially since anyone who has ever had conjunctivitis knows how painful and annoying this condition can be.
Pink eye in dogs – FAQs
Conjunctivitis in dogs: causes. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases in dogs. It is an inflammation of the eyelid conjunctiva, i.e. the mucous membranes that cover the inside of the eyelids and part of the eyeball.
What drops for conjunctivitis in dogs?
The veterinarian must always decide which medications are used for conjunctivitis in your dog. It is often recommended to use eyebright drops (Euphrasia) or a wound and healing ointment suitable for the eye area at the first sign.
Can conjunctivitis in dogs heal on its own?
In uncomplicated cases, conjunctivitis in dogs usually heals without consequences if it is treated properly. However, if left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to various complications. In the worst case, the damage to the eye can progress to blindness.
How long does conjunctivitis last in a dog?
The duration of conjunctivitis in dogs varies accordingly. It can be cured after a few days without complications, but it can also take weeks, especially in the case of serious infections.
Is conjunctivitis in dogs contagious?
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses is contagious. Therefore, direct contact with other dogs or cats should be avoided.
Is conjunctivitis dangerous in dogs?
In the narrower sense, conjunctivitis in dogs is certainly not dangerous. However, the disease is sometimes accompanied by considerable pain and other symptoms, which are of course stressful for your dog.
Can a dog die from conjunctivitis?
If your four-legged friend has conjunctivitis, you should always go to the vet. As already mentioned, conjunctivitis can become chronic if it is not treated in good time and can even lead to blindness if left untreated in the long term.
What can you do against conjunctivitis home remedies?
A warm compress, for example, will help clear mucus from the eye and reduce symptoms like itchy eyes: Dampen a washcloth with warm water, wring it out so it doesn’t drip, and place it over your closed eyes.
How long does conjunctivitis last?
In most cases, conjunctivitis is harmless and heals within one to two weeks. However, conjunctivitis can also become chronic. One speaks of chronic conjunctivitis if it lasts longer than four weeks.