Canine Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the pink tissue that lines the upper and lower eyelids, the third eyelid and the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis in dogs is allergic conjunctivitis. A wide variety of allergens may be a trigger: environmental, inhaled, contact or food. Infectious causes of conjunctivitis are more common in humans and cats and are rarely seen in dogs.
What are the clinical signs of conjunctivitis?
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing conjunctivitis is usually done by careful examination of the eye with magnification. It is important to rule out other conditions that cause red eyes like dry eye, entropion, corneal ulceration, uveitis and glaucoma.
Medical management
Cleaning the eyes:
It is vital that your dog’s eyes remain free from mucky discharge. Always clean your pet’s eye after you come home from a walk to ensure no debris remains in contact with the conjunctiva.
You can also use calendula tea to bathe the eyes, patients have found it quite soothing - read more
Complications of conjunctivitis
Dry eye – keratoconjunctivitis sicca - reduction in tears and drying of all of the surfaces of the eye
Corneal damage – scarring and blood vessel reaction due to inflammation that spreads onto the corneal surface
Entropion – where the eyelids roll in onto the cornea.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the pink tissue that lines the upper and lower eyelids, the third eyelid and the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis in dogs is allergic conjunctivitis. A wide variety of allergens may be a trigger: environmental, inhaled, contact or food. Infectious causes of conjunctivitis are more common in humans and cats and are rarely seen in dogs.
What are the clinical signs of conjunctivitis?
- Red eye – varies from mild to severe
- Watery to mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eyes
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing conjunctivitis is usually done by careful examination of the eye with magnification. It is important to rule out other conditions that cause red eyes like dry eye, entropion, corneal ulceration, uveitis and glaucoma.
Medical management
- Topical steroids and topical antihistamines
- Oral steroids (cortisone tablets) and oral antihistamines
Cleaning the eyes:
It is vital that your dog’s eyes remain free from mucky discharge. Always clean your pet’s eye after you come home from a walk to ensure no debris remains in contact with the conjunctiva.
You can also use calendula tea to bathe the eyes, patients have found it quite soothing - read more
Complications of conjunctivitis
Dry eye – keratoconjunctivitis sicca - reduction in tears and drying of all of the surfaces of the eye
Corneal damage – scarring and blood vessel reaction due to inflammation that spreads onto the corneal surface
Entropion – where the eyelids roll in onto the cornea.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
