Bulldogs often have a chronic dry eye condition that makes them susceptible to eye infections. Your veterinarian may prescribe Clavamox, a broad antibiotic, if the infection is determined to be bacterial.
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Risk Factors
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Bulldogs have three sets of eyelids, and extra folds of skin on their face that make their eyes more sensitive than other breeds of dogs. Your bulldog may also suffer from a chronic dry eye condition caused by inadequate tear production. When outside irritants, such as dirt and debris, enter your dog's eyes, tears are needed to cleanse the eyes. Without adequate tears, these irritants can cause an eye infection.
Symptoms of Infection
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Signs of infection include thick green or yellow tears, green or yellow discharge around the edges of the eyes, increased redness or swelling. Your bulldog's behavior may also be more irritable than usual, and he may rub his eyes or squint. If you notice these signs, take your bulldog to a veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosis
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Take your bulldog to your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has an eye infection. Only a vet can determine the cause of your pet's eye problems. The sooner your bulldog is seen by a doctor, the more likely the treatment will be effective.
If the veterinarian determines that your bulldog has a bacterial eye infection, called conjunctivitis, she may prescribe Clavamox.
Treatment
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If your veterinarian diagnoses your bulldog with a bacterial eye infection, she may prescribe Clavamox, a broad-spectrum antibiotic for dogs. Chemically, Clavamox is made up of amoxicillin and clavulanate. Amoxicillin is a broad antibiotic used to kill the bacteria that cause infections, and clavulanate is an inhibitor of an enzyme produced by some bacteria that can render amoxicillin inactive. Clavamox is usually prescribed with an additional antibiotic eye drop. Ask your veterinarian what the right course of treatment is for your bulldog. She may also recommend eye scrubs or an over-the-counter saline solution to help your bulldog produce more tears.
Considerations
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If the veterinarian diagnoses your bulldog with an eye problem that is not caused by bacteria, such as cherry eye, he will prescribe a course of treatment other than Clavamox.
Tell your veterinarian if your bulldog has repeated eye infections, because this could be a sign of an underlying illness that encourages bacterial outbreaks.
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