Eye infections in dogs are a common ailment, especially in breeds with excess facial hair. Regular inspections and grooming of a dog will make the owner aware of changes to the eye area. Dogs are known for displaying mannerisms as a sign a problem exists, which includes pawing at the face and eyes if an infection is present.
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Eye Infections
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Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection seen in dogs. This infection is similar to the variety in humans where an inflammation of the eyelid membrane causes a pink eye with discharge. Dry eye, called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition where a dog does not produce an adequate amount of tears. The result is sores or ulcers in the eye or a chronic infection. Uveitis is an infection in dogs affecting the interior eye area. A dog will have eye redness, light sensitivity, pain and possibly blurred vision. When not treated, uveitis will cause blindness.
Causes
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Pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria entering the eye caused by dust, allergies, or an anatomical problem with the eye. Dry eye is commonly a hereditary problem in some dogs, with no exact causes known. Uveitis is an infectious disease possibly caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The media causing the infection is not always known.
Medical Treatment
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Pink eye is treated with a prescription eye drop prescribed by a veterinarian to eliminate the symptoms. The cause of the infection must also be treated, so additional antibiotics may be prescribed for allergies. A dog with dry eye is treated with a long-term regiment of artificial tear medication to stimulate tears or mimic natural tears when no tears are created. Uveitis is treated with a steroid eye drop prescribed by a veterinarian. Some cases may also require a prescription of prednisone. During treatment for eye infections, always monitor the progress to prevent complications, including blindness. Schedule a follow up appointment with a veterinarian to see if the dog is responding to the treatment.
Home Treatment
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Some cases of pink eye are treated at home and involve washing the eye area several times a day. While water works, an eye scrub purchased from a pet supply store is preferred. Artificial tearing products assist the dog in shedding tears to wash away particles causing the infection.
Prevention
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Proper grooming helps alleviate eye irritations which cause infections. Brush or trim excess hair away from the eyes. The best prevention is keeping your dog away from dogs that show symptoms of an eye infection as some types are contagious.
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