Dog Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Causes of Canine Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in dogs can arise from a variety of factors, including mechanical injuries, eyelid trauma, conjunctival lacerations, irritation from foreign objects in the eye, eyelashes that grow inward (trichiasis), or foreign bodies trapped in or adhering to the conjunctiva. Other causes include accidental exposure to刺激性 chemical disinfectants or bath solutions, and secondary infections due to contagious factors such as canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, and dacryocystitis.

Symptoms of Canine Conjunctivitis

Acute conjunctivitis is characterized by conjunctival congestion, primarily in the palpebral and fornix regions. If the inflammation spreads to the bulbar conjunctiva, it can lead to a more intense reaction, with minimal mucopurulent or pseudomembranous discharge, swelling, pain, and a narrowed or closed eyelid gap.

Chronic conjunctivitis presents with the formation of papillae and follicles on the surface, with less swelling and a lack of luster.

Dry keratoconjunctivitis is caused by a reduction in tear production, leading to eyelid spasms.

Suppurative conjunctivitis is marked by eyelid skin eczema and itching, and can lead to corneal opacity if left untreated for a prolonged period.

Treatment for Canine Conjunctivitis

Initial treatment involves washing the eyes with 0.9% saline solution, followed by rinsing with a 2% to 3% boric acid solution or a 1/5,000 to 1/10,000 potassium permanganate solution, twice or thrice daily.

For viral infections, ganciclovir eye drops are used, administered twice or thrice daily. For bacterial infections, neomycin eye drops are recommended, also twice or thrice daily. In cases of mixed viral and bacterial infections, alternating use of ganciclovir and neomycin eye drops is advised, twice or thrice daily. For mycoplasma or chlamydia infections, oral roxithromycin is prescribed. Fungal infections are treated with oral griseofulvin.

In cases of conjunctivitis caused by physical and chemical irritants, the first step is to remove the causative agent. For those without corneal damage, a 0.05% fluorometholone ointment can be applied to the conjunctival sac, once to three times daily. If acidic or alkaline solutions enter the eye, a thorough wash for 5 to 10 minutes is necessary.

For allergic conjunctivitis, the first step is to eliminate the allergen, followed by the use of hydrocortisone eye drops, administered three to four times daily. For stubborn suppurative conjunctivitis, a 1% iodine tincture ointment can be applied, and a mixture of 0.25% to 0.5% procaine hydrochloride, 200,000 IU of penicillin G sodium, and 0.5 mL of dexamethasone injection can be injected subconjunctivally or intravitreally, once daily. Alternatively, 2% lidocaine mixed with penicillin or gentamicin can be used for eye drops.