Dealing with Red, Swollen Dog Eyes and Pus in Eye Disch
When a puppy's eyes become red and swollen, making it difficult for them to open, and accompanied by a gooey discharge known as "eye boogers," these are typically signs of an eye infection or another health issue. As a pet owner, it's crucial to act promptly to prevent severe inflammation from leading to vision loss, blindness, or even more serious complications. Understanding how to address this situation is essential for the wellbeing of your furry friend.
This article aims to provide you with some basic guidance and suggestions to help you manage this emergency effectively.
What are the common causes of a puppy's red, swollen eyes with puslike discharge?
▷ Bacterial or Viral Infection: This is one of the primary reasons behind a puppy's inflamed eyes and the production of puslike discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is a typical example, characterized by redness, excessive tearing, increased discharge, and difficulty opening the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis may be associated with canine distemper, canine cough, infectious hepatitis, influenza virus, and other infectious diseases, often accompanied by additional symptoms like respiratory infections, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
▷ Trauma and Infection: Puppies may accidentally bump or scratch their eyes while playing, and if not treated promptly, these injuries can lead to infections and the development of puslike discharge.
▷ Third Eyelid Hypertrophy: Also known as "cherry eye," this condition involves the prolapse or growth of the third eyelid, which is often related to excessive glandular secretion or eye infections. Breeds like the Bulldog and Shih Tzu are more prone to this condition due to genetic factors. Noninflammatory hypertrophy usually requires surgical intervention.
How to deal with a puppy's red, swollen eyes with puslike discharge?
✔ Firstly, gently wash your puppy's eyes with sterile saline solution or a petspecific eye wash to thoroughly clear away the puslike discharge and any foreign objects that may be present. This critical step is essential throughout the treatment process, as it not only prevents the buildup of discharge that can lead to bacterial growth but also alleviates eye discomfort and promotes your puppy's natural healing process.
✔ Secondly, based on the symptoms, you can administer antibiotic eye drops such as Baytril (sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim ophthalmic solution), chloramphenicol, tobramycin, or levofloxacin. These medications help control the infection.
✔ Keep your puppy's living environment clean, and avoid exposing them to bright lights, dust, and foreign objects that can irritate the eyes. Additionally, use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your puppy from touching their eyes with their paws or other objects, which could worsen the infection.
✔ Monitor for other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, fever, and lethargy. These may indicate that your puppy has contracted a contagious disease like canine distemper or canine cough, and immediate veterinary attention is required.
If the above steps do not improve your puppy's condition or if it worsens, it is advisable to take your puppy to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and treatment. The vet may perform an eye exam, tear test, and fluorescence staining to check for corneal damage. In some cases, the vet may also collect samples for laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
