Causes of Dog Keratitis: Understanding Eye Inflammation

When a dog's cornea becomes inflamed, it can lead to the appearance of a white, filmy mass over the eye, which might resemble cataracts to the untrained eye. Many pet owners may confuse these conditions, leading to undue worry. Typically, with proper treatment, keratitis can heal rather quickly.

Understanding the Condition

1. Dogs with keratitis often exhibit red, swollen conjunctivae, sensitivity to light, and an increased tear production.

2. The cornea may become cloudy, with white substances forming, giving the eye a cloudy, filmy appearance.

3. Generally, keratitis is caused by trauma, and its severity can vary. Mild cases may show a faint white coloration in the cornea, while severe cases can result in a thicker, more opaque cornea. If left untreated, it can potentially lead to blindness in the affected eye.

Treatment Options

1. For less severe cases, administering chloramphenicol eye drops or applying tetracyclinecortisone ointment several times a day can be effective. Typically, this would be around four times daily.

2. In more severe cases, daily flushing of the dog's eye with saline solution can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Following this, a mixture of penicillin (10,000 to 20,000 units) or gentamicin sulfate (20,000 to 30,000 units) can be added to a 0.3% procaine solution, mixed with dexamethasone injection, or injected subconjunctivally. However, for those without experience, this procedure can be quite challenging. In such cases, it's best to consult a veterinarian for professional treatment.

Care and Comfort

During the healing process, it's advisable to fit your dog with an Elizabethan collar. Eye inflammation can cause discomfort, and dogs may instinctively scratch at their eyes, which can lead to further infection and worsen the condition. Ensuring they wear the collar and continue with medication is crucial.

Practical Tips for Care

1. Regularly trim your dog's nails to prevent accidental scratching that could worsen the eye condition.

2. Always ensure that protective gear is worn to prevent further injury.

3. Treatment may take time to show results, so patience is key. Do not discontinue medication prematurely and continue to administer the prescribed treatment.

4. In cases of severe keratitis, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly and not to delay treatment.

Additional Information

For more articles on dog eye health, you can click on "How to Tell If Your Dog's Eyes Are Having Problems" for further insights.