Symptoms & Treatments for Dog Conjunctivitis: Quick Gui

Understanding Why Dogs Develop Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in dogs can arise from a variety of causes. Common triggers include mechanical injuries, eyelid trauma, and conjunctival wounds. Other factors may involve foreign bodies irritating the eye, eyelashes turning inward (trichiasis), or substances like foreign particles becoming trapped in the conjunctival sac or adhering to the conjunctiva. Chemical irritants, such as disinfectants and bath solutions, can also accidentally enter the eye. Additionally, infectious agents like canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, and dacryocystitis can lead to secondary conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Acute Conjunctivitis: This is characterized by redness of the conjunctiva, particularly in the palpebral and fornix regions. If the inflammation spreads to the bulbar conjunctiva, it can result in a strong reaction, with minimal amounts of serous, purulent, or pseudomembranous discharge. The conjunctiva may swell, causing pain, and the eyelids may become narrow or even sealed shut.

Chronic Conjunctivitis: This form is marked by the formation of papillae and follicles on the surface, with less swelling and a lack of luster.

Dry Bulbar Conjunctivitis: Caused by reduced tear production, it presents with eyelid spasms.

Suppurative Conjunctivitis: This type is accompanied by eczema on the eyelid skin and itching. It can lead to corneal opacity if left untreated for a prolonged period.

Treatment Options:

1. Begin with a gentle rinse of the eyes using 0.9% saline solution, followed by a 2% to 3% boric acid solution or a 1/5000 to 1/10000 potassium permanganate solution, twice to thrice daily.

2. For viral infections, use ganciclovir eye drops twice to thrice daily. For bacterial infections, opt for neomycin eye drops. In cases of mixed viral and bacterial infections, alternate between ganciclovir and neomycin eye drops. For mycoplasma and chlamydia infections, oral roxithromycin is recommended. For fungal infections, oral griseofulvin is the treatment of choice.

3. For conjunctivitis caused by physical irritants, first remove the irritant. If the cornea is not damaged, apply 0.05% fluorometholone ointment to the conjunctival sac once to thrice daily. For eyes exposed to acidic or alkaline substances, a thorough rinse for 5 to 10 minutes is necessary.

4. In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, identify and remove the allergen, then use hydrocortisone eye drops three to four times daily.

5. For persistent suppurative conjunctivitis, apply 1% iodine tincture ointment. Additionally, a mixture of 0.25% to 0.5% procaine hydrochloride 0.5 mL, 200,000 IU of penicillin G sodium, and 0.5 mL of dexamethasone injection can be administered subconjunctivally or intravitreally once daily. Alternatively, 2% lidocaine mixed with penicillin or gentamicin can be used for eye drops.