Dog Keratitis Symptoms & Treatment Methods

Section 1: Causes of Canine Keratitis

Canine keratitis is commonly triggered by trauma or injury to the dog's eyes, which is the most frequent cause. It can also occur during infections of certain contagious diseases or other health issues.

Section 2: Symptoms of Canine Keratitis

1. Traumatic Keratitis: This type is characterized by superficial corneal injuries, with the corneal epithelium showing signs of damage, resulting in an uneven and rough surface.

2. Superficial Keratitis: The corneal surface appears rough, and the eyes may seem cloudy, with areas that are translucent showing shades of light blue or gray.

3. Deep Keratitis: Inflammation affects the deeper layers of the eye, causing pain upon palpation. The eyes may appear dark and milky, with a network of blood vessels that resemble a broom, slightly tinged with purple.

4. Purulent Keratitis: This condition is marked by severe pain upon palpation and the presence of puslike discharge from the eye. In severe cases, it can lead to retinal perforation and purulent uveitis.

Section 3: Treatment for Canine Keratitis

1. Inflammation Control: Begin by washing the affected eye with a 3% boric acid solution (or sterile saline) to remove any discharge. Then, apply an antibiotic eye drop or ointment to the conjunctival sac to prevent adhesion of the iris. Administer these twice daily, and consider using 0.5%1% atropine eye drops.

2. Additional Medications: Consider using 0.25% chloramphenicol, 0.51% gentamicin, 0.51% neomycin, or 0.5% tetracycline, applied one to two times daily to effectively prevent corneal infections. Highconcentration eye drops, such as 40,000 units/mL penicillin, 5% gentamicin, 40,000 units/mL polymyxin, and one drop every half hour, can also be used. Alternatively, antibiotic ointments can be applied.

3. Alleviating Cloudiness: To reduce corneal opacity, control neovascularization, and promote corneal absorption, apply a mixture of equal parts of mercuric chloride and sugar powder once daily. Alternatively, use 0.5% hydrocortisone acetate eye drops to stimulate the dog's eyelids and eyes.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on canine keratitis, click on "Symptoms and Treatment of Canine Keratitis" to read more articles.