Canine Eye Infections

"Canine eye infection and in surrounding structures are common and usually involve the conjunctiva, leading to conjunctivitis. Causes of infections include various bacteria, viruses like the Herpes virus, foreign material or irritants in the eye and even Lyme disease. Treatment is either topical via drops or ointment, prescription or homeopathic. "

Canine eye infections have several causes. If your dog’s eyes appear red or inflamed, if she/he has unusual drainage from her eyes (some moisture in the eyes is normal and healthy; you will know what is normal for your pet), or if she seems to be having trouble seeing or to be especially sensitive to the light, see your vet for a diagnosis.

Eye infections may become chronic if not treated and can cause permanent damage if neglected.

If you suspect allergies or something in the environment are the cause, you can try an over the counter saline solution as an eye wash. If you see no improvement after 2 days then see your vet.

Canine Conjunctivitis

Canine conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection. It is an inflammation of the membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye also called the mucous membranes of the eye. It often just affects one eye, although it can affect both. The eye becomes red and inflamed. There may be clear or mucous discharge from the eye. It is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Less often, it may be caused by parasites or by allergies.

A common primary cause of canine conjunctivitis is chronic irritation and/or exposure resulting from anatomical problems of the lids (entropion, ectropion) or eyelashes. Irritation may also result from nasal folds and exposure in brachycephalic breeds, as well as exposure to chemicals, wind and dust.

Canine conjunctivitis does not cause a change in vision. Pain is not associated with the disease and redness is moderate to minor. A common primary cause of canine conjunctivitis is chronic irritation or exposure resulting from the incorrect way the eyelids or eyelashes functioning. Redness may also be caused by nasal problems and exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals, wind or dust.

Dog eye infection
Superficial infection mucocutaneous on the eye of a dog
Source: George Washington University

Blindness in Dogs

There are several conditions that can cause blindness in dogs. Blindness is difficult to detect since dogs are capable of seeing out of one eye and compensate for impaired vision by memorizing their surroundings. It is also possible for dogs to suffer night blindness and see with no problem during the day. Common causes of blindness include retinal detachment or inflammation in the eye due to an infectious disease such as distemper.

Color Blindness in Dogs
Dogs naturally see fewer colors than humans. Color blindness in dogs includes the colors red, orange or green. Dogs have not problem seeing the colors yellow, blue and violet.

Treatment for Dog Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is usually treated with medicated (antibiotic) eye drops. These are administered several times a day. In addition, the cause of the conjunctivitis must be treated. This may mean oral antibiotics will be prescribed, or allergy medication given.

An approach you can try at home is to clean the discharge from your dog's eyelids. Wet a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball with lukewarm water, squeeze it out and gently wipe away the discharge from around each eye that is affected. Repeat twice a day or as often as needed.

For added relief try applying a compress. Covering your dog's eyes with a damp, warm compress can be soothing. Apply for 5 minutes. Rinse the cloth first is applying to more than one eye.

Grooming can help prevent eye irritations by keeping hair out of the eye. Hair around the corners of the eye can cause canine conjunctivitis. Brushing the hair away from the eyes can help as well.

Canine Glaucoma
The most noticeable symptom of glaucoma is a reduced capacity to see. In canine glaucoma cases the globe of the eye may be enlarged (buphthalmous) or sunken (enophthalmic) causing the third eyelid to stick out a bit. Bad cases of glaucoma cause pain that could also result in behavioral change.

Treatment for Dog Glaucoma
There are five classes of drugs that are use in the suppression of IOP levels. the cause of canine glaucoma.

- aqueous formation suppressors
- miotics
- uveoscleral outflow enchancers
- hyperosmotic agents
- neuroprotection agents

Common drugs include Methazolamide (for corneal pressure), Timolol Opth Soln, Trusopt Ophthalmic Solution (for pressure) and Pilocarpine 2% Ophthalmic Solution.

If drugs cannont reduce IOP levels in canine glaucoma then surgery may be called for.

Dog Eye Infection Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry Eye)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition in which there is inadequate production of tears in the eye. The eyes are too dry and the corneas can be damaged. There is also the risk of ulcers (sores) on the eye. In some cases, this is a chronic infection, requiring long-term treatment.

Treatment for Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is treated with artificial tears (eye drops that are formulated to resemble the composition of natural tears), tear stimulants, and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.

Uveitis Dog Eye Infection
Uveitis is an inflammation of the interior of the eye. Symptoms include redness of the eye, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and eye pain. Blindness can occur if it is not treated.  Causes include infectious disease, including viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal.

Uveitis Treatment for Dog Eye Infection
Uveitis is treated with glucocorticoid steroid eye drops, such as betamethasone, dexamethasone, or prednisolone. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, may also be prescribed.

Dog Eye Infection Homeopathic Treatment

After checking with your veterinarian, natural approaches to treatment contains herbal tincture and can effectively treat and prevent eye infections in dogs as well as improve general eye and visual health.