Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the tissue lining the eyelids and 

Eye Problems in Dogs

Eye and eyelid diseases are traditionally divided into congenital-developmental and hereditary, trauma, inflammatory, immune-mediated and others, and eye and eyelid tumors. The difference in the orbital anatomy in the different breeds of dogs can predispose particular breeds to certain eye and eyelid diseases. For example, the deep and large orbits of giant and large breeds can predispose them to entropion and chronic conjunctivitis. The shallow orbit of the brachycephalics predispose these breeds to corneal exposure.

Red Eye in Dogs

Your dog's red eye may signal an eye problem requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency surgery. Red eye in dogs and cats may signal many inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye is the most common eye disease of all domestic animals," says Dr. Ralph Hamor, veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are prone to conjunctivitis. The eye reddens because of the increased flow of blood, and you may see swelling of the mucous membranes. Viruses or bacteria may cause conjunctivitis; parasites (such as ticks) and allergies are less common causes. Ticks can transmit several parasites that can cause conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis (3). Discharge may be clear or contain mucus, depending on severity of the infection.

"As a rule of thumb, conjunctivitis itches," explains Dr. Hamor. "Keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the conjunctivitis with appropriate medication are keys to control." Keratitis- "Chronic superficial keratitis, also know as degenerative pannus, occurs primarily in German Shepherds but occasionally in other breeds," says Dr. Paul Gerding, also a veterinary ophthalmologist at the teaching hospital.

The disease causes pigmentation and superficial blood vessels on the eye. It's not that painful but can decrease vision if left untreated. Keratitis also occurs in chronic cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS occurs when there is not enough moisture in the tear film. A thick, ropy mucous discharge is associated with this common ophthalmic disorder. In chronic cases, the corneal layer of the eye becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, pigmented, and harder because of the long-term irritation. Treatment involves tear stimulants and anti-inflammatories. "Eye ulcers are often associated withkeratitis and may require surgical repair," adds Dr. Gerding.

In the case of external eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and superficial corneal ulcers, eyedrops containing an antibacterial agent are often prescribed. Several daily instillations of eyedrops over several days are required for successful treatment. Eyedrops have several disadvantages, the biggest one being rapid elimination of the drug from the corneal surface. To overcome the disadvantage of repeated instillations, scientists have developed a soluble bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert (BODI) that can be placed in the lower cul de sac of the eye. This BODI reduces the treatment to a single application and improves the efficiency of the treatment.

Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis in cats is usually of viral origin and usually that means a Herpesvirus (Feline herpesvirus-1 to be specific). Herpes infection is extremely common in young kittens especially those facing other stresses (fleas, poor nutrition, environmental cold etc.). Feral kittens, outdoor kittens, shelter kittens, etc. are all high risk for Herpes infection.

Blood in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye

Bleeding in the eye generally results from trauma, inflammation, or other defects. Bleeding from trauma may need to be surgically corrected. Uveitis and tumors can bring about growth of new blood vessels, which are inherently leaky and may cause blood to accumulate. If the eye has progressed to glaucoma, removal of the eye may be necessary. 



For further information about a suspected eye problem in your pet, contact your local veterinarian.

Inflammation of the Eyelids and Cherry Eye

Eyelids may become inflamed from dermatitis; a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection; a metabolic or immune system problem; tumors; trauma; or sun damage. Treatment varies by exact diagnosis.

"Cherry eye" is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It commonly affects young dogs, especiallybeagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, and bulldogs. "The gland protrudes and becomes irritated and inflamed," explains Dr. Hamor. "If one eye has cherry eye, the other eye could be predisposed to it as well." Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland. 

More About Cherry Eye in Dogs and Cats [...]

Blepharitis

Photo courtesy of ucdavis.edu

An inflamed eyelid is usually the result of blepharitis. This is an infection of the eyelid's edges, which become sore, red and encrusted with scaly skin. Signs may include a thick discharge from the eye(s); spasm of eyelid muscle, especially when exposed to light; swelling and hardening of the eyelid; abcesses; scales and crust; inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctivitis) and loss of skin due to scratching or rubbing (excoriation).

Causes of Blepharitis

• Allergies to drugs, soaps, shampoos, and food.
• Insect bites or flea bites.
• Cat claw injury.
• Chemical burns
• Parasitic infections such as dermatophytosis, demodicosis (dogs and cats), and sarcoptic mange (dogs).
• Chronic inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Dermatitis caused by nutritional imbalances, including zinc deficiency (Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, puppies) and fatty acid deficiency.
• Endocrine system disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism in dogs) can contribute to the development of chronic blepharitis.
• Congenital eye abnormalities such as entropion (when the margins of the eyelids begin to turn inward), lagophthalmos (the inability to close, or poor closure, of the upper eyelid), trichiasis (when the eye lashes are misdirected toward the eye ball and scratch its surface) can contribute to the development of blepharitis.

Treatment of Blepharitis

If blepharitis is a result of other ongoing health conditions, those should be treated first. It is usually recommended to use warm compresses with an eye cleansing solutions such as Eye Scrub (CIBA), sold in individual packets in most pharmacies over the counter to remove crusts. Avoid getting the solution on the eye surface. The hair around the eye must be clipped short. Bacterial blepharitis is treated with antibiotics for at least 3 weeks. Because blepharitis can be a stubborn problem, be sure to follow your vet's instructions and use any prescribed medications as directed.