Surely many dog owners are faced with such a problem as conjunctivitis. The pet's eyes turn red and inflamed, and this condition requires immediate treatment in order to prevent deterioration. Today we want to talk in detail about such a problem as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment may vary depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease, but without intervention from the side, the condition will only get worse.
How often does it occur
Every host should be ready for this. Despite the conditions of detention and nutrition, there is no guarantee that you will not face such a problem as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment will depend primarily on the form of the disease. It may be:
- catarrhal clinical form
- purulent,
- follicular.
Each of these types can be further divided into subspecies, and they have peculiar symptoms and signs, which is why you cannot self-medicate if you encounter such a disease as conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment should be comprehensive and optimal for your particular case.
Causes
Surely you are interested to know what leads to the development of this terrible disease. This is also important from the point of view that, knowing the enemy in person, you can take preventive measures and prevent the development of pathology. So where do conjunctivitis in dogs come from? Veterinary medicine answers this question fairly streamlined. The fact is that the conjunctiva is in contact with air and the external environment, and microbes are constantly in the conjunctival sac. Any reduction in immunity can lead to the fact that they will begin their stormy activities. As a result, inflammation occurs. Inflammatory and degenerative processes in the body are also reflected on the conjunctiva. It can be various diseases of internal organs, metabolic disorders, as well as various infectious diseases.
However, veterinary practitioners know what causes chronic conjunctivitis in a dog. The treatment of mechanical injuries and various eye irritations is almost never performed. But such situations happen all the time: foreign bodies, acids and alkalis, gases, as well as pyogenic microorganisms cause irritation in the conjunctival sac. So any, even the smallest, inflammation and redness in need of treatment. In addition, it is recommended to wash the eyes daily with a weak decoction of chamomile.
Each owner should know them in order to be able to provide first aid and consult a veterinarian in time. Let us now consider what constitutes conjunctivitis in dogs. The treatment covers the whole lifestyle of your pet as a whole, so we will also consider this topic. Let's start with how to identify catarrhal conjunctivitis in dogs. Symptoms, causes, treatment - this is all important information that can be very useful to you.
There are two forms of this type of disease. Acute catarrhal conjunctivitis affects the epithelial layer. You can observe lacrimation, serous-mucous discharge, hyperemia and edema. In the most severe cases, edema leads to the fact that the conjunctiva bulges out from under the roller of the century.
Chronic form is somewhat different. In this case, you do not see a sharp clinical picture. Discharge from the eyes are not abundant, they are of a purulent nature, thick, white. The conjunctiva is dry and red, with a long course of the disease, it changes its color, becomes cyanotic.
Treatment of the catarrhal form of the disease
In fact, this knowledge will be useful to you in any case, no matter how conjunctivitis in dogs. What home treatment can you provide for your pet? Good results are given by aqueous solutions of chloramphenicol (0.25%), kanamycin (1%), sodium sulfate, which can have a concentration of 10, 20 or 30 percent, and depending on the severity of the course of the disease. They are all appointed as drops, 2-3 drops 4-5 times a day.
In addition, it is necessary to use eye ointments. Ditetracycline, oletretrinovaya and hydrocortisone ointments are placed under the lower eyelid 3-4 times a day.
The chronic form of the disease is less pronounced symptoms, but needs treatment no less. In this case, a solution of zinc sulfate (0.5%) and a solution of silver nitrate 1% are instilled into the conjunctival sac 3-4 times a day. Tissue therapy is also recommended, in this case the vitreous is used.
Purulent conjunctivitis
This is the most severe form, which requires a long and complex treatment, often can lead to complete blindness. Let's look at how such conjunctivitis occurs in dogs. The main symptoms and treatment are given solely for informational purposes, because in no case can you self-medicate.
Clinical signs are photophobia and sharp pain when touching the eyelids. The naked eye shows severe hyperemia and swelling. Purulent exudate secretions change their character over time. At first they can be liquid, similar to mucus, and then become thick, greenish in color, glue eyelashes and accumulate in the corners of the eyes.
The dog constantly rubs the affected eye. Often there is turbidity and ulceration of the cornea. The eye may lose sight partially or completely.
How to help your pet
Of course, it is impossible to sit back, you must help. However, without wasting time, try to bring your pet to the vet to give his recommendations. First of all, general and local anti-septic treatment is necessary. Rinse eyes well. This will require 3% boric acid, furatsilin, ethacridine lactate. After the eye is completely washed off, it is necessary to begin treatment. In severe cases, anesthesia may be needed to allow the dog to perform the cleansing procedures.
Treatment of purulent conjunctivitis
After washing it is necessary to lay antibiotic ointment, eye medicinal films under the lower eyelid. This procedure is performed 3-4 times a day. Subconjunctival administration of the mixture, which includes an antibiotic (10,000-20000 units of kanamycin), 1 ml of novocaine solution, 0.1 ml of hydrocortisone, is very effective. Very often the doctor suggests blocking the cranial cervical sympathetic ganglion. Be sure to inject intramuscularly with antibiotics, the duration depends on the initial condition of the patient. In addition to them, sulfa drugs are prescribed.
Follicular disease
This is another form of the disease that requires attention and long-term treatment. In fact, it is very difficult to confuse it with something else. Let's look at what is characterized by follicular conjunctivitis in dogs. His treatment is also very long, so it is very important to have patience.
So, in this case, the inner surface of the century completely changes its appearance. It is the accumulation of lymphatic follicles. As a result, the third eyelid resembles a bunch of small grapes. In dogs, it strongly goes to the surface of the eyeball. In this case, the disease is accompanied by severe redness and discharge of pus from the eye. It becomes difficult for an animal to even blink, as it causes pain. Enlarged follicles can injure the cornea.
At risk
Interestingly enough, all dogs are subject to the development of this form, or is there a link to the breed. In fact, it often develops in mastiffs and similar conjunctivitis. In dogs, the causes, symptoms, treatment need to be studied, all this is important information for the owners, therefore, we will continue to consider this topic below. Pay attention to the condition of your pet's eyes is necessary if you have a Labrador, Rottweiler or Bulldog.
The development of the follicular form of the disease
This is a chronic form of the disease. If once your pet has a similar deviation, then in the first-aid kit you will constantly have to keep special preparations and carry out prophylaxis, since relapses will occur regularly. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, that is, the degree of follicle development. The treatment is almost identical to the one we cited when we talked about the treatment of purulent conjunctivitis in a chronic form. However, it is not only the use of drugs that will not get rid of the chronicles, so it is very important to devote time to the general condition of the pet. Strong immunity will allow you more likely to avoid such complications.
Nutrition and maintenance as a way to prevent conjunctivitis
The room in which the dog lives should be dry and clean. It is very important to observe basic hygiene, cover the bed with clean capes. In second place - food. The better the diet, the better the immune system will work. This is especially important when it comes to feeding a puppy. A poorly inspected puppy (with a poor diet) is much more susceptible to inflammatory eye disease.
The third point is preventive pet eye care. Every day it is recommended to wipe them with cotton pads moistened with chamomile decoction or weak tea. It is also important to isolate your pets from dogs with conjunctivitis. This disease is very contagious, so be vigilant.
The first redness of the eyeball should be a signal that it is time to take action. It is recommended in this case to connect chloramphenicol drops. You can not stop there, when the first symptoms subsided. Be sure to show your pet to the veterinarian so that he can assess his condition and prescribe treatment.
Features of the diagnosis of conjunctivitis and its manifestations
In order to understand how to threaten the pathology of an animal, it is necessary to consider the main process that occurs during inflammation of the conjunctiva. Thus, the conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane that is located inside the eye space and covers the inner part of the eyelid with a thin layer.
Thus, the eye is protected by a conjunctive sac, which is necessary for the following functions:
- maximum hydration and prevention of drying of the cornea,
- active movement of the eyelid,
- Due to conjunctiva, the pet's eye is protected by a significant measure from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms, bacteria and viruses.
However, all these protective qualities are inherent in this formation in the form of a bag, only if the conjunctiva is healthy, otherwise, characteristic dryness, inflammation, as well as purulent pathological process can be observed.
The most basic first manifestation of the disease is redness and inflammation of the eye membranes. After that, an allergic or infectious process may develop, which you should definitely discuss with a veterinarian, as self-treatment can only harm your pet and its visual organs.
As for the main manifestations that indicate that the disease is actively developing, they are mostly the following:
- the eye space is festering
- the eye of the animal is constantly watering, photophobia develops,
- the visual slit narrows significantly
- the blinking function increases significantly,
- the animal constantly tries to scratch its eyes because of a very strong itch,
- as noted earlier, a very strong symptom appears, like corneal redness,
- there is a significant swelling of the eyelids,
- if the pathology is chronic, then the formation of peculiar bubble formations can be noted.
As for the main manipulations, which are intended to eliminate the superficial symptomatology of conjunctivitis, this is for the most part washing the eyes of an animal and processing it with the help of special means that have an antibiotic in its composition.
Catarrhal Conjunctivitis
The most basic causes of this phenomenon may be as follows:
- allergic factors
- corneal injury,
- chronic pathology.
As for the main symptoms, it is necessary to highlight the most common manifestations of conjunctivitis:
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye,
- constant tearing,
- edema.
Keratoconjunctivitis in dogs and its treatment include the use of the following methods and manipulations:
- In order for the effect to be immediate, the dog must necessarily be transferred to diet foods. It is necessary initially to discuss with the veterinarian what products can be medicinal, and which ones should be discarded for a certain period of time,
- flushing conjunctival sac. After all extraneous inclusions are eliminated, it is necessary to drip medical drops, which are discharged exclusively by the veterinarian,
- the use of antiallergic drugs is also at the discretion of the veterinarian.
Conjunctival follicular inflammation
This kind of pathology is very often due to any physiological factors and most of them are chronic. Very often, such conjunctivitis may be due to sagging eyelids of some dog breeds.
As for the main manifestation, it is mostly small bubbles on the part of the conjunctive sac, which tends to fall out.
Thus, the main symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- a strong swelling of the century,
- lymph nodes increase markedly
- discharge of mucus or pus
- painful sensations
- significant cornea redness,
- squinting in bright light
- itchy sensations.
In that case, if it is the follicular form of the disease that is diagnosed, then folk methods are not the best that is required for effective treatment. Most of the main therapeutic actions include the following main activities:
- very often, this form of pathology can pass by itself, which leads to its chronic course,
- when examining and diagnosing a disease, it is advisable to prescribe antibacterial agents in the form of ointments or drops to avoid complications,
- before applying the medicine, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the eye area with a cotton swab moistened with a special solution,
- hydrocortisone is very often used because it contains a hormonal component in its composition, which helps to reduce inflammation as quickly as possible,
- in the event that local use of drugs does not bring a positive result, then the use of antibiotics in the form of tablets or injections is prescribed. It is this treatment that mostly brings a rather lasting and positive effect,
- so that the dog does not scratch the area of the muzzle and thus does not infect the eye area with an infection, he should wear a protective collar.
Based on the above, it can be concluded that conjunctivitis in dogs is a rather insidious disease that requires a special approach and adequate treatment. However, self-medication is not the best method. In the case of the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process of the pet's eye, it is worth urgently to contact the veterinarian for advice.
Description of the disease
Among ocular pathologies, namely conjunctivitis is currently the most common. Such an inflammatory pathology often affects the surface of the mucous membrane of the eyes and its deeper layers in many domestic animals, including dogs.
It is interesting! Depending on the type of lesion and the susceptibility of the pet to the pathogen, inflammations in acute, chronic and subacute form differ.
In accordance with the degree of damage, conjunctivitis is divided into superficial and deep form.
Causes, risk group
In dogs, there is a suppuration of the eyelid due to a variety of different reasons. There may be marked both systemic pathological changes and local lesions. In some diseases of infectious genesis, conjunctivitis is the main, very important diagnostic sign.
The most common factors provoking the development of a conjunctivitis in a dog are:
- different in strength and duration of exposure to mechanical damage,
- exposure to substances of chemical origin
- allergic reactions
- infectious agents of viral or bacterial origin,
- exposure to active sunlight rays,
- negative radiation effects
- genetic predisposition.
It is very important to distinguish the pathology of the primary and secondary types, or to distinguish the manifestations of the so-called "independent" disease from the signs of another, serious disease. Именно от грамотного дифференцирования этиологии конъюнктивита напрямую зависит выбор терапии и назначение максимально эффективной схемы лечения домашнего питомца.
Симптомы конъюнктивита у собаки
The approach to the purpose of treatment and the treatment itself for different forms of conjunctivitis itself are fundamental differences, so it is very important to correctly recognize the symptoms of the inflammatory process at the earliest stages.
The catarrhal form of conjunctivitis is characterized by a lesion of the mucous membrane of the eyelid with the seizure of epithelial tissue and the basement membrane.. The main clinical features of this form are presented:
- blepharospasm with eyelid closure,
- turbid effusions of tear fluid having mucous impurities,
- severe puffiness of the century,
- injected vessels in the mucosa,
- pronounced and extensive hyperemia,
- painful eyelid in the process of palpation,
- some increase in local temperature
- turning eyelashes.
In catarrhal conjunctivitis, quite significant changes in the mucous membrane and submucosal layer are observed.
Important! The lack of an effective treatment regimen causes the development of complete blindness.
Purulent form of the conjunctivitis of the surface type occurs as a result of the negative impact of pathogenic factors in conditions of general weakening of the immune system, under the influence of pathologies of a viral, bacterial or parasitic nature. Clinical features of this form are presented:
- tenderness of eyelid tissue,
- increasing the local temperature
- severe hyperemia,
- swelling of the mucous membrane,
- "Velvety" mucous membrane and its protrusion of the eye slits,
- the appearance of a greenish-white shade on the conjunctiva,
- erosions and ulcers on the mucous membrane,
- the appearance of foci of necrotic tissue,
- transition of pathological changes on sclera,
- splicing sclera and eyelids.
Fibrinous or croupous conjunctivitis develops on the background of some infectious diseases, as well as burn injuries. This form is observed quite rarely in dogs, and the basis of this pathology is the defeat of the vascular walls and the release of fibrin.
The result of this pathology is the formation of a film on the mucous membranes and the infiltration of the conjunctiva with fibrin. The symptomatology of conjunctivitis of fibrinous or croupous type is presented:
- the appearance of films and filaments of fibrin on the mucous membranes,
- swelling and puffiness on the eyelids,
- chemosis in the form of conjunctival inversion,
- pronounced hyperemia of the eyes,
- photophobia
- the appearance of ulcers on the mucous,
- adhesive process on the sclera and mucosa.
For deep follicular conjunctivitis in dogs is characterized by insufficient knowledge of etiology. In the third century, the pet has a sufficient number of lymphatic follicles that are inflamed.
Some scientists have suggested an infectious cause and genetic predisposition, which are activated by certain auxiliary factors, including hypovitaminosis, allergies, general exhaustion of the body, as well as infectious diseases.
Important! The pathogenesis and clinical picture of this form of canine conjunctivitis are represented by signs of catarrhal damage, during which the follicles are soaked with exudates or cell proliferate.
As the inflammatory process develops, photophobia and noticeable outflows appear, as well as blepharospasm, accompanied by severe itching.. The main clinical sign is represented by the swelling and redness of the third century, as well as its protrusion from the palpebral fissure.
Slightly less frequently in domestic animals, the development of phlichenous superficial conjunctivitis, which is one of the symptoms of canine plague, is noted. This disease is accompanied by the formation on the surface of the mucous membrane of small vesicular eruptions filled with a colorless and transparent liquid. After some time and in the absence of effective therapy, bubbles with liquid burst massively, resulting in numerous moist erosion or focal suppuration.
Diagnosis and treatment
It is possible to diagnose the development and form of conjunctivitis on the basis of the clinical picture: when visually inspecting a sick pet and evaluating a carefully collected history. First, you must carefully remove all exudate, including purulent or mucous secretions that have accumulated around the eyes of the dog.
Such events can prevent the contamination of irritated skin pathogenic pathogens and the development of purulent abscesses or dermatitis. A gauze cloth dipped in tea brewing is used to remove the discharge. The duration and scheme of drug treatment are directly dependent on the type and complexity of eye disease.
Treatment of conjunctivitis with catarrhal type suggests:
- elimination of the etiological factor in the form of the underlying disease,
- limiting contact with any irritants,
- reduction of exposure to harmful radiation,
- dietary change,
- perform thorough eye rinsing,
- competent plugging of the affected areas with disinfectants in the form of a 0.02% solution of furacilin and a 0.005% solution based on potassium permanganate,
- reduction of exudation through the use of drops of zinc sulfate or silver nitrate, as well as protargol with the addition of dikain and adrenaline,
- retrobulbar procaine blockade,
- autohemotherapy.
Purulent type conjunctivitis therapy is based on the active use of highly effective disinfectants and antibiotics, with a fairly high concentration of active ingredients. The standard treatment regimen for purulent conjunctivitis includes the activities presented:
- retrobulbar novocaine blockade, supplemented with antibiotics,
- washing the mucous membranes affected by pathogenic microflora with pharmaceutical disinfectants,
- dissection of adhesions on conjunctiva and sclera,
- cauterization of adhesions with compounds based on silver nitrate,
- the introduction into the conjunctival sac of drugs such as protargol and collargol, as well as tetracycline ointment,
- the implementation of general therapeutic measures.
Therapy for superficial conflict-related conjunctivitis is identical to the treatment of other forms of the disease, therefore it involves sanitizing the mucous membranes with chemist's solutions, using antibiotic ointments and blockade, and burning the affected areas with lapis lapis. Intravenous administration of calcium chloride is highly effective.
Disposal of a pet from fibrinous or croupous conjunctivitis should be as careful as possible, due to the etiology and characteristics of such a lesion. It is strictly forbidden to use irritating and cauterizing drugs in the treatment. The mucosa is washed with gentle medicinal solutions, after which anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of liniments or gels are carefully placed inside the conjunctival sac.
Important! remember that in the absence of the effectiveness of therapeutic methods and the development of a tumor, surgical extirpation of the century with the prevention of complications that may be presented as a reversal of the century or corneal injuries is shown.
Treatment of deep follicular conjunctivitis requires special attention.. The scheme of treatment of this form of inflammation necessarily involves the use of disinfectant solutions, as well as antibiotic and corticosteroid ointments. Chronic disease will require the use of tissue anti-inflammatory drugs and novocainic blockades.
Follicles located on the inside of the eyelid are cauterized with lapis, and silver nitrate is used for extinguishing. The technology of extinguishing involves reliably fixing the dog in the “on its side” position, the lapel of the eyelid, and cauterization of the inflamed and enlarged follicles of lapis, followed by the application of 1% sodium chloride solution.
Diet at the time of treatment
Dietary rational nutrition will need to provide a pet, suffering from allergic-type conjunctivitis, accompanied by excessive tearing, itching and swelling of the mucous membranes.
The diet for therapeutic measures should be based on the following products:
- sea fish with white meat
- rabbit,
- lean beef,
- lean veal
- lamb meat
- turkey,
- boiled or braised carrots,
- small amount of green apples and pears,
- buckwheat and rice,
- cereals,
- bioyoghurt or kefir without fillers and additives.
The level of allergenic activity of almost any product for each dog is very individual, and rejection is due to the oversaturation of the pet's organism with poorly digestible components. These food components of the diet most often include:
- red products
- chicken and duck meat,
- chicken and duck offal,
- sea fish varieties with fatty meat,
- seafood,
- smoked meats
- fish and meat delicacies,
- semolina, rye and corn porridge,
- bakery products
- confectionery products
- honey and any nuts
- citrus,
- tomatoes and eggplants,
- egg.
Veterinarians and experienced dog breeders recommend that when allergic-type conjunctivitis appears, first of all, replace one type of meat with another, more lean or easily digestible.
When self-drafting diet should be remembered that the daily diet of a pet must include 50% of meat products, as well as 50% of plant and cereal components. If necessary, you must perform a test for the dog's sensitivity to certain foods or care products.
Important! Similar symptoms, represented by rash, lacrimation and hair loss, can provoke poisoning of the body or oversaturation of it with protein rations, therefore, diagnostic measures and treatment regimen should be carried out exclusively by a veterinarian.
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Prevention methods
Of course, different breeds of dogs have a genetic predisposition to some breed diseases, including conjunctivitis. For example, in bulldogs, boxers, St. Bernards, bassets and spaniels, chronic eye disease often occurs in the form of an inverted lower eyelid, which provokes accumulation of mud on the mucous membranes and, as a result, the rapid development of conjunctivitis.
And for spaniels, hounds, Pekingese and Chow-chow, it is characteristic to turn the eyelid inside, which causes corneal damage and the development of keratoconjunctivitis, therefore, for the purpose of prevention, eye examinations of such pets should be carried out regularly and very carefully.
Preventive measures also include compliance with basic daily hygiene procedures.. It is quite sufficient to remove natural ocular secretions from a dog with gauze swabs soaked in boiled water or tea leaves at room temperature.
When transporting a pet in the car, you should never allow the dog to lean out of the vents or windows, which will prevent debris and dust from entering the eyes. Among other things, it is very important to timely perform routine vaccination and de-worming of the dog, to maintain its immunity at a high level with high-quality diets, with sufficient physical activity in the fresh air and creation of optimal conditions for keeping.
Causes of
The conjunctiva of an animal is inflamed due to pathogenic microorganisms. It can be bacteria, viruses, fungi. And if the immune status of the dog is weak, then the pathological process will progress. Conjunctivitis can occur as an independent disease or be one of the manifestations of other pathologies.
Causes of conjunctivitis in a dog can be:
- traumatic or chemical burn
- keratitis (corneal inflammation),
- allergy,
- contact with the mucous membrane of the eye of foreign particles (dust, fluff),
- hypothermia
- trichiasis (eyelash growth under the eyelid),
- fungal or viral infections.
Is the disease contagious?
As many medical data show, no cases of human infection from his dog with conjunctivitis were recorded. Therefore, to assert that the disease is contagious, it is impossible. But if infections that already exist in the animal’s body (especially fungal, viral) have become the cause of inflammation, then transmission of their pathogens to humans cannot be ruled out.
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Symptomatology
A typical signal that a conjunctiva is affected is redness. Moreover, it may be primarily due to other diseases.
Common symptoms of conjunctivitis, regardless of the form and type:
- hyperemia of the mucous,
- tearing
- eyelid swelling,
- closing and blinking the eyes,
- itch
- various kinds of discharge from the eyes (serous, purulent, watery).
You can suspect the presence of the disease by changing the behavior of the pet. Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes significant discomfort. Therefore, the dog may be aggressive, irritated, passive, rubs his paws eyes. Sleep is disturbed, appetite may be missing.
Types and forms
Conjunctivitis can be infectious and non-infectious. Infectious forms of inflammation develop as a consequence of contact with the mucous membrane of the eye of pathogenic microflora. Non-infectious conjunctivitis occurs on the background of mechanical damage to the eye, chemical burn, and an allergic reaction.
According to the international classification, several types of conjunctivitis with different pathogenesis and clinical manifestations are distinguished.
Catarrhal
It develops usually with traumatic injuries of the conjunctiva, ingress of foreign particles. There is swelling and redness of the affected area, there are abundant serous or purulent-mucous discharge. With late treatment, the disease becomes chronic.
It can be bacterial or viral, depending on the type of pathogen that has hit the eye mucosa. Thick, purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor appears from the eyes. They dry out and form specific crusts. Conjunctiva inflamed and hyperemic. In most cases, the process undergoes both eyes. The disease proceeds only in an acute form. The dog's temperature rises, she is in a depressed state, photophobia appears. With severe development of a purulent form, corneal clouding occurs. An animal may lose sight.
Allergic
It is provoked by the contact of the dog with a specific allergen. Observed characteristic symptoms of allergy in the form of edema, heavy tearing, redness of the eyelids. If the allergen exposure continues, the eye condition will deteriorate. There will be discharge of purulent exudate, blepharospasm, loss of the third century.
Keratoconjunctivitis
The dog does not have enough tear fluid. The cornea of the eye dries out, the epithelium becomes horny. The causes of this form of conjunctivitis may be abnormalities of the eyelids, eyeball, exposure to certain medications, and neurological pathologies. The animal has severe itching, burning in the eyes. The cornea gradually dries out. The animal actively scratches eyes all the time. In the later stages, erosion and corneal ulcers occur.
Therapy for conjunctivitis in a dog is carried out individually, taking into account the form of the disease, its cause, the presence of comorbidities and other factors. Prescribe treatment should only the vet.
General rules
The main directions in the treatment of conjunctival inflammation:
- symptomatic therapy
- specific therapy.
Before applying the drugs to the conjunctival area, the eyes should be cleaned. To do this, use the sponge moistened with warm water, chamomile decoction or furatsillina solution. Gently wipe the eyelid from the accumulated discharge. It is better to process both eyes, even if only one is inflamed. When cleansing the eyes is very important not to injure the mucous.
After cleansing the eyes, you can apply the means prescribed by the doctor. After the procedure, wash your hands with soap and do not touch the dog. So that the animal does not touch the paws of the eye, you need to wear a special collar to it before the end of the course of treatment. On average, treatment takes 2 weeks.
Considered one of the most effective remedies for inflammation. They have a different composition, different therapeutic effects. Depending on how strong the drops are, they are used from 2 to 4 times per day. 1-4 drops of the drug are instilled into each eye (see instructions). Drops are usually included in the complex treatment of conjunctival inflammation. They are used after cleansing the eyes.
Effective drops in conjunctivitis in dogs:
Ointments are recommended to be applied 10-15 minutes after using the drops. To do this correctly, you need to delay the dog's lower eyelid, gently massage the eye, evenly squeeze the ointment from the tube on the eyelid. Remove leftovers with a napkin. Процедуру проводят 1-2 раза в день.
Мази при конъюнктивите:
- Тетрациклиновая 1%,
- Оптиммун,
- Тетрациклиновая,
- Мизофен,
- Этазол.
Antibiotics
They can be part of drops and ointments. Also, when conjunctivitis of a bacterial nature, systemic antibiotics are used. They are administered intramuscularly in the dosage specified in the instructions. The average course of treatment is 7 days.
Effective antibiotics:
When prescribing antibiotics, it is necessary to take into account their side effects and contraindications.
Medicinal films
One of the newest methods of treating conjunctivitis in dogs, which was developed by E. Kopenkin. The films contain active substances (neomycin, kanamycin, and others) that relieve the symptoms of inflammation. The film is driven into the conjunctive bag with the help of specially tweezers 1 time per day. It is glued to the mucous membrane there, gradually dissolving, releasing the active components. Due to this, a high therapeutic effect is achieved.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
If the inflammatory process is strongly expressed, then to block the mechanism of its development, it is recommended to use Dexamethasone under the supervision of a veterinarian. This glucocorticosteroid, which quickly relieves inflammation, eliminates itching, swelling. Due to the large number of side effects of the drug should be used with caution and a short time.
Antiviral
If the causative agents of conjunctivitis in a dog are viruses, then agents with globulins are assigned that destroy them.
Effective antiviral agents:
- Fosprenil - solution for injection, which increases the bactericidal activity of blood plasma.
- Ribaflox - a combined agent in the form of a solution with antibacterial and antiviral effects. Injected subcutaneously (0.1 ml / kg). Do not use the drug for puppies and pregnant bitches.
Folk remedies
They can only be used as a supplement to the main treatment and only with the approval of the doctor.
Chamomile decoction can be used to cleanse the eyes of accumulated secretions. For these purposes, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is also suitable. Well removes inflammation ochanka. In a container of saline (150 ml) add 5 drops of plant extract. Rinse the inflamed eyes.
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Pet care during treatment
In order for the dog to recover faster, it must be properly looked after. To equip her a warm corner in the house without drafts. The litter is changed daily. The room is regularly disinfected. At home, you need to remove all objects and substances that are potentially dangerous to the pet's eyes. Restrict access to the kitchen in order to avoid thermal and chemical burns.
At the time of treatment, you need to reduce the number of paddocks. In cold and windy weather do not walk. The walking place should be as safe as possible.
Prevention
To minimize the possibility of conjunctival inflammation, it is recommended:
- Follow the rules of eye hygiene. Peel them from secretions 2-3 times a week.
- Provide a complete and balanced diet. Especially for the eyes is important enough vitamins A, E.
- Do not allow contact with dust or sand during walking.
- Eliminate the effects of allergens if the dog is sensitive to them.
- Treat all infections promptly.
- Restrict communication with sick animals.
- Immediately vaccinate your dog against dangerous viral infections.
- Do not overcool the animal.
From the following video you can find out more useful information about the features of conjunctivitis therapy in dogs:
Symptoms of infection
You should pay attention to the health of your four-legged friend and give help if you notice an eye problem.
- copious tearing,
- purulent discharge,
- hyperemia,
- puffiness
Important! A timely visit to a veterinarian will help avoid further complications.
Sluggish pet state indicates the presence of the disease
Types of conjunctivitis
Given the etiology of the disease, there are several types of conjunctivitis in pets:
Purulent conjunctivitis in dogs is caused by pathogens: staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Bacteria are located on the damaged conjunctiva. Therefore, without treatment, the virus spreads and purulent conjunctivitis appears.
Microorganisms, falling on the eyeball, cause inflammation, accompanied by strong sero-mucous secretions. It is difficult for an animal to react to light - it is constantly hiding from bright light.
