Eye Infections

Eye Infections in Dogs

Dogs can develop many of the same eye conditions that humans do. Eye conditions can either be fairly benign or quite serious. It is important to consult your vet any time your dog develops an abnormality of the eye.

Conjunctivitis - commonly know as Pink Eye is one of the most common eye issues in dogs. The cause could be due to environmental irritants, or an infection which cause the inflammation of the conjunctival membrane. If only one eye is affected the cause may be an allergen or environmental irritant that has gotten into the eye, dry eye, and inflammation of the tear sac. Conjunctivitis in both eyes may indicate a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis may be a secondary symptom of another eye disease.

Symptoms of Eye Infections in Dogs

• Pink or red eye
• Mucoid discharge or a clear watery discharge
• Excessive blinking
• Swelling of the eye

Inflamed Eyelids (Blepharitis) - inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacterial infection or due to irritants such as sunlight or allergens, mites and fungi. The eyelid becomes inflamed, reddened and encrusted for a mucus like pus that is discharged and sticks to the lids. Inflamed eyelids can associated with other health issues such as atopy, autoimmune conditions, mange and hypothyroidisms in older dogs.

Ectropion - a condition in which the eyelid rolls out from the surface of the eye. This leads to irritants entering the eye and can cause chronic conjunctivitis and corneal injury. This condition affects dogs with loos facial skin such as Bloodhound, Great Danes, Spaniel breeds, Bull Mastiff, Newfoundland, St. Bernard.

Entropion - is the most common congenital defect and occurs when the eyelids roll inwards. The eyelashes cause irritation on the conjunctiva and cornea. Breeds affected by this condition are Bulldogs, Great Pyrenees, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, St Bernard, Great Danes and hounds, terriers and hunting dog breeds.

Cherry Eye also know as Prolapsed Nictitans gland - this is a condition that occurs when the third eyelid bulges out from underneath the eyelid. This gland is red color and in most case swells and stick out giving the condition the name "Cherry Eye" This gland is called the nictitans gland and play an import roll in the production of tears. Cherry eye requires surgery. Young dogs and breeds such as Beagle, English bulldogs, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso and Boston Terriers may have a congenital defect which makes them susceptible to the condition. This condition can lead to dry eye syndrome and conjunctivitis.

Additional Support

Alway consult a vet if you suspect your dogs has an eye infection. Flushing the eye out with cold water may help flush out foreign particles.