One of the most common problems that force pet owners to go to a veterinary clinic is eye disease in a pet. Many owners complain that the animals periodically or constantly fester, watery or sour eyes. There can be many reasons for this condition — these are injuries, and foreign bodies or dirt and dust getting into the animal’s eyes, allergic reactions, infections, anatomical features, systemic diseases. In a number of cases, the dog’s eyes turn red, profuse discharge or lacrimation appears. However, purulent discharge from the eyes is more characteristic of conjunctivitis of various nature.
Conjunctivitis in dogs
This disease in dogs is very common. Conjunctivitis is called inflammation of the membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid. The disease can be both acute and chronic, as well as symptomatic or independent. Purulent and catarrhal conjunctivitis are also distinguished. The dog's eyes are festering, usually with purulent conjunctivitis, which is characterized by yellow discharge, sometimes with a greenish tint. At the same time, dog owners often note that the pet's eyes are swimming.
Suppuration of the eyes in a dog may be one of the first manifestations of viral diseases such as plague. In addition, the dog's eyes are festering in the presence of various helminthic invasions. In this case, conjunctivitis is a manifestation of an allergic reaction of the body to the presence of parasites. Purulent conjunctivitis in animals can also be caused by infection with viruses and bacteria. For dogs, infection with cocci is more characteristic, while the eyes fester in a cat and with infections caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia.
It is important not to miss the acute conjunctivitis in the dog, in order to avoid complications and prolonged chronic course of the disease. In the acute course of the disease, the eyes of the dog are often swimming, pus accumulates on the edges of the eyelids, which forms crusts, the general condition is depressed and, as a rule, the body temperature is elevated. In this case, the dog can squint and avoid bright light. The acute process, as a rule, lasts several days. If recovery does not occur, the disease takes on a chronic form, which is more characteristic of follicular conjunctivitis. In this case, the follicles on the inner surface of the third century become inflamed, the dog's eyes fester almost constantly. The disease can last for years.
How to help a pet
If you notice that the dog's eyes are festering, do not postpone the visit to the veterinary clinic, and in this case you will need an ophthalmologist's consultation. This is important primarily in order not to miss the life-threatening animal infectious disease, such as plague. In this case, treatment should be started immediately. In addition, only a doctor will be able to understand the causes of conjunctivitis. The treatment will depend on the type of disease, as well as on the severity of the process. With bacterial conjunctivitis, in order to accurately determine what the dog's eyes are festering from, it is necessary to sow purulent discharge on nutrient media. This will help to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its sensitivity to various antibiotics.
For treatment, drops and ointments with antibiotics are usually prescribed, in particular, erythromycin, oletetrin ointment, solutions of kanamycin and chloramphenicol, furatsilina. With the allergic nature of the disease, antihistamines are used. To reduce edema in chronic conjunctivitis, locally use drugs with hydrocortisone or dexamethasone, and therapy is prescribed to increase the dog's defenses. In the presence of helminthic infestations, anthelmintic drugs are prescribed . Additionally, at home, you can rinse the dog’s eyes with tea or decoctions of chamomile and calendula.