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Posted on February 18, 2008 by Catrina Dogurton | Posted under Pets Dogs
Dog Pink Eye
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To see their beloved dog in distress is torture for most dog owners, made worse by the fact that the dog can't communicate what is wrong. One of the more common afflictions to strike dogs is Conjunctivitis, or Pinkeye. While minor eye irritations can often mimic the symptoms of Pinkeye, Pinkeye can last from several days to a week or more. If your pet has been afflicted with conjuctivitis, his or her eye may appear severely pink, as the name suggests, and irritated. The surrounding tissue and the eyelids become swollen and inflamed. The severity of inflammation varies and can advance to difficulty blinking and to the eye becoming swollen shut. The eye may begin to emit a discharge. Some eye discharge is very normal in most dogs, but with canine conjunctivitis the discharge will be excessive and full of pus. A huge increase in the amount of fluid produced by your animal's tear ducts is the eye's way of flushing out and cleaning itself. Diagnosis In order to diagnose Pinkeye, watch your dog's behavior closely. Foreign objects in the eye, like dirt or a stray eyelash, can cause irritation that mimics Pinkeye. You want to avoid treating your dog with medication for Pinkeye when it has a minor eye irritation. Watch for behavioral changes in your dog's reaction to light. The infected eye can become sensitive to light, causing him or her to avoid bright lights. Your dog may resort to extremes to relieve the severe itching that may result from the inflammation: you may notice your dog engage in strange rubbing or wiping his eye area on anything he can. What Is It? Conjunctivitis is an infection that affects the eyes of many mammals, including humans and dogs, though most forms of Pinkeye are species specific so cannot be spread from children, for example, to dogs. The conjunctiva's purpose is to keep the eyeball properly lubricated at all times. When your dog's eye becomes infected with a case of Conjunctivitis, it means that the mucous membranes that surround the eyeball have been compromised The tear ducts responsible for flushing moisture throughout the eye system will begin to fail, and the eye will become dry and itchy. Blinking may become uncomfortable and even potentially cause damage in severe cases. Conjunctivitis is fairly common, but if neglected can lead to serious complications. For example, a case of dog Pinkeye that has gone untreated can lead to a perforated cornea. The infection spreads from the eyeball's membranes to the eyeball itself, where it can eat away at it causing small perforations. This can lead to vision problems, and in some extreme cases, blindness. Untreated Conjunctivitis can potentially lead to scarring of the sensitive tissues of the membrane. Scarred tissue can lead to ingrown eyelashes and painful functioning of the eyelid. Causes Pinkeye in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is an irritant in the eye leading to inflammation and infection. Foreign objects such as dirt, an insect, or a bit of garden debris can cause irritation. If your dog has been in an altercation with another animal, he or she may have experienced a scratch to the eye. Eye infections are also caused by various viral and bacterial infections, and sometimes even allergic reactions. Pinkeye can be transmitted virally by airborne viruses, especially during the winter months when viruses proliferate in spaces filled with re-circulated air. Bacterial infection spread by contact is the most common. Pinkeye can be spread through contact with humans, other dogs and other animals or pets. If your dog is sensitive to allergens such as pollen, perfume or foods, these allergens can cause sinus irritation leading to inflammation of the mucus membranes. This can often lead to a case of Pinkeye. Treatment One you have established that your dog has a case of Pinkeye, first make a careful assessment of the condition of the eye. Look for a foreign object in or around the eyeball or its mucous membranes. Use a large quantity of lukewarm - not hot or cold - water, to flush the area. Take a soft, moistened cloth and wipe around the dog's eye to remove excess discharge, dirt or foreign objects. Wipe gently. You may want to use a dog cone collar to isolate the afflicted area, to prevent the animal from rubbing the eye excessively and causing further damage. You love your canine friend and want the best healthcare possible for him or her. Conjunctivitis is almost as distressing for you as it is for your pet, as it strikes one of the most delicate and tender areas of the body for dogs and humans alike. Your priority is to relieve your pet's suffering promptly. If not treated, infections may become chronic and can cause permanent damage. In advanced cases of infection, vision can become impaired. However, most cases of conjunctivitis can be treated easily. Conjunctivitis may develop as an adjunct to a serious underlying disease of the eye (such as glaucoma). Conjunctivitis may also be a symptom of a more serious disease such as canine distemper. In these cases see your veterinarian. About The Author: Catrina Dogurton is online leading specialist in cat and dog health supplies. Find more information and pet health products to prevent and treat pet diseases such as Dog Cough, Dog Kidney Disease, Dog Pinkeye, and other. |
Tags: DOG, PET HEALTH INFORMATION, PET HEALTH CARE, PET DOG HEATLH
