Eye Infections in Dogs

An eye infection is a relatively general description of amedical condition that may result in discomfort, discharge and abnormalappearance of a dog's eyes and surrounding tissue.

Conjunctivitis

This is generally the most common type of eye infection seenregularly in dogs. Conjunctivitis is characterized by the inflammation of theportion of the eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clearmembrane that protects the eye as well as the inner eyelid. The cause of thiscondition is most commonly a viral infection, an allergic reaction, or abacterial infection.

The most common bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are streptococci andstaphylococci. In Allergic conjunctivitis, the cause may be any number ofairborne irritants that are causing an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis thatis caused by a virus is usually a result of a respiratory infection, flu, orother viral conditions. Regardless of the specific cause, this is the conditionthat manifests with all of the general symptoms of an eye infection, withoutany secondary symptoms.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a condition that usually manifests as aninflammation of the eyelids. The most common cause of this condition is abacterial infection, which causes the subsequent inflammation of the eyelid.Other causes include demodectic mites, sensitivity to the sun, trauma, andother eye diseases. Though this condition may affect humans as well as dogs, itis occasionally seen in cats and other mammals.

Ulcerative Keratitis

In the condition of Ulcerative Keratitis, a dog's eye issubject to inflammation of the cornea. This is usually characterized byspecific erosions of the cornea, though may also manifest as ulcers. Thiscondition can be caused by several factors, though is commonly caused bykeratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The common name for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is “Dry Eye”, and ischaracterized by a deficiency of tears, usually caused by abnormalities in thetear ducts. Other causes of this condition include herpesvirus, trauma(where eyeis punctured), other disease affecting the eyes/tear ducts, and facial nerveparalysis.

Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)

This is a condition that usually manifests as blistersaround the eyes, in addition to blisters around the lips, mouth, nose and ears.These blisters will cause irritation to the eyes, resulting in many of thecommon symptoms of an eye infection. The blisters will eventually becomeulcerated, and a dog will have other secondary symptoms, such as enlarged lymphglands and anorexia. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection.