EYE INFECTIONS

CAUSES:

Dog eye infections are very common and are usually brought on by bacteria or viruses like the Herpes virus. Simple dirt and debris that can get trapped in eye lids and lashes as well as Lyme disease from deer tick bites around the face can also lead to a dog’s eye infection. When your dog suffers from these irritants and eye contagions it can cause several different types of problems. Many dog eye infections are precursors to dog pink eye or conjunctivitis; tear stains, Glaucoma, dry eye infection, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Uveitis dog eye infection.

Upon careful examination the presence of a red and inflamed ocular structure and surrounding tissue as well as a dog eye discharge of milky white or yellowish colored ooze are indication of infections. Clear tears that are not overly abundant are common and healthy for dogs. But when the dog’s eye discharges produce a different color and cause irritation and swelling, the need to see the veterinarian is warranted.

Some dogs are prone to allergies and like their human companions, will suffer from excessive tearing, swollen and red eyes, sneezing and a constant discharge from the eyes. Particular breeds like Shih Tzu, Poodles and Lhasa Apso can be victim to a watery eye syndrome caused by the eyelashes turning inward. This in known as Entropion and will cause your dog’s eyes to water with the moisture build up resulting in tear stains and the possibility of infection due to the congregation of bacteria, yeast and fungus.  When your pet isn’t able to close their eyes all the way, known as Lagophtalmos, they will not be able to coat the eyes with sufficient moisture from blinking and create a situation for a dry eye infection.  Trichiasis or the misdirection of eye lashes toward the eyeball can scratch and irritate the cornea surface often leading to further infections.

External assaults on your dog’s eyes from insect and flea bites to cat attacks, parasitic invasions and environmental irritants like garden pesticides, fertilizers and house hold cleaning products are all contributors of canine eye infections. Nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of Zinc, which is common for certain breeds like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and puppies in general along with a poor supply of essential fatty acids in the diet can lead to dermatitis or a redness (inflammation) of the surrounding ocular tissue.

Ailments like Jaundice, a yellowing in the whites of the eyes is more of a secondary condition usually caused by more serious illnesses such as liver damage (hepatitis), Pancreatic infections, Gallstones, a viral infection and reaction to certain medications a recent general or local anesthetic, acetaminophen, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, methotrexate, sulfonamides, phenytoin or an excessive intake of paracetamol, co-amoxiclav, flucloxacillin.  Just like people, dog eye infections can be linked to a wide range of sources, each particular to your individual pet’s breed, environment and physical condition.

SYMPTOMS:

To determine if your furry stalwart companion is suffering from a dog eye infection the tell tale signs are not hard to notice. Symptoms of a dog eye infection can be plainly seen in one of both eyes.

1. Red and swollen tissue and glands around the eyes. Many times a slight redness is only an indication of minor irritants like dirt which can be easily removed and cleaned. But when the areas around the eye are blatantly inflamed and don’t respond to cleaning, it is a sign of an infection.

2. Squinting. It may seem odd but dogs do squint, however they do it mostly because of irritation rather than trying to see better as humans often do. If you notice your pet constantly squinting or excessively blinking check to see if they have some foreign substance lodge around the eye or if the area is red and swollen which are a clearer signal of a impending dog eye infection.

3. Bloodshot eyes. Your dog’s eyes are normally clear and bright with the corneas surrounded by white. Since dogs are hardly lacking in sleep, having reddened and bloodshot eyes are a good indication of infection and could be a precursor to more serious illnesses.

4. Pawing and scratching. Dogs paw their eyes to wipe away dirt and debris but when your pet’s behavior becomes obsessive the cause is some kind of dog eye infection. Pawing at an infection will only make the condition worse as it can actually rub the area raw and break skin creating greater inflammation and opening entry ways for opportunistic pathogens.

5. Dog Eye Discharge. Secretions from your pet’s eyes that are milky white, yellowish or even green in color are absolute warnings of eye infections. Occasional discharge can be caused by a variety of irritants or allergies however a consistent eye discharge from your dog is red flag.

6. Injuries to the eye will often manifest into inflammation due to the broken blood vessels from the contusion or scratch. In the case of scratches it is important to verify that the abrasion remains clean and healing is in progress.  When bruises are evident, be mindful of any swelling around the eyes and if the eyes become bloodshot due to breakage of the eyeballs small capillaries. Trauma in this area can develop into more serious conditions if not monitored.

7. Allergies. Strange as it may sound you dog can suffer from many of the same allergies as their owners. Everything from cleaning products, grains, corn and tainted by-products in their dog food to the grass they roll in can cause allergic reactions. Same as in humans, dog eye infections created by allergic reactions are nothing to sneeze at.

COMPLICATIONS:

Dog eye infections are viewed as a warning sign of more complex and serious illnesses. When your pet has any number of the symptoms described in the previous section it is best to investigate the cause so as to halt it’s progression. Many diseases are first indicated via the condition of the dog’s eyes.

Irritants that cause mild redness are often easy to heal but more frequent and severe inflammations require a quick by the vet. An infection left on its own can develop into many more complicated conditions.

1. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or Dry eye is just as it sounds; a lack of moisture on the eye. Prevalent in breeds that have extended or bulging eyes like Shih Tzu and Pugs who have a greater surface area to wet, these types of canines may have trouble closing their eyes all the way preventing the eyes from getting a complete coating when blinking. These types of dogs may need additional help in keeping their eyes moist and clean. If left unattended an accumulation of bacteria and fungus can form manifesting into even greater discomfort and diseases.

2. Pink Eye. Even dogs can get pink eye or conjunctivitis and is considered a rather common ailment. White is the preferable color for the area surrounding you dog’s eyes. Pink is the signal of conjunctivitis and if untreated can develop into a major infection that can lead to blindness.

3. Cherry Eye. Canine nictitans gland prolapse are little pink cherry like lumps that appear in the corner of the eye. Caused by the slipping of the eyelid from its normal location, the condition can become worse when left untreated and can be acerbated by the animals pawing and scratching.

4. Glaucoma. Infection of the eyes can put increased pressure on the retina and surrounding blood vessels resulting in Glaucoma. The condition should be attended to quickly in order to prevent diminished vision or complete loss of sight.

5. Cataracts. The clouding or whitening of the dog’s eye lens may be a result of its genetic nature and inherited by its parents or can be caused from an injury to the eye. Immune deficiencies and chronic illness can also create this ocular film which although not usually life threatening, can be a hazard to your pet’s vision and make them unattractive.

Even the most minor dog eye infections, when left untreated can be converted into far greater illnesses and unnecessary condition. The key to halting infections before they do further damage is a combination of vigilance and prevention.

PREVENTION:

Dog Eye infections can develop into more serious conditions and often are the first warning signs of depilating diseases. As with any good health regime, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Many courses of prevention for dog eye infections are relatively easy and cost nothing but time and patience.

Begin by keeping a watchful eye on your pet. Signs of excessive water or colored secretions from the eyes can actually be a secondary indication of infections. Understanding your dog’s natural and normal behavior is the foundation for recognizing abnormalities that can be a smoke signal of things to come. Deviations from the norm like increased scratching and pawing at its face and eyes, lethargy, lack of interest and seeking seclusion are a dog’s way of dealing with illness and injury. Be alert to these easy to read personality changes.

Most people think that hygiene for a dog consists of the pet licking themselves clean and an occasional trip to the groomers. As true as this typically is and as much aligned it is with an owner’s personal preference for the cleanliness of their pet, keeping your pet clean around areas that are subject to infection is very important. Many dogs have a propensity for eye infections because of either hereditary factors of the breed or because their body type creates opportunistic invaders.  Preventing dog eye infections for canines with protruding eyes equates to making sure the area is clean and the eyes lubricated. By simply using a sterile cloth to wipe their “closed” eyes can help keep down dirt and debris that can accumulate and create infection. Using a pet eye product to flush out foreign objects also helps maintain good eye health and prevents protein and bacteria build up. Using a dog ophthalmic lubricant when bathing your pet will bring relief to tired and reddened eyes caused by shampoos, grooming products and tiny bits of hair that can get in their eyes during and cut and style. 

Along with observation and hygiene, maintaining your pet’s diet is fundamental for overall health and vitality. Nutritional balance in food coupled with a quality vitamin supplement can go along way in the fight against minor infections and will prevent them from escalating. Most dog foods are a mixture of meat by-products, grains, corn and rice. Canines are by nature a carnivorous animal and although they get certain amounts of vegetation from kills in the wild, even the most domesticated dog is still craving their primordial meal. Today’s dog food often has tainted meat sources and many canines manifest allergies from the grains and corn used in dog food either at the puppy stage or more commonly over a period of years.  A good source of food goes along way in the prevention of eye illnesses but dogs can’t live by dog food alone.

A proper nutritional supplement is one that has been specifically formulated to supply much needed vitamins, minerals, amino acids, calcium and other essential ingredients that complete your pet’s needs.  These are the building block upon which your dog’s good health is founded.

REMEDY/TREATMENT:

Dog eye infection treatments span the gamut from prescription medications to homeopathic remedies using specific natural elements that help your pet’s own immune system fight the infection.  When an inflammation turns severe and creates a debilitating disease veterinarians have several options to cure or manage the illness.

Conjunctivitis or dog pink eye is a common ailment among canines with the membranes surrounding the eye becoming inflamed and swollen. Treatment is a round of antibiotics in liquid form that is applied with an eye dropper, usually several times a day. Oral doses of the drug or another allergy type medicine may be included for more serious conditions.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or Dry eye is a simple remedy of artificial tears and in cases when the condition causes redness and swollen membranes, a course of anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. These can be given either in liquid form via eye dropper of orally.

Uveitis, an inflammation of the inside of the eye can cause visual reddening of the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light as well as pain and discomfort. Because this ailment is can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus or other organic pathogens treatments will involve a glucocorticoid steroid. Anti-fungal and antibiotics may also be added for more advanced cases.

Canine Glaucoma causes diminished vision and can ultimately make the dog blind if untreated. Most vets will prescribe wide course of medications such as Methazolamide for the reduction of corneal pressure. Timolol Opth Soln, Trusopt Ophthalmic Solution (again for pressure) and Pilocarpine 2% in an Ophthalmic Solution. If these medications are unable to relieve the pressure and reduce the Glaucoma surgery is warranted.

Before a dog eye infection goes beyond the point of minor irritation and develops into something more deadly, as in the case of tumors or cysts where the only real option is surgery, there is a wide selection of effective natural treatments.

Fundamentally the first line of any remedy is to ensure your dog has a proper diet and balanced nutrition. Providing good food that is full of quality protein and low on grains, corn and possibly tainted meat by-products is paramount for your pet to achieve a healthy digestive system and strong immune system. Supplementing their diet with a vitamin supplement that has been engineered to support vital organs and has ingredients that can attack disease causing free radicals can make a big difference in their battle against infections.

Nutritional supplements that contain a rich supply of vitamins, mineral and essential enzymes offer a matrix of antioxidants that help protect your pet’s body from the ravages of opportunistic organisms, free radicals and chemicals that assault them on a daily basis. Formulas that contain quality calcium, a full range of amino acids, Blue Green Algae as one its source of protein and chlorophyll plus L Methionine as an essential amino acid that help to detoxify the blood stream. L Methionine is has also been shown to help allergies by reducing histamine release which can cause your dog’s eyes to turn red and watery. 

As with any vitamin and nutritional supplement, the quality of ingredients combined with the manufacturing process is what determines how effective it will be for your pet. Supplement makers that are willing to put in the time to develop a truly scientifically based formula that has been clinically tested for positive results are the only kind to consider.  But is should also be noted that superior formulation can only go as far as the processing practices will take them.  Companies that use human grade ingredients begin on the best foot and when combined with manufacturing operations that are approved for human products production by the FDA, this equates to a supplement that goes beyond mere commercial value. It shows a company that puts the health of your pet ahead of everything else.