Parasite Control Service: Dog Eye Infection Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
There are many causes of eye infection in dogs. If your dog is showing discomfort, redness, or even sensitivity to light, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian at Grah Kingston.
At Grah Kingston, we are
providing quality Parasite Control Service. We
are known as one of the best Dog Eye Infection treatment in Kingston.
If you are not treated, a dog eye infection
can spread or lead to vision loss. These are some of the basic types of
infection, including:
·
Conjunctivitis, also known as a pink eye or red
eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva a thin mucous membrane covering
the front of the eye and lining the inner surface of the eyelid.
·
Inflammation of the cornea.
·
Uveitis, which is inflammation in the anterior
portion of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and
the choroid.
·
Abnormalities in the eyelids and tear glands.
Causes of Dog Eye Infection
Like humans, there are many
causes of dog eye infection. These include:
·
Viruses, such as distemper, herpes,
hepatitis, canine influenza.
·
Bacteria, such as canine brucellosis, leptospirosis,
and such tick-borne diseases as canine ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease.
·
Fungus.
·
Irritants, like smoke or shampoo.
·
Trauma.
·
Parasites.
·
Scratch or a cut on the cornea.
Other problems can irritate
symptoms that look like an eye infection, including:
·
Glaucoma.
·
Tear duct problems more common in Poodles.
·
Dry eye.
·
Vitamin deficiency.
·
Poisoning.
·
Tumors.
Eyelid abnormalities, including
entropion (the eyelid rolls in and irritates the surface of the eyeball)
and cherry eye.
Symptoms of Dog Eye Infection
·
Redness.
·
Swelling.
·
Watery or thick, smelly discharge.
·
Squinting.
·
Blinking.
·
Holding eye closed.
·
Light sensitivity.
·
Pawing at the eye.
How Veterinarians Diagnose a
Dog Eye Infection
According to the Canadian
College of Veterinary, eye exams for dogs are very similar to those for humans.
The exception is it's very hard to get veterinary patients to read an eye
chart, the ACVO noted in a fact sheet. A dog's eye exam may consist of the subsequent
tests:
·
Schirmer Tear Test measures the eye's tear
production and will be conducted when there is redness or liberation.
·
Pictorial examination with a focal light cause
of the eyelids and front half of the eye.
·
Intraocular pressure measured with an instrument
called a tonometer, to look for signs of glaucoma.
·
Dilation with special eye drops allows the vet
at Gardiners Road Animal Hospital to examine the back of the eye including the
condition of the optic nerve and retina and the reflectivity of the tapetum a
layer of tissue in the dog eye that reflects light and enhance night vision.
·
Corneal staining with a fluorescein dye that
will reveal ulcers or other breaks in the surface of the cornea.
·
Bacterial culture.
·
Allergy tests.
Steps for Applying Your
Dog's Eye Medication
Your vet at vet clinics Kingston
will pinpoint the cause of your dog's eye discomfort and create a treatment
plan. Sometimes this will involve treating an underlying condition, such
as an allergy, autoimmune disease, or tumors. Issues related to the eyes
alone may require both systemic and topical medications. In many cases, eye drops
or ointments are required.
Preventing Dog Eye Infections
There are a few steps you can
take to prevent dog eye infection:
·
Avoid trauma to the eye or the introduction of
foreign bodies. One good way to protect them is to close the window when you
are driving. Dust, seeds, and other foreign bodies can fly into the eye on the
wind.
·
Trim hair around the eye so that it won't
irritate the eyeball.
·
Keep your dog's face clean.
·
Protect the eyes with glasses designed
for dogs.
Pet owners are welcome to visit our Animal hospital in Kingston. We have Dog Eye Infection vets with years of experience who have done their jobs in the Parasite Control Service incredibly.