Eye diseases in dogs can have various causes and present with different symptoms such as watery eyes, red eyes or visible damage to the eyes.
Most often, eye diseases in dogs are caused by inflammation, allergies or infections. Increased tearing in dogs is the most common symptom of eye diseases.
Correct diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in dogs are helped by veterinary ophthalmologists – ophthalmologists who can prescribe special drops, perform operations or offer preventive measures.
Viral eye diseases in dogs
Eye diseases in dogs are caused by several viruses, which often affect not only the eyes, but also the entire body. Here are some viruses associated with eye diseases in dogs:
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- Canine adenovirus (CAV-1) – causes infectious hepatitis, but can also affect the eyes, causing inflammation of the iris (uveitis) and the so-called «blue eye» (corneal edema). This causes clouding of the eyes and accumulation of fluid in the cornea.
- Canine distemper (CDV) – the distemper virus can affect various tissues, including the cornea, retina and conjunctiva of the eye. Dogs affected by this virus often develop eye redness, discharge, and even vision problems. The virus can cause secondary eye inflammation or even retinitis, inflammation of the retina.
- Herpes virus (CHV-1) – this virus is more common in young puppies and causes inflammation of the lining of the eye and cornea, which can lead to eye ulcers, scarring and vision loss.
- Parvovirus – although it is more often associated with gastrointestinal problems, in some cases parvovirus can become complicated and affect the eyes, especially when the immune system is weakened.
- Canine influenza virus (CIV) – usually manifests as a respiratory infection, but can sometimes cause conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), causing redness and discharge from the eyes.
Protection against these viruses includes regular dog vaccinations, which help reduce the risk of infection in dogs and prevent the development of eye diseases
Eye diseases of bacterial origin in dogs
- Bacterial conjunctivitis – one of the most common eye diseases caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus OR Escherichia coli. Bacterial conjunctivitis manifests itself with redness, purulent discharge and itchy eyes.
- Bacterial keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that often occurs as a result of a bacterial infection after an eye injury or damage to the cornea. The most commonly identified bacteria are Pseudomonas aeruginosa AND Staphylococcus species. Bacterial keratitis causes clouding of the cornea, tearing, sensitivity to light and severe pain.
- Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelids, which can be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus OR Streptococcus. This inflammation can cause the eyelids to become red, swollen, itchy, and have purulent discharge. Blepharitis is often chronic and requires long-term treatment.
- Dacryocystitis – inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which can occur if the tear ducts become blocked and create conditions favorable to the multiplication of bacteria. Symptoms of this condition include watery eyes, redness around the eyes, and purulent discharge. The most common triggers are Staphylococcus AND Streptococcus bacteria.
- Uveitas – Although it is usually caused by disorders or trauma to the immune system, uveitis can also be caused by bacterial infections that reach the eye from other parts of the body, such as through the bloodstream. This inflammation can cause the eye to become red, watery, painful, and even cause vision loss.
Veterinary ophthalmologists diagnose bacterial eye diseases in dogs through eye exams and often take samples to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
Antibiotic-containing eye drops or ointments are usually prescribed for treatment, and in more severe cases, oral systemic antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Diagnosis of dog eye diseases
- Brilliance test. This is a test that helps veterinarians diagnose excessive tearing in a dog’s eyes during an exam. At Behemoth Veterinary Clinic, specialists can measure the amount of tears produced using this test. The shimmer test is performed by placing a special, graduated, small, tear-absorbent strip in the lower eyelid for one minute.
- Fluorescein test. This test at the Begemoto Veterinary Clinic is performed by a veterinarian. the ophthalmologist suspects an eye injury. During the fluorescein test, the cornea of the eye is stained with fluorescein and the changed integrity of the cornea is observed through a special LED lamp.
- Ocular tonometry. This is a painless procedure that measures the pressure in the eye. Behemoth veterinarians can measure eye pressure during an exam to see if your dog’s eyes are watering due to the development of glaucoma.
- Bacteriological and virological tests. If during a visit the veterinarian suspects eye diseases of bacterial or viral origin in a dog, special rapid blood tests can be performed or samples of cornea, eyelids or secretions sent to foreign partner laboratories for the most accurate diagnosis and preparation of a treatment plan.
Any pet owner should consult a veterinarian if tears are accompanied by greenish, yellow or greenish-yellow discharge, the dog squints. This may indicate eye injuries, bacterial and viral eye diseases in dogs.
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How are dog eye diseases treated?
Eye diseases in dogs can be treated in many different ways depending on the underlying cause. Treatment of bacterial and viral eye diseases in dogs requires accurate diagnosis, veterinary care, and treatment with prescription medications.
- Bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers are treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments, often with neomycin or chloramphenicol.
- Viral diseases, such as adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis, are treated with antiviral drops such as interferon and artificial tears. Eye cleansers or saline may be used to relieve symptoms, and more complex cases may require surgery.
- If your dog’s eye disease is caused by an allergy, such as to pollen, your vet may recommend using antihistamines along with artificial tears to flush the eyes.
Successful treatment depends on a quick response and proper care, so if you notice redness, swelling or discharge in the eyes, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
Early treatment helps prevent complications such as vision loss and ensures a quick recovery for your pet.
Some cases of watery eyes do not require treatment if the excessive watering is due to shallow eye sockets or normal breed conditions.
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For these dogs, the tear ducts need to be cleaned regularly with special veterinary cleaners or special soft veterinary wipes. This type of treatment for watery eyes in dogs can help prevent dirt buildup and secondary bacterial infections.
When should I see a vet for eye disease or watery eyes?
The most common symptoms of eye diseases, which should be addressed to a veterinarian – ophthalmologist:
- You notice excessive, excessive tears. Watery eyes in dogs can be caused by insufficient drainage of tears produced or excessive tear production.
- Red, brown, or discolored fur under the eyes. Very often, dog owners may notice that humidity turns the fur around the eyes a red-brown color, this is especially noticeable in dogs with white fur. Discoloration of the fur around the eyes is caused by a tear pigment called porphyrin.
- When a dog squints, he has difficulty opening one or both eyes.
- Greenish, yellowish, white discharge from the eyes.
- The dog rubs his eyes with his paws, coughs.
- The dog’s eyes became «glassy.»
Where to go for eye diseases in dogs?
Specialists in their field work in the Begemoto veterinary clinic, innovative and modern equipment allows you to determine the causes of dog eye diseases as quickly as possible, and the dog ophthalmologist, an ophthalmologist, prescribes the most appropriate treatment method.
The Veterinary Medical Center «Begemots» is a veterinary clinic located in the center of the city of Vilnius, a place where not only the health of each four-legged patient is taken care of, but also his emotional state and that of his owner who accompanies him. Register now and give your pet a clear vision of tomorrow!
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