For every conscientious owner, the health of his pet comes first. Animals are susceptible to various infections. In this text, we will talk about eye infection, more precisely, inflammation of the conjunctiva (lat. Ophthalmia Neonaturium).
Feline conjunctivitis
Cats are very susceptible to eye infections from an early age. In that case, the utmost caution is required, because if it is not noticed in time and not treated properly, it can lead to permanent damage to vision and blindness. That’s why it’s important to get to know the causes of this most common problem in kittens.
Bacteria from the genus staphylococcus and streptococcus are the most common causes of this infection, as well as the Herpes virus. But don’t worry, whether the infection occurred in dogs or cats, it is not a zoonosis (it is not transmissible to humans).
Symptoms:
- inflammation of the conjunctiva
- redness
- purulent discharge from the eye
- eyelid swelling
- ulcers on the cornea
Diagnosis of Eye Infections
The diagnosis is made on the basis of a sample of discharge from the eye of an infected individual, as well as the vaginal swab of the mother, because the causative agents can be found in the birth canal. Based on the obtained results, the veterinarian will determine the therapy.
Therapy
It depends on the type of infection, so leave the choice of antibiotic drops and ointments to the veterinarian. Never prescribe therapy yourself. Inadequate therapy can worsen the animal’s condition. In the case of dogs and cats, it is necessary to change the mats on which they lie, regularly change the sand or diapers in which the animals perform their physiological needs.
Eye Infections in Dogs
Dogs are more susceptible to this infection, because when the above-mentioned causative factors are added to the influence of external factors, as well as dogs that are genetically more susceptible to getting this type of infection, we can see why they are very common with them. It is important to say that in dogs, conjunctivitis rarely occurs as the only disease, but as associated with another one.
Causes of inflammation of the conjunctiva can be:
- – viruses, fungi, bacteria
- – dust got into one or both eyes
- -eyelid turned inward or outward (ectropion or entropy)
- -hair growing on the eyelid
- – allergic reaction to chemicals
Symptoms:
- – increased itching
- – redness of one or both eyes
- -discharge from the eye can be purulent, mucous, watery and bloody
- – increased eye blinking occurs
- – anxiety
Diagosis and Therapy
In order to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a number of other tests, because as mentioned, this infection does not appear on its own. After that, an eye swab is taken. Therapy is given based on the results.
Depends on the cause of the inflammation. If the inflammation is not caused by a parasite, bacteria or virus, but by an external factor, such as dust, it is sufficient to rinse the eye on a daily basis. But, if the situation is more serious, it will require medical treatment, and in some situations, a surgical solution to the problem. That is why it is very important not to treat the animal independently. If the causative agent is bacteria, antibiotic eye ointment will help, or if it is established that the causative agent is a parasite, an antimycotic is used in the treatment.
How to prevent Eye Infections?
Prevention is better than cure: in order to avoid and prevent the onset of infection, it is necessary to carefully wipe the area around the eyes and eyelids with a wet cotton cloth (or an old cotton t-shirt) after every walk and stay in nature, so that foreign bodies do not irritate the eye, also it is necessary to ensure hygienic conditions in which the dog stays.
If you notice that a dog or cat with which your pet may come into contact has the visible changes we talked about, do not allow them to come into close contact, because this infection, like many others, is easily transmitted. In the event that you have several pets and one of them becomes infectious, it is necessary to separate it from the others and receive appropriate therapy as soon as possible.
Your pet has received the therapy he needs (most often it is antibiotic ointment or eye drops), but you are not sure that he will be obedient and calm enough while you apply the medicine.
Here is a small but valuable help:
The easiest thing would be to have another person help you in this, who will lean your dog (if it is big) against the wall and hold it firmly, while you will lift the dog’s muzzle up with one hand, as well as the upper eyelid until the white eye appears. Of course, shake the drops before use if necessary.
