Dog conjunctivitis can sometimes be a mildly treatable disorder; in other cases, however, it could conceal the presence of far more serious eye diseases.
For this reason, although it is a very widespread and frequent disorder, it should never be underestimated.
which develops on the conjunctiva, ie on the thin mucous membrane that lines the anterior surface of the eye and the inner eyelid.When you notice changes in your dog's eyes, it is of fundamental importance to contact your vet immediately and avoid "do-it-yourself" diagnosis and therapy, as these questionable - as well as potentially harmful - practices could hide the symptoms. of a "possibly even more serious and not yet identified underlying disease.
include bacterial infections, viral infections (caused, for example, by Canine Herpesvirus-1 and Canine Adenovirus-1) and fungal infections. In some cases, dog conjunctivitis can also be caused by the presence of parasites inside the eye.
The non-infectious causes that can give rise to the disorder, however, are:
- Presence of foreign bodies inside the eye;
- Contact with irritants (smog, dust, chemicals, etc.);
- Excessive dry eye;
- Trauma (for example, scratches, blows, etc.);
- Allergies of various types (for example, pollen allergy).
As you can see, the possible causes responsible for dog conjunctivitis are really many and can have different origins and nature. The importance of the consultation with the veterinarian is therefore clear.
As for the potential risk factors that can predispose to the onset of conjunctival inflammation, we find:
- Obstruction of the lacrimal canal;
- Particular anatomical conformations of the eye or of the area adjacent to it (such as, for example, the presence of large amounts of hair around the eye, protruding eyes, etc.).
According to the classification based on the manifestations and symptoms induced by dog conjunctivitis, however, it is possible to distinguish:
- Purulent conjunctivitis: characterized by the production of pus generally of a yellowish or greenish color, it is mainly caused by infections which, in most cases, turn out to be of the bacterial type.
- Serous conjunctivitis: characterized by the formation of a serum-like secretion - light or colorless - and with a rather fluid consistency.
- Follicular conjunctivitis: characterized by the swelling of some mucous glands which, reacting to external insults, increase in size and alter the characteristics of their surface which becomes rougher, thus giving rise to a rubbing on the conjunctiva with consequent irritation and inflammation.
