Dog Eye Infections

Pet Eye Exam

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, the lens is transparent, allowing light to be refracted (bent) onto the retina. A cloudy lens blocks the light entering the eye, causing vision to be blurred. Cataracts can occur in dogs of all ages. Many cases are inherited. Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, Schnauzers, Old English Sheepdogs, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Maltese, Boston Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers have the highest risk for inheriting a predisposition for cataracts. Cataracts are also more common in aging dogs and in dogs with diabetes. In this condition the gland of the dog’s third eyelid moves out of position (prolapses), causing it to protrude from the eyelid. It appears as a reddish cherry-colored mass on the dog’s eye. This gland produces a portion of the tears that keep the eye moist and help eliminate debris. When the gland prolapses, it may not function properly, reducing tear production and increasing the risk for dry, irritated eyes. Since the gland is exposed, it can also be scratched, causing bleeding or a potential infection. Dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis, is a condition in which the eyes don’t produce enough tears. Without enough tears, the surface of the eye becomes dry and irritated. The cornea may become inflamed and the eyes swollen. Eventually, blood vessel invade the cornea, leading to scarring, loss of corneal transparency (cloudiness) and blindness. Some breeds, like the English Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, West Highland Terrier, Lhasa Apso, and Pug, appear to have an inherited predisposition for dry eye. Glaucoma refers to optic nerve damage, usually caused by increased pressure within the eye. According to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology, it’s one of the leading causes of blindness in dogs. There are two main types. Primary glaucoma is generally due to an inherited abnormality in the eye’s natural drainage channel, causing excess fluid to accumulate in the eye. Breeds most likely to be affected by primary glaucoma include Beagles, Basset Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Cocker Spaniels, Chinese Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Samoyeds and Jack Russell Terriers. Secondary glaucoma occurs when the drainage channel is blocked by an acquired condition, like eye inflammation, dislocation of the lens, tumor or eye injury. Breeds that are susceptible to secondary glaucoma include Jack Russell Terriers, Wire-haired Fox Terriers and Chinese Shar Peis.

Eye Infections in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Eye infections are fairly common in dogs. Your dog may develop an eye infection for many different reasons. Some of these reasons can be simple and easy to treat, such as your dog scratches his eyes and it becomes infected, and some reasons may be more complex and involve the illness as an underlying cause. Fortunately, the symptoms of an infection of the eye are usually easy to spot if you notice them right away and can get treatment for your pet.

Types of Eye Infections in Dogs

Types of eye infections in dogs that are common in dogs include:

Foreign matter and irritants Dog pink eye or conjunctivitis Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca Uveitis infection Symptoms

Foreign matter and irritants :  One of the most common dog eye infections comes from a dog getting foreign matter or irritants in his eye.  Although a dog has a third eyelid, or inner eyelid, which helps protect the eye, dogs can get foreign material in their eyes. When this occurs it can hurt or scratch the dog’s cornea, causing a corneal abrasion.This can lead to an eye that appears cloudy, watery eyes, runny, and infection. In many cases an eye irritant may not scratch the cornea very deeply, but the dog may have a slight irritation and infection. You may notice a slight loss of the eye. Dogs can develop bacterial infections of slight scratches around the eyelid.

Dog pink eye or conjunctivitis: This is the dog eye infection is most commonly seen by veterinarians. This infection produces inflammation involving the membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and front of the eye.It can affect either one eye or two. If your dog has pink eye or conjunctivitis when the eye becomes inflamed and red. You can expect to see a mucous discharge from the eye. The discharge may be clear or yellow or yellow / green.

Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca: dry eyes or dry eye syndrome, occurs when the dog's eyes do not produce enough tears to keep eyes moist. The eyes are literally too dry. When this happens the dog's corneas can be scratched and damaged. The cornea can also develop ulcers. This infection can become chronic.

Uveitis infection :  The uveitis infection is an inflammation that occurs in the inside of the dog’s eye.  The symptoms include redness in the dog’s eye, a sensitivity to light, the dog appears to have blurry vision, and the dog seems to have pain in his eyes.  If not treated, this infection can lead to blindness.

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