Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a fairly common, difficult to treat disease in cats and dogs. Many owners confuse it with conjunctivitis and try to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms with folk remedies, which leads to a worsening of the situation. The earlier one seeks veterinary help, the faster and less expensive the treatment will be.

What is blepharitis, its features and types

The concept of "blepharitis" unites a group of ophthalmological pathologies occurring with chronic inflammation of the eyelids. It is more common in dogs than in cats. There are breeds that are genetically prone to this disease.

Among them:

Jack Russell;

Miniature Pinscher;

Hunt Terrier;

Chihuahua;

Toy Terrier;

Spaniel.

Veterinarians divide blepharitis into several types:

meibomian is characterized by inflammation of the meibomian glands. It is provoked by infectious diseases (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and others);

simple (squamous) – develops more often due to an allergic reaction;

ulcerative — is a complication of purulent infections (for example, staphylococcal);

phlegmonous (abscessed) is a severe illness, which has a tendency to relapse. With this type of disease, pus accumulates in the meibomian gland, its walls "melt", exudate enters other tissues, which subsequently scar, and the eyelid is deformed.

Depending on the affected area, blepharitis may be as follows:

anterior marginal — affects only the area of eyelash growth;

posterior marginal – inflammation spreads to the meibomian glands, without treatment — to the conjunctiva, cornea;

angular — a pathological process is localized in the corners of the eyes.

There are also mixed forms of the disease, in which the inflammatory process spreads to all tissues of the eyelids.

Causes of the disease in dogs and cats

In addition to the above-mentioned viral, bacterial infections, and allergic reactions, the causes of blepharitis in pets are:

mechanical damage to the eyes;

stress;

pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;

helminth infestation;

vitamin deficiency;

demodicosis;

foreign objects (including dust);

chemical burns;

insect bites.

Inflammation of the eyelids in some cases develops against the background of endocrine or autoimmune pathologies.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

The clinical picture of blepharitis is diverse and depends on the type of disease. The manifestations of the disease can be as follows:

 multiple abscesses on the edges of the eyelids;

oedema;

itching (pet constantly rubs its muzzle with its paws);

hair loss in the periorbital area;

suppuration;

photophobia (the animal squints, tries to hide in a dark room);

excessive lacrimation;

ulcers, crusts in the area of eyelash growth;

discharge from the eyes.

The symptoms are non-specific, they are a sign of many diseases. Only a veterinary ophthalmologist can make an accurate diagnosis at a face-to-face appointment.

A visit to the clinic shall begin with an examination of a fluffy patient, and history taking. Then the doctor sjall perform an ophthalmoscopy to determine the depth of tissue damage. If the infectious nature of the disease is suspected, additional blood tests, urine tests, and other examinations will be required. If abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs are suspected, the pet shall be sent for an ultrasound.

Treatment of the disease in pets

Blepharitis is a severe illness, which requires long-term, complex therapy. Depending on the symptoms and causes of the disease, the treatment shall include drugs of the following pharmacological groups:

antibacterial;

antimicrobial;

glucocorticosteroids;

antihistamines;

steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and others.

For local treatments, it is good to use eye drops made by Apicenna:

Ophthalmosan has a pronounced bactericidal effect. Succinic acid included in the composition of the drug additionally moisturizes the eyes;

Decta-2 is effective in bacterial blepharitis. They penetrate into all tissues of the organs of vision. They quickly relieve inflammation and an allergic reaction.

Attention: before visiting a veterinarian, it is forbidden to administer any drugs into the eyes of animals.

In most cases, if all recommendations are followed, blepharitis can be treated conservatively. Some forms of pathology require lifelong observation by an ophthalmologist.

Methods of prevention

It is impossible to completely exclude the development of blepharitis in cats or dogs. To reduce the risk of developing of the disease, you need to follow the following rules:

ensure cleanliness, regular ventilation in the house where the pet lives;

provide the animal with a full, balanced diet;

after each walk, examine the eyes, clean them from dirt.

Also, do not neglect the annual ophthalmological examinations. It is necessary to strictly follow the schedule of vaccination, deworming, and treatments against external parasites.

Blepharitis is a complex disease that cannot be cured without the timely help of a veterinarian. Self-medication can lead to blindness, even death of a pet.