Eye inflammation in dogs and cats

Ophthalmological inflammations in dogs and cats include:

- Conjunctivitis - inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the apple and eyelids from the inside, as a result of infection, trauma or dry eye syndrome. Conjunctivitis is often combined with other eye diseases;

- blepharitis - an allergic, infectious or parasitic inflammation of the eyelids;

- keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis - inflammation of the cornea, often progressing to the conjunctiva, threatening cataracts, glaucoma and blindness;

- uveitis (iridocyclitis) - an inflammatory process of the vasculature of the visual organ, affecting the iris and ciliary body.

Causes of disease development

Ophthalmological inflammation in animals is rarely primary, more often they develop against the background of:

- infections - carnivore plague, adenovirus, herpes, hepatitis, bacterial invasions (toxoplasma, mycoplasma, chlamydia);

- hormonal imbalance - diabetes mellitus, corticosteroids;

- decreased liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract function;

- parasitic infestations (worms or tick-borne scabies);

- age-related tissue changes;

- food or contact allergies;

- chemical intoxication;

- breed predisposition - in dogs with brachycephalic heads (Pekingese, Hines, Shih Tzu, Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Sharpeys, Mastiffs), West Highland White Terriers, Zwerschnauzers, Yorkies, Poodles, Sheepdogs, Persians, British cats;

- low immunity or autoimmune diseases;

- congenital malformations - absence/underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands, eversion/retraction/ prolapse of the eyelids;

- trauma - mechanical, thermal, chemical;

- improper nutrition, vitamin deficiencies;

- complications after surgery.

Separately it is necessary to note neurodevelopmental symptomatology of dry eye syndrome (DES), which develops in conditions of home keeping. Not being a disease, DDS is often complicated by inflammation.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Signs are non-specific, the clinical picture may include:

- change in the shape of the eyeball or slit, up to complete closure;

- redness, oedema of the eyelash margin;

- ulceration of the eyelids with scales;

- loss of eyelashes;

- itching, local scratching, microtraumas;

- constant blinking or involuntary squinting;

- oedema and redness of the conjunctiva - visible on the shell of the eyeball;

- lacrimation;

- mucous or purulent discharge, dried crusts in the corners;

- photophobia or, on the contrary, lack of pupil reaction to light;

- deterioration of visual functions - manifested by an unsteady gait and restlessness of the animal;

- greyish-blue or yellowish spots over the iris;

- pallor or permanent dilation of the pupil.

In severe cases, the animal may become lethargic and lose appetite.

Diagnosis includes:

- examination with the use of a lamp;

- fluorescin test;

- tear duct patency test;

- measurement of intraocular pressure;

- swabs/scrapes for tissue changes and pathogenic flora;

- ultrasound of the organ of vision.

If a systemic disorder is suspected, appropriate studies (blood tests, urine) are carried out.

Based on the information obtained, the disease and the cause (causative agent) are differentiated.

Treatment of eye inflammation in animals

First of all, it is necessary to:

- eliminate the provoking factor (source of allergy, avitaminosis, the drug taken);

- perform surgical manipulations (in case of mechanical damage or anomalies).

Next, it is necessary to eliminate the symptoms with the help of eye drops:

- Ophthalmosan - eye drops for the treatment of bacterial inflammation (blepharitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis), can be used in case of trauma, contact with dust or aggressive liquids, vapours. Drops are effective for the prevention of age-related tissue dystrophy, cataracts, retinal and corneal dysfunction. The solution destroys bacterial flora, eliminates inflammatory manifestations and moisturises the eye membranes. Treatment: 1-2 courses of 14 days, prophylaxis: 1-2 courses of 20 days;

- Dekta-2 is a combined preparation (gentamicin+dexamethasone) in the form of eye drops. It is intended to combat acute and chronic blepharitis, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis. Prophylactic use is indicated in case of injuries and surgeries. Drops destroy a wide range of antibacterial flora, relieve inflammation. Therapeutic course - up to 10 days, prophylactic - 3 days.

In systemic disorders, therapy may additionally include:

correction of the systemic disorder (hormonal, antihistamines);

control of general and local infection;

measures to relieve intoxication (in case of poisoning or renal failure).

The duration of treatment can range from 10 days (for uncomplicated inflammation) to several years (for serious diseases requiring surgery).
In some cases, lifelong symptomatic therapy with constant monitoring by a doctor is prescribed.