Eye infections in pets can be caused by a variety of things including viruses, bacteria, injuries, foreign matter, various diseases and fungi. These conditions are quite common in both cats and dogs, and in some cases, they can even be contagious. As such, it is best if you know all about dog and cat eye infection symptoms and treatments.
How Eye Infection Affects Your Pet
Since an eye infection in dogs and cats affects both the eye and the area surrounding it, it can result in a condition called conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Furthermore, when left untreated, eye infections can cause your pet to develop intraocular cancer and/or become partially or completely blind.
Common Symptoms of Eye Infection
Symptoms of eye infections in pets are quite easy to recognize, and they are fairly similar from one case to another. Since even a mild eye infection can become very serious, it is essential to visit your veterinarian whenever you suspect that your pet has the condition. The following Common Cat and Dog Eye Infection Symptoms are: Inflammation of the Eye, Excessive Tearing and/or Discharge of the Eye, Crusty Eyelids, Swollen Eyelids, Broken Capillaries in the Eye, Sensitivity to Light, Squinting, Listlessness , Pawing at the Eyes and Loss of Appetite.
Treatments for Eye Infection
Until you can get your dog or cat to a veterinarian, you can clean its eyes with a saline solution or eye cleaning solution found in many pet stores. You can make your own saline solution using a dash of salt and a cup of mineral water. Use a sterile cotton ball to gently apply the solution to your pet’s eyes. In most cases, your veterinarian will be able to determine a proper course of treatment by growing a culture from some of the discharge taken from your pet’s eyes. Medication that will be prescribed may be in the form of ointments, drops, pills or even injections. Some of the most common medications prescribed for eye infections in pets include Corticosteroids, Atropine, Clindamycin, Azithromycin, Triple Antibiotic Othalmic Ointment with Hydrocortisone, Neobacimyx Opthalmic Ointment and Baytril Optic Drops. If your pet is diagnosed with a condition such as corneal ulcers, cherry eye or entropion, surgery may be required.
Breeds Affected
Since there are many different causes of eye infections in pets, any breed of cat or dog can develop them. However, due to the size and structure of some pet’s eyes, there are some breeds as listed below that are more susceptible to the infections. Furthermore, there are some conditions as follows that can encourage the development of eye infections. Pets Most Vulnerable to Eye Infections: Pekingese, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Persians and Himalayans.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
