Dog Eye Infections

Sam Meisler DVM, a small animal veterinarian, discusses eye
infections in dogs. Most dog eye infections are a result of
an abrasion to the eye causing a corneal ulcer. There are
other causes as well.

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Eye Infections in Dogs

There are a variety of ways a dog can get an eye infection.
Running through tall grass or getting dust or debris in the
eye can lead to a scratch or ulcer on the cornea, which in
turn can lead to an infection. Signs of a potential problem
include squinting, shutting the eye, rubbing the eye, and
swelling. This is an emergency that requires immediate
attention by your vet. Your vet will perform a fluorescein
where drops are placed into and along the surface of the
eye. The drops will bind to any surface area where there is a
disruption in the cornea surface and turn green enabling
your vet to see these disruptions or ulcers with an
ophthalmoscope.

Treatment of a scratch or corneal ulcer is different from
treating inflammation of the eye. Inflammation is treated
with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. With a
scratch or cornea ulcer, steroidal substances cannot be
placed in the eye and the vet needs to pay a lot more
attention to the condition. Longer treatment with some
topical and oral medications and frequent checkups are
necessary until the eye is healed.

- Sam Meisler DVM

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