Conjunctivitis (dogs)

Conjunctivitis is any inflammation of the conjunctiva (lining of the eyelids).
Signs of conjunctivitis include hyperaemia (red eye), mucopurulent ocular discharge (build up of infected matter), epiphora (weeping) and discomfort. The condition may involve one or both eyes.
The list of underlying causes is extensive.

Bacterial infection is commonly found in cases of canine conjunctivitis, although bacteria are often not the initiating cause. Staphylococci spp. and Streptococci spp. are the two most commonly found bacteria in conjunctivitis in dogs. Treatment requires antibiotic eye ointments or drops. Refractory (non-responsive) cases may require taking a swab (sample) to culture (grow) at a laboratory for identification of the bacteria selection of an appropriate antibiotic combination.
Fungal infections may also be diagnosed from a swab and will require long term antifungal drugs as treatment.

Foreign bodies such as grass seeds can become lodged inside the eyelids producing sudden severe inflammation.

Dogs may also suffer from allergies, especially at those times of the year when much pollen is in the air. Often the suspicion of an allergy arises from a problem that recurs seasonally, or when repeated swabs of the eye do not grow any bacteria. Antiinflammatory drugs are the treatment of choice for these cases.

Anatomical problem associated with the eyelids which can result in secondary conjunctivitis are listed below. Most of these require surgical correction.

1. Ectropion-eyelid turns outwards
   
2. Entropion-eyelid turns inwards
   
3. Distichiasis-extra row of eyelashes, which can rub against the eye
   
4. Ectopic cilia-eyelash in abnormal place on the eyelid
   
5. Trichiasis-ingrown eyelashes
   
6. Oversized palpebral fissure