Dry eye syndrome in dogs and cats and its treatment by the best specialists in our center. Signs and medications to treat conjunctivitis in dogs

There are countless diseases that affect dogs. And sometimes the owners of four-legged animals do not suspect that their pet is sick. Only over time, when the disease develops to outwardly noticeable symptoms, do the owners begin to sound the alarm.
The same situation occurs with most ophthalmological pathologies. Meanwhile, the eyes are one of the most vulnerable organs in a dog’s body. It is necessary to closely monitor the eye health of your four-legged dog.

So what is the difference between healthy eyes and eyes affected by any disease?

Healthy eyes be sure to be well hydrated. This is normal because without a sufficient amount of tear fluid, the eyes cannot function properly. Tear fluid plays a very important role in the body of a quadruped. A tear nourishes the animal’s eye, “washes” it, and along with it, harmful microorganisms and irritants are washed away. A tear nourishes the eyes, delivering there useful material, and also acts as a lubricant, facilitating the movement of the eyelids.

If for some reason tears cannot be produced properly in the dog's body, the functioning of this organ is disrupted, which can provoke a number of dangerous diseases, up to complete loss of an eye visual function. One of these diseases is the so-called dry eye syndrome ( dry keratoconjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, "dry eye" syndrome).

Signs, symptoms

The insidiousness of this disease is that its diagnosis is quite difficult early stages; even experienced veterinarians confuse it with ordinary conjunctivitis. And an already developed disease is distinguished by the release of yellow-green thick viscous masses that are difficult to remove from the eye.

Also to specific signs SSG refers a sharp decrease in tear production, lack of shine in the eye, dullness of the cornea. The dog experiences obvious discomfort. An advanced disease can affect the eyelids and even the skin around the eyes. In this case, the cornea is so affected that it becomes rough and its color dull. Can appear characteristic ulcers. Due to the fact that the cornea ceases to be transparent, the dog partially or completely ceases to see.

Causes

• Physiological bulging eyes (in Pekingese, pugs, chins, shih tsu).
• Injury to the lacrimal gland.
• The use of drugs that reduce tear production.
• Surgery to remove the third eyelid (if the lacrimal gland is damaged during the operation).
• Immune-mediated destruction of lacrimal gland tissue.
• Neurological diseases.
• "Plague of carnivores."
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Heredity (for example, in Yorkshire terriers), etc.

Treatment

Very important Timely contact with the veterinarian. Early diagnosis of this disease is the key to almost one hundred percent recovery of the dog. Standard treatment- use of artificial tears before full recovery tear formation, or before surgery.

Primary treatment is aimed at eliminate clinical signs of the disease as quickly as possible. So, within one to two weeks, purulent conjunctivitis is eliminated, as well as spasm of the animal’s eyelids. The skin around the eyes and on the eyelids returns to normal.

Next stage - antibacterial therapy . Upon achieving satisfactory clinical condition eyes, the Schirmer test is prescribed. What is this test? To perform it, take a special filter paper, one end of which is placed in the outer corner of the eye (on the lower eyelid) for exactly one minute. The strip should be located exactly between the conjunctiva and the third eyelid (without contacting the cornea!).

As soon as purulent conjunctivitis is eliminated, it goes away and painful discomfort. The pet feels noticeably better. After this, the veterinarian prescribes the main treatment. A stimulant drug is prescribed own tears. After its use, pigmentation disappears, the transparency of the cornea is restored, and hence the pet’s vision. As a rule, after a month of treatment the cornea returns to normal.

But even after recovery, it is necessary to regularly visit the veterinarian. During the examination, he will take control measurements, during which he will determine whether tears are being produced normally. Such an inspection should be carried out at least once every 1 or 2 months.

Also as additional treatment may be appointed homeopathic remedies, all aimed at the same stimulation of tear secretion. Usually these are drops in the eyes with a dosage of 5-10 drops 2 times a day.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) is a pathology in which the function of the lacrimal glands is disrupted, which leads to disruption of the production of the aqueous part of tears. In turn, this leads to dryness and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye.

Normally, tears in animals provide nutrition to all the surface membranes of the eye and perform a protective function. Tears contain many ocular immune factors and antibacterial enzymes. They protect the eyes of animals from the penetration of foreign pathogenic microorganisms.

When the amount of tears decreases, the eye becomes very susceptible to various infections and small irritating particles external environment. Against the background of impaired immunity of the eye, purulent conjunctivitis first develops, then inflammation affects the cornea - keratitis occurs with many newly formed vessels.

On late stages dry eye syndrome due to hypoxia, deterioration of tissue trophism, autoimmune damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, the animal becomes completely blind due to total pigmentary keratitis.

This disease can occur with varying degrees severity of clinical signs and lead to complete loss vision. Its diagnosis in the early stages is difficult due to the lack characteristic symptoms. The development of the syndrome is caused not only by pathology of the organ of vision, but also by a number of other factors: general health, genetic predisposition, unfavorable conditions environment.

Factors contributing to disruption of tear fluid production:

• Injuries to the glands, muscles and nerves of the eye responsible for the function of the lacrimal glands.
• Congenital underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands.
• Atrophy of the lacrimal glands.
• Autoimmune processes in the body.
• Anesthesia (causes temporary dryness of the eye, reducing tear secretion).
• Congenital absence of lacrimal glands (very rare, but in some dwarf breeds sometimes occurs).
• Removal of the third eyelid or the lacrimal gland that is attached to it.
• Damage facial nerve, innervating the lacrimal gland.
• Use of sulfonamide drugs.
• Infectious diseases (canine distemper, leishmaniasis, herpes virus).

Regardless of the cause of the disease, it remains for life and requires lifelong care for the eyes of the sick animal. At proper care the animal is provided with normal, full vision, while in the absence of treatment and proper care, the result can be complete blindness and chronic inflammatory reactions in both eyes, which cause suffering and discomfort to both the animal and its owner.

Among the dog breeds that have a congenital tendency to dry keratoconjunctivitis are the American cocker spaniel, miniature schnauzer, and West Highland white terrier. Purebred and brachycephalic cat breeds are also predisposed to the appearance of such inflammatory processes.

Symptoms

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca can develop due to many reasons, therefore clinical manifestations will depend on the nature of the process involved. Distinguish between acute and chronic; one- or two-sided; temporary or permanent dry keratoconjunctivitis.

Characteristic signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca are:

• Blepharospasm.
• Corneal ulcers (possibly with perforation).
• Pigmentation and dullness of the cornea.
• Mucous or mucopurulent discharge
• Hyperemia (redness) of the conjunctiva
• The cornea exhibits dryness, loss of shine, clouding and swelling.
• Pigmentous keratitis (the cornea is replaced by an opaque black opacification) - begins from the periphery and spreads to the center of the cornea, closing the pupillary zone.
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea with vascularization, pigmentation).
• Deterioration of visual function with severe keratitis.

The most characteristic sign of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a sticky, thick discharge that adheres to the inner corner of the eye. The purulent component of the discharge may be sterile and develop due to infiltration of the cornea and conjunctiva inflammatory cells, and can also be septic – when a secondary bacterial infection is attached.

Also, dry keratoconjunctivitis of dogs and cats is characterized by blepharospasm and protrusion of the third eyelid, the severity varies significantly depending on the remaining sensitivity of the ocular surface. In severe or acute cases, there is loss of corneal epithelium with the formation of ulcers (especially in the center), in in rare cases corneal perforation and anterior uveitis develop.

In chronic cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, superficial as well as deep vascularization and pigmentation of the cornea are noted. These changes are the main cause of visual impairment in this disease.

Dullness of the cornea in dogs is observed only in 25% of cases. Dry nasal planum is more often observed in the neurogenic form of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is established based on the medical history, characteristic clinical signs and special tests.

The stability of the tear film can be determined using Norn samples: 1 drop of 0.2% fluorescein sodium is instilled into the lower conjunctival sac. The time from the last blink to the appearance of a break in the tinted tear film in the form of a black spot or gap on the surface of the cornea is determined. The tear film breakdown time is important indicator its stability.

To others important method determining the function of the lacrimal glands is Schirmer test, establishing the total tear production. To perform this test, some pharmaceutical companies produce special strips of filter paper. The strip is bent at the marked end at an angle of 45° and placed in the lower conjunctival fornix in the outer third of the palpebral fissure: the bend should lie on the edge of the eyelid, and the bent part of the strip should not touch the conjunctiva. The animal's eye is closed, after 1 minute the strip is taken out and the result is taken into account by measuring the length of the moistened area from the fold line.

Also, corneal damage is identified by staining with Rosebengal and fluorescein, and systemic diseases of animals are also excluded ( diabetes, hypothyroidism, polyarthritis and polymyositis, immune-mediated skin diseases).

Treatment

Complex treatment of dry keratoconjunctivitis comes down to replacing the lack of tears with artificial solutions and relieving inflammation and autoimmune processes in the eye and lacrimal glands.

In general, treatment includes several main areas:

• Stimulation of tear production. Achieved by prescribing cyclosporine and tacrolimus in the form eye drops and ointments. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus have anti-inflammatory and stimulating effects on the lacrimal gland. Thanks to this, the epithelial cells of the lacrimal gland begin to partially recover and produce fluid. It is important to remember that these drugs may not begin to work immediately, but may take several days, and are not effective in all animals.
• Anti-inflammatory therapy. To treat the infectious and inflammatory components of dry eye syndrome, ophthalmic antibiotics and corticosteroid drugs are used topically.
• Usage artificial substitutes tears. Replacing tear deficiency is one of the main areas of treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In practice, it involves the use of artificial tear substitutes in the form of drops and gels.
• Antibacterial therapy- to control secondary microflora (eye drops with broad-spectrum antibiotics).
• Purpose of corneal protectors. They activate metabolism in the tissues of the cornea and conjunctiva, improving trophism and stimulating regeneration processes.
• Antiallergic drugs- to prevent or relieve allergic reactions characteristic of some forms of dry eye syndrome.

TO surgical methods include occlusion of the lacrimal openings, transposition of the parotid duct salivary gland into the lower conjunctival sac and partial tarsorrhaphy.

When treating dry eye syndrome, it is important to correct general condition animal based on the results of the examination. For example, with hypothyroidism, the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca can be significantly reduced, and with mild flow- and disappear into the background replacement therapy thyroid hormones.

What is dry eye syndrome and why is it dangerous?

Dry eye syndrome in dogs and cats is a serious and fairly common disease. Its features are a long chronic course and the addition of many complications leading to blindness of sick animals.

Dry eye syndrome is a disease manifested by a decrease in the amount of tears, impaired hydration of the tissues of the eyeball, inflammatory and xerotic lesions of the conjunctiva and cornea. Normally, tears in animals provide nutrition to all the surface membranes of the eye and perform a protective function. Tears contain many ocular immunity factors and antibacterial enzymes: lysozyme, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, Castle factor. All of them protect the eyes of animals (as well as humans) from the penetration of foreign pathogenic microorganisms. When the amount of tears decreases, the eye becomes very susceptible to various infections and small irritating particles from the external environment. Against the background of impaired immunity of the eye, purulent conjunctivitis first develops, then inflammation affects the cornea - keratitis occurs with many newly formed vessels. In the later stages of dry eye syndrome, due to hypoxia, deterioration of tissue trophism, autoimmune damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, the animal becomes completely blind due to total pigmentary keratitis.

What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?

In dogs, the main predisposing factors for the occurrence of dry eye syndrome are breed predisposition(cocker spaniels, english bulldogs,Yorkshire terriers, naked crested dogs), chronic conjunctivitis, disorders of the innervation of the lacrimal gland, incorrectly performed operations for adenoma of the third eyelid, accompanied by its resection or damage to the ducts of the Gardner gland, long-term use drugs that inhibit tear production. In cats, dry eye syndrome is not as common as in dogs, and occurs against the background of viral keratoconjunctivitis, mainly of herpetic and coronovirus origin. Dry eye syndrome can occur against the background of a number of common autoimmune diseases: collagenosis, kidney pathology, skin and mucous membrane diseases leading to tear deficiency.

Is there a seasonality of the disease?

Yes, the exacerbation of the disease is seasonal. Peaks of exacerbation occur in the spring-autumn period. Seasonality is most clearly manifested in cocker spaniels in combination with otitis media.

How does dry eye syndrome manifest externally?

In dogs and cats, dry eye syndrome manifests itself as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Its main characteristic features are copious thick discharge from the conjunctival cavity of a yellowish-greenish color. The discharge has a viscous consistency and is difficult to remove from the surface of the eye.

Classic keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Conjunctiva is loose, red, with dilated vessels. The cornea exhibits dryness, loss of shine, clouding and swelling. In animals with chronic course disease, the cornea is replaced by an opaque black clouding - the so-called pigmentous keratitis. Pigmentous keratitis begins from the periphery and spreads to the center of the cornea, closing the pupillary zone. This leads to a sharp decrease in vision, even to blindness. How quickly dry eye syndrome progresses depends primarily on the degree to which the amount of tears decreases.

What methods are used to diagnose dry eye syndrome?

In our center, animals suspected of having dry eye syndrome are treated comprehensive diagnostics. First of all, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment of the eye is performed: the condition of the conjunctiva and cornea along the limbus and in the area of ​​the open palpebral fissure is examined. It is in these places that the earliest xerotic changes and ulcerations are observed. To visualize these disorders, a special dye for the cornea, Bengal pink, is used. Pink Bengal stains the most minimally dystrophic cells of the corneal epithelium much better than other indicators.

The animal is then given a Schirmer test.

Schirmer test - determination of the quantitative production of tear fluid in cases of suspected dry eye syndrome.

In dogs, more than 20% of all severe conjunctivitis and keratitis are accompanied by latent dry eye syndrome, which is the root cause of the disease. Therefore, in most animals with signs of inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, we perform the Schirmer test without fail.

The essence of the method is as follows. Before the test, the animals are carefully removed with a gauze swab to remove the remaining tear fluid. A special Shirmer tear test filtration strip from Acrivet, developed for animals, is placed in the lower conjunctival sac of the medial corner of the eye. It is important to position the strip correctly so that it is between the conjunctiva and the third eyelid, avoiding contact with the cornea. The test is performed for one minute, after which the strip is removed.

Performing the Schirmer test in a dog with suspected dry eye syndrome.

The results of the Schirmer test for animals are as follows:

• More than 15 mm/min - normal tear production
• 10-15 mm/min – initial (early) stage of dry eye syndrome
• 5-10 mm/min - developed (moderate) degree of dry eye syndrome
• Less than 5 mm/min is an advanced (severe) stage of dry eye syndrome.

These standards are more focused on dogs. In cats, normal tear production can range from 10 to 15 mm/min.

One more additional diagnostic test is the Norn test - determining the time of tear film rupture. The Norn test is performed as follows: two drops of fluorescein are instilled into the eye. After instillation, the tear film on the cornea takes on a homogeneous dark green color. As tears decrease, this uniform coloration breaks up much faster than normal, indicating dryness of the eye.

In animals suspected of having keratoconjunctivitis sicca, measurement is very important. intraocular pressure. In the early stages of glaucoma, due to increased intraocular pressure, the eyeball begins to increase in size, and central region the cornea becomes dry. It is important to differentiate these diseases in time, since they have completely various treatments. Dry cornea normal quantity tears are observed in animals with physiological exophthalmos (bulging eyes). These are dogs - Pekingese, pugs, chins, Shih Tsu, cats of exotic and Persian breeds. Due to the wide palpebral fissure and bulging eye When blinking, the eyelids do not close completely and the cornea in the center dries out during normal tear production. Such animals require periodic courses of therapy aimed at strengthening the cornea and improving its trophism.

In some cases, dry eye syndrome may be caused by a behind-the-eye (retrobulbar) neoplasm or inflammation. These pathologies at the beginning of development, shifting the eyeball forward, can mask their clinical picture under ordinary dry keratoconjunctivitis. At similar conditions decisive method to help establish correct diagnosis, is an ultrasound of the eye and retrobulbar space.

In animals when neurological diseases, associated with a violation of the innervation of the branches of the facial nerve, the eyelids do not close, the eye remains constantly open, the lacrimal gland, due to denervation, stops producing tears and a very severe form of dry eye syndrome develops. In such processes, first of all, treatment by a neurologist is necessary; we prescribe only supportive therapy. Diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, despite its apparent ease, has many features that need to be known and taken into account when making a diagnosis.

How is dry eye syndrome treated?

At our Center, we seriously treat dry eye syndrome and have a number of our own methods to combat this problem. In general, treatment of dry eye syndrome includes several main areas:

• Stimulation of tear production. Stimulation of tear production is achieved by administering cyclosporine and tacrolimus in the form of eye drops and ointments. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus have anti-inflammatory and stimulating effects on the lacrimal gland. Thanks to this, the epithelial cells of the lacrimal gland begin to partially recover and produce fluid. It is important to remember that these drugs may not begin to work immediately, but may take several days, and are not effective in all animals.

Tacrolimus is a drug of the latest generation.

• Anti-inflammatory therapy.

Ophthalmic antibiotics are used topically to treat the infectious and inflammatory components of dry eye syndrome(Tsiprovet, Iris, etc.) and corticosteroid drugs. It is necessary to treat the prescription of steroids with caution and remember that these drugs, when used uncontrolled, cause corneal ulcers and increased intraocular pressure, up to acute attack glaucoma.

• Tear replacement solutions

Replacing tear deficiency is one of the main areas of treatment for dry keratoconjunctivitis. In practice, it involves the use of artificial tear substitutes in the form of drops and gels. Pharmacological effect These drugs are due to their effect on the mucin and aqueous layer of the tear film. The polymer components included in their composition are mixed with the remnants of tears and form a precorneal film, similar to one’s own tears.

• Plasma enriched with growth factors (prp technology).

new effective method treatment of dry eye syndrome. Read more about the treatment method and results here….

Thus, dry eye syndrome is a complex pathology that requires professional approach and long-term complex therapy

The process of inflammation affecting the mucous membrane inside the eye (conjunctiva) is called. Itching in the eyes and under the eyelids, their swelling and tearing with characteristic purulent or mucous discharge indicates the presence of this disease. Conjunctivitis in dogs varies greatly in symptoms and treatment; what to do and how to treat it depends on the form of inflammation.

Common causes of conjunctivitis in animals are:

The puppy has a special etiology - intrauterine infections. As a result, physiological ankyloblepharon - fusion of the eyelids - can develop.

Symptoms of the disease

Clinical signs may be varying degrees severity at acute and chronic form diseases:

• at the first stage there is abundant;
• the conjunctiva becomes inflamed;
• the dog tries to scratch its eyes with its paws, rubs its muzzle on foreign objects;
• fear of light appears, the pet hides in the shadows;
• exudate is released from the eye pathological color, smell, consistency;
• Dried crusts of exudate are observed on the eyelids, and hair in this area may fall out.

Conjunctivitis in animals according to the clinical picture divided into the following types:

• Follicular conjunctivitis usually a complication. A characteristic feature is reddish “blisters” on the third eyelid, which makes the conjunctiva look like raspberries. The causes of this pathology are enlarged lymphatic vesicles under the surface of the conjunctiva. Inflamed follicles require surgical removal. Other symptoms are the same: photophobia, lacrimation, mucous or purulent exudate, itching and pain in the eye sockets.

• Purulent conjunctivitis- this is one of the most dangerous species diseases. Both eyes are usually infected, and there is decreased appetite, lethargy, pain in the eyes and eyelids, temperature changes, and severe swelling of the eyelids. The exudate is purulent, white, yellow or dirty yellow (in the chronic form), often with unpleasant smell. Pus, accumulating, sticks the eyelids together, making it difficult for your pet to open his eyes in the morning. In the chronic form, the amount of exudate decreases, but it becomes thicker, the conjunctiva acquires a bluish tint. The cause of the disease is bacterial or fungal infection, and a concomitant factor is low immunity.

• Allergic conjunctivitis in dogs it usually occurs with mucous secretions, the exudate being almost transparent. The conjunctiva is red, but does not bleed, eyeballs reddened, often allergic reactions (redness) are visible on the skin, nasal planum (if the nose is not pigmented). Characteristic feature is the rapid development of conjunctivitis without objective reasons. Also a sign allergic form is the absence of other alarming symptoms.

• Catarrhal conjunctivitis. At acute form the eyelids swell, there is profuse lacrimation, which is then replaced by thick mucous discharge. The exudate accumulates on the inner corner of the eye, where it hardens, sticking the hair together. In the chronic form, lacrimation is scanty, photophobia may be absent. The conjunctiva is moderately red, velvety. Swelling of the eyelids is mild or absent. Periodically, the disease worsens, then acute symptoms are observed.

• Chlamydial conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia, has a special clinical picture, so it can be isolated separately. The disease completely affects the upper Airways, the mucous membranes of the throat, pharynx, nose, and conjunctiva are affected. First one eye becomes red and swollen, and then the other. The conjunctiva becomes bright red. Symptoms reach their peak in the second week, then within 2-3 weeks the symptoms subside. But when weak immunity the illness may remain for a long time.

• Viral conjunctivitis characterized serous discharge, they are liquid, cloudy, sometimes slightly opalescent. With this form of inflammation, other signs of the disease are always noticeable. Caused by plague viruses, herpes, adenoviruses and other pathogens. Many viral infections It is difficult to tolerate, and symptoms often develop that threaten the pet’s life.

• Parenchymatous (phlegmonous) Conjunctivitis is different in that the inflammatory process penetrates deep inside and affects the parenchyma. The conjunctiva is bright red and bleeds instantly at the slightest touch. The palpebral fissure is greatly narrowed, often part of the conjunctiva protrudes outward. Causes of the disease - infectious infection, so the exudate is purulent.

• Fibrinous conjunctivitis appears with some infectious diseases, radial and chemical burns. White fibrinous films are found on the surface of the conjunctiva, under which necrotic processes develop. In the lobar form, they are easily removed, and the conjunctiva underneath them bleeds heavily. With the diphtheroid form, the films cannot be removed, since they spread to the deep layers of the mucous membrane.

Read also: Rhinitis in dogs - causes and treatment of runny nose

Disease prognosis

Depending on the form of conjunctivitis The prognosis for the disease is different:

• Catarrhal conjunctivitis. In the acute form it is favorable, in the chronic form it is cautious.

• Follicular conjunctivitis. It is usually favorable, but relapses are possible in the future.

• At timely application the prognosis is favorable, with an advanced disease it is cautious (scar formation is possible), if the cornea is involved in the process it is unfavorable (the dog goes blind).

• The prognosis is always favorable; caution can be exercised only in very advanced cases.

• Chlamydial conjunctivitis. Cautious in puppies, in adult animals – favorable if handled in a timely manner.

• Viral conjunctivitis. The prognosis depends on the infection, the type of pathogen, immunity and the general condition of the animal. Usually he is cautious, but with carnivore plague he is unfavorable.

• Parenchymal (phlegmonous) conjunctivitis. The prognosis is cautious, since inflammation can spread to the cornea through panophthalmitis or retrobulbar phlegmon or trigger the development of sepsis.

• Fibrinous conjunctivitis. Usually cautious (possible scarring and distortion of the eyelids) or unfavorable (the animal goes blind).

Contagiousness of conjunctivitis

Important! Conjunctivitis of viral or bacterial etiology is contagious to humans.

The disease can be transmitted by airborne droplets or by contact. Most people become infected during treatment at home, so you need to maintain personal hygiene to prevent the bacteria from being transferred to yourself. Infection with fungal conjunctivitis occurs when the immune system is weakened, so for prevention you should take multivitamins. Still, the risk is insignificant, the main thing is to maintain personal hygiene.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

Treatment of conjunctivitis in dogs depends on the form of inflammation, and in case of infectious etiology, on the type of pathogen:

• Catarrhal type. For traumatic conjunctivitis, enough symptomatic treatment and anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Purulent inflammation, as well as parenchymal, chlamydial and fibrinous conjunctivitis. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, and symptomatic treatment is carried out, to which antipyretics are added.

• Allergic conjunctivitis. Symptomatic treatment is sufficient; antihistamines must be prescribed.

• Viral conjunctivitis needs to antiviral agents. Assign symptomatic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Symptomatic therapy

Elimination of symptoms is necessary so that the animal can more easily tolerate the disease. To do this, clear the eyes of exudate and prescribe painkillers and antipyretics.

A pet can get severe poisoning from Nurofen or Tetraflex, and fatalities are often observed from Aspirin. All these drugs cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, turning the gastrointestinal tract into a sieve. You can only use special veterinary drugs, preferably the latest generation.

Drops

First of all, eye drops are used; they have a strong local effect and at the same time complete absence side effects and contraindications:

• Drops "Iris". A drug specially created for the treatment of conjunctivitis in pets. For dogs, 1-3 drops are enough, depending on the size of the pet; use 1-2 times a day until the symptoms disappear. There are no side effects if the dosages are observed. Not recommended for hypersensitivity to the product.

• Drops "Conjunctivitis". Is complex means with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effect. Dosage: 2-4 drops in each eye 3-4 times a day. Use until symptoms disappear; if the dosage is followed, there will be no side effects.

• Drops "Maksidin". A complex drug with anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect. The product was created specifically for the treatment of conjunctivitis in patients. Dosage: 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day. Contraindications and side effects No.

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Treatment possible folk remedies . The most common are decoctions of chamomile or rose hips, as well as aloe and Kalanchoe juices. Dosages are the same - 1-3 drops several times a day. Decoctions and natural juices Be sure to use only fresh.

Painkillers

For pain relief, only local anesthetics are used:

• A solution of 2% novocaine. 3-4 drops under the eyelid twice a day. The duration of the course is no more than five days. Side effects: allergic reaction (extremely rare).

• A solution of 2% lidocaine. For an analgesic effect, 3-4 drops are enough, the anesthetic effect lasts 10-15 minutes. Not recommended for pregnant and lactating animals. Possible side effects such as allergic reaction, burning.

Antipyretics

You can only use veterinary drugs and only the latest generation:

• Vedaprofen. A safe product designed specifically for dogs. Dosage: 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day, orally. The drug has a strong analgesic effect. Sometimes side effects such as gastritis are observed.

• Carprofen. The drug is also created specifically for dogs. It has a high degree of safety and has no contraindications or side effects. Has a strong analgesic effect. Dosage: 2-4 mg/kg body weight.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Prescribed for severe inflammatory process. This group of drugs is needed to block the mechanism of development and spread of the disease. Use only under the supervision of a veterinarian, since anti-inflammatory drugs are very harmful to the health of the pet.

Most often used Dexamethasone. It is a corticosteroid, so the dosage is prescribed by a specialist; usually 1-2 drops 3 times a day are enough until the swelling subsides and the itching disappears. Side effects are varied and depend on personal sensitivity. Use with caution; overdose can cause damage to the cornea.

Antihistamines

First of all, determine the cause of the allergy. The dog should be put on a diet and allergens should be excluded from the diet. The best option natural food There will be buckwheat or rice, maybe with boiled beef. They also thoroughly clean the room of dust and debris (especially construction debris).

The most suitable drug for dogs is Allervet 1%. It is an analogue of diphenhydramine, but is much safer for animals. It is administered intramuscularly. Dosage: 1 ml per 5 kg of body weight 2 times a day. To eliminate signs of allergy, 5-7 days of use are enough.

Antibiotics

Their use depends on the type of pathogen; when the first signs of the disease are detected, you can start with antibiotics in the form of drops. If the disease does not go away, then you need to switch to more serious systemic antibacterial drugs.

The most convenient form of antibiotics is in drops. The drug does not enter the bloodstream and does not harm immune system. The most common means are:

• Leopard. Drop 2 drops into each eye 3-4 times a day (no more than 5 times). The duration of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks. The course should be repeated after seven days for the chronic form. There are no side effects or contraindications.

• Iris. 1-2 drops 4 times a day. The duration of the course is from 7 to 10 days. There are absolutely no side effects. Contraindication is personal intolerance to gentamicin.

• Tsiprovet. Instill 1-2 drops for 1-2 weeks. No side effects were found. Contraindication is intolerance to ciprofloxacin.

Currently, a widespread ophthalmological problem, which is addressed to veterinary specialists - ophthalmologists, is the syndrome of dry eye - a violation of the hydration of the cornea, as a result of which it dries out and loses its functions.
Normally, the eye is constantly moisturized; this is one of the conditions for its normal functioning. With a lack of moisture, the so-called dry eye syndrome develops, which has a number of characteristic symptoms, as well as dire consequences.
It can develop as a primary independent disease, or may be one of the symptoms of another disease, but whatever the cause of dry eye syndrome, it can lead to partial or complete loss of vision and therefore requires close attention.

The mechanism of development of dry eye syndrome
Hydration of the eye occurs due to the protective film present on the eye, covering the cornea, and the tear fluid produced. The protective film consists of three layers: aqueous, mucin and lipid. Several structures are responsible for the formation of the tear film in the body of animals:
- lacrimal gland of the upper eyelid,
- accessory gland of the third eyelid (Gardner's gland),
- goblet cells of the conjunctiva,
- meibomian glands,
- Zeiss glands,
- Moll's glands.
If the functioning of any component of the tear film deteriorates, it is disrupted. protective function. Tear plays an important role in the immunity of the eye, which is why when there is a lack of tears against the background of dry eye syndrome, complications such as purulent conjunctivitis, pigmentous keratitis and others.

Causes of dry eye syndrome

There are many reasons causing the syndrome dry eyes, which are divided into congenital and acquired.
TO congenital causes refers to aplasia or hypoplasia of the lacrimal gland. Acquired - injuries to the lacrimal gland, age-related atrophy, chemical and thermal damage to the conjunctiva, chronic blepharitis, neoplasms of the lacrimal gland, removal of the third eyelid or Gardner's gland, diseases associated with poor nutrition(failure ascorbic acid and vitamin B12, exhaustion, fasting), herpes viral infection and hypofunction of the lacrimal gland associated with systemic diseases (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus).

Breed predisposition
Most susceptible to developing dry eye syndrome American Cocker Spaniels, Chinese hairless crested, Yorkshire terriers, English bulldogs, Shih Tzu, poodles, pugs, Pekingese, mixed breeds. Less common, but still occurring, is dry eye syndrome in cats.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
At the initial stages of the disease, hyperemia and chemosis of the conjunctiva (sharp swelling of the conjunctiva), periodic appearance of catarrhal and catarrhal-purulent discharge, increased lacrimation are noted, which at first glance seems paradoxical (in fact, this is a compensatory mechanism launched by the body to eliminate corneal dryness). At these stages, diagnosis is difficult. Owners often do not pay attention to primary manifestations and turn to a veterinary specialist already severe conditions. As the disease progresses, a large number of purulent discharge a specific type (mucopurulent threads) that envelop the eye until the eyelids stick together. The animal at this stage experiences discomfort, and blepharospasm appears (involuntary closure of the eyelids). Gradually, the cornea loses its shine, ceases to be smooth, becomes matte, and sometimes the development of ulcerative areas of the cornea is possible. At later stages, vascular and pigmentary keratitis develops,
which ultimately leads to blindness.

Remember that you should not self-medicate; treatment must be carried out under medical supervision; the prognosis of the disease will depend on this.

Glossary
Aplasia - common name developmental anomalies in which a part of the body, an organ or part thereof, or a section of any tissue is missing.
Hypoplasia (or hypogenesis) is insufficient development of a tissue, organ or whole organism in terms of size.

Yulia Smirnova, veterinarian- ophthalmologist
net veterinary centers"MedVet"
PetAdvice Magazine No. 3-2013
posted with permission from the Logos Press publishing house
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