Dog pink eye conjunctivitis infection

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more

What is conjunctivitis?

Pink eye or technically called conjunctivitis or Dog pink eye conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the upper layer of skin (membrane) that covers the eyeball and lines the inner surface of eyelids. This condition is the eye’s response to bugs or chemical irritations that may face the eyes.
Eye infection may also be as a result of, the inflammation of the eyelids (Blepharitis). This condition is less common than conjunctivitis.

What are the disease signs?

Conjunctivitis can affect dogs in different ages. It may occur in one or both eyes.
Signs include:

Redness of the white part of the eye,
Eye discharge,
Dry eye,
Frequent blinking of the eyes,
Eye itching.

Is Pink eye painful for my Shih Tzu?

Conjunctivitis is a painful condition!.

What are the causes?

Causes of eye infections are numerous.

Bacterial infections,
Viral infections,
Allergies or consecutive to an immune system disorder.
Due to parasites
Because of other eye disorders

Bacterial conjunctivitis is due to bacteria that infect the eye. In these type of conjunctivitis, the eye become dry and produce an excess of tearing (called ocular discharge. This is similar to the symptoms of ocular discharge in Canine Distemper) becomes thick.

Viral conjunctivitis, brief note about causes

Allergic conjunctivitis is more noticed in dogs with outdoor activities. Where they are more exposed to moist, pollen, and other allergy-causing substances. Conjunctivitis may be noticed as a symptom in the canine distemper, which is a viral disease that occur in young unvaccinated dogs.

Conjunctivitis may be secondary to immune system disorder, Conjunctiva cells test (known as a cytologic test) may be necessary to identify it.

There are also conjunctivitis due to parasites. Thelziosis is an affection of the eye with a parasite named Thelazia. This parasite lives in the eye and causes eye inflammation.
Conjunctivitis may also be a result of permanent irritation to the eye. Entropion, Trichiasis and Eye ulcers are examples of eye disorders that cause conjunctivitis.

Prognosis

Is Pink eye Dangerous for my Shih Tzu? Can this make him Blind?

The prognosis of conjunctivitis is guarded. That means Conjunctivitis is a serious condition that MUST be treated soon after it occurs. Although most of conjunctivitis are benign conditions that respond well to treatment, conjunctivitis is a major threat to the vision and may cause blindness in some cases.

Does Pink eye go away / will Pink eye go away on its own?

Is Pink eye contagious to other dogs? animals, humans?

The majority of conjunctivitis infections are not contagious, but others are. It is important when having more than one pet, to isolate affected puppies until they fully recover.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, can be contagious to both other dogs and humans too!

Viral conjunctivitis, can spread from your dogs to other dogs, but usually is not contagious to humans.

Diagnosis

Although symptoms are obvious:
Your vet needs to perform a complete eye exam to assess if the infection is only limited to the conjunctiva or is involving other eye tissues. A bunch of ophthalmology tests are performed to assess the status of the eyes and glands.

Treatments

Tretament of conjunctivitis or red eyes : if the infection is only located inside the eye, then the treatment may often be topical ( or applied directly to the eye ), but in some cases, conjunctivitis may be caused by a whole infection of disorder of the organism that should be treated as well, in this case the vet will give a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment.

How to get rid of Pink eye

Eye infection has many causes, and the treatment depends strictly on the cause.
Determining the underlying cause is critical for the appropriate therapy.
eye drops? Some forms of Conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops, artificial tears or cold compress.

treatment with antibiotics

Allergic or immune system caused conjunctivitis:
Require ointments that contain corticosteroids as well as antibiotics.
Specific antibiotics are used in bacterial conjunctivitis, and anti parasitic drugs for Thelaziosis.
Local treatment is prescribed along with oral drugs. Sometimes the bacteria that causes conjunctivitis is not limited in the eye. So systematic treatment is necessary.

Ointments?

Anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. Ointments based on antibiotic and steroids are the main substance used.

Cost of treating Dog pink eye conjunctivitis infection

Pink Eye treatments cost around $200 to $800. Depending on factors like the complexity of the infection etc.

The cost depends on the drugs used, the period of time through which the medicines are given, if there is any underlying health problem, this must be treated first, and this is what makes the cost increase like conjunctivitis that is due to allergy, antiallergic drugs should be also given.

Recovery Post Pink eye treatment

how long does Pink eye take to heal
Eye infection responds well to treatment. This is a benign condition in which symptoms regress within a week.

What to expect after Pink eye treatment and complications

Pink eye came back after surgery?

If the eye does not heal in few days, a second check by the vet may be necessary.
Generally, no surgery is required for pink eyes, but in rare cases where there is a severe damage to the eyes, eyelids may be sutured ( sewed together) to make the eye heal better

Pink eye treatment success/failure rate

discharge after Pink eye treatment

Is there a home remedy for Pink eye?

There are No home remedies for conjunctivitis!
A dog’s eye is such a vitally important, and a delicate structure. Any problems with eyes should be considered a genuine emergency!. That’s because leaving these untreated or trying home remedies, can lead to permanent loss of vision!.
Pink eye comes and goes? what to do?

See your vet as advised above.

Prevention

If there are some claimed home remedies, theses must be avoided because they can harm the eyes rather than treating it. Eyes are very sensitive organs. Unlike skin affections where home remedies may be effective, remedies for eye affections must be only done by a vet.

The medical advice contained in this article about dog pink eye conjunctivitis infection comes from a fully qualified, Experienced, and a Trained veterinarian who has treated this condition countless times.
If your dog has any medical issue, please consult your own veterinarian for treatment and further advice!

Related Medical articles for Shih Tzu eye problems