Many ailments we hear of are generally thought to be health issues that humans alone possess. However, in some cases there is a cross over where domestic pets can suffer from the same infirmities that we do. One such example is pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Find out how dogs and cats can get this infection, and how pet owners can protect them against it.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis occurs by bacteria, infection or some damage done to the eye. Pink eye can either be infectious or non-infectious disease which is caused in a number of ways. The non-infectious kind of conjunctivitis results from injury to the eye (such as a scratch, or damage from a foreign object), allergies, smoke, dry eyes, dust, pollen and other irritants.
For cats especially, conjunctivitis seems to be a common health concern. In respect to infectious causes of conjunctivitis, cats might become infected with pink eye as a result of feline chlamydia or feline mycoplasma, and most commonly, feline herpesvirus 1. Though this disease is often found in felines, it usually remains dormant and without flare ups. However, if the pet undergoes a fair bit of stress or anxiety, feline herpesvirus 1 can manifest as conjunctivitis (or even breathing difficulties and repetitious sneezing). Likewise, dogs are more susceptible to conjunctivitis if they have suffered from canine distemper. When a pet shows symptoms of pink eye, take it as a cue to visit the vet and find out if the inflammation is nothing more than an obstructed tear duct, a healing scratch, or if you pet has a serious disease.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Though the symptoms may vary depending on if the conjunctivitis is infectious or non-infectious, pets suffering from pink eye will exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
- redness of the eyes
- tearing/eye-watering
- mucous discharge (coloring can be greenish, yellow, gray, reddish, or clear.)
- swelling
- itchiness
- rubbing/showing signs of discomfort
- squinting
Note: In some cases, even an animal’s eye color may change.
Treatment Options
To address any infection or wound in the eye, there are ointments which can be applied and cleansing/soothing eye drops. If the pink eye has been caused through another more severe disease, the cat or dog will need to receive treatment for the core issue. These might include receiving antibiotic treatments, oral medications, on (in the case of entropian eyelid dysfunction) even surgery may be needed. If a pet does not receive the necessary treatment for the disease, it could result in blindness. When the above symptoms occur, take your pet to the veterinarian to help him get the treatments he needs.
