If your dog Pus from the eye flows, then this indicates that the inflammation is already well advanced. The reasons for this are very diverse; the affected areas of the visual organ can also be different.
But what can be said with certainty: A festering eye is not something to be trifled with, If left untreated, the animal can quickly suffer secondary damage and sometimes even go blind. So you should approach this topic very sensitively.
So that you know what exactly it could be, I have it for you the 8 most common causes put together for purulent eyes in dogs. You will also find 5 tips, with which you can prevent and intervene.
The 8 most common causes festering dog eyes
1. Conjunctivitis
The Conjunctivitis is one of the most common minor aches and pains among dogs: almost every four-legged friend is affected by it at least once in their life; brachycephalic, i.e. short-headed, breeds are particularly susceptible.
At a conjunctivitis, As the technical term goes, the mucous membrane between the eyeballs and eyelids becomes inflamed. The result is watery eyes, redness and swelling.
More information about conjunctivitis in dogs. Source: Solli's Tierbedarf / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHiRMN-pu1k.
Conjunctivitis manifests itself primarily through: itching – Affected dogs therefore rub the area around their faces with their paws or against objects. Sensitivity to light is also common.
Many cases are acute, but there are also chronic conjunctivitis. Purulent discharge also occurs, particularly in long-term cases.
2. Uveitis
At a Uveitis at least one of the components of the middle skin of the eye is inflamed. Often all components are affected. This is about
- Iris
- Choroid and
- Radial or cillary body (Corpus ciliare).
Uveitis is usually not a disease in itself, but rather one secondary illness, which can be triggered by various ailments.
Examples of uveitis causes
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infections
- Parasitic infestation
- Fungal infestation (mycosis)
- diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Toxic substances (poisoning symptoms)
- Immune-mediated diseases
- tumors and
- Trauma (dog bumped itself, for example).
Source: Rostock Animal Clinic.
Typical symptoms, which actually always occur with uveitis swollen, reddened and watery eyes and one Sensitivity to light. Particularly in the case of long-term inflammation, pus can also run out of the eye, and blood flow can occasionally be observed.
The forecast Inflammation of the middle skin of the eye depends heavily on the success of therapy for the underlying disease: If the general condition improves, uveitis usually subsides within a few days. In the event of complications or a lack of treatment, the condition of the eye can deteriorate to such an extent that, for example, there is a risk of blindness.
3. Barleycorn & Eyelid inflammation
One Eyelid inflammation is quite common in dogs: to be more precise, it is one Inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis), in which a gland becomes so inflamed that it grows to a considerable size.
Most eyelid infections are caused by Viral infections, irritation from trauma, malnutrition or Fungal or parasitic infestation caused. Then “only” a reddish swelling usually occurs, which can be quite uncomfortable and disabling for the dog.
One purulent inflammation of the eyelids However, it is practically always achieved bacteria caused. The affected gland then looks like a pimple; this abscess is also colloquially known as “Barleycorn” designated.
4. Misalignments of the eyelids
At a entropion, As experts say, the (usually lower) eyelids are turned inward, so they don't close properly. The eyelids can no longer fulfill their natural protective function: eyelashes, hair and occasionally dust or dirt get onto the cornea.
The result: The eye is literally rubbed through and damaged step by step. Inflammations often occur as a result; if they are repeatedly irritated, consistent purulent discharge is not uncommon.
An eyelid misalignment is mostly genetically determined, Breeds whose skin grows irregularly are often affected – the eyelids are then often too large. Furthermore, it can also develop over time, for example as a result of unhealed injuries or other chronic inflammations.
An entropion is a pretty threatening thing: If left untreated, many four-legged friends go blind because the cornea is slowly but steadily destroyed. One is similarly treacherous ectropion, The eye cover is pulled over, making the dog more susceptible to germs and foreign bodies.
5. Corneal injury
Dogs can often be very rough, which is why they are comparatively susceptible to Corneal injuries are. Are particularly at risk
- Four-legged friends who spend a lot of time outdoors unattended (cuts from twigs, branches or thorns) and
- Dogs that have active social contacts (danger of scratches and bites in the eye area).
A corneal injury is a dangerous matter, Since without immediate treatment, the animals' eyesight can be affected to such an extent that permanent damage and even blindness are possible.
The first Symptoms are rather harmless at first glance: often the dog just blinks significantly more and has more tears – the injury is then not even noticed by many owners. In later phases, however, redness and purulent discharge also occur.
6. Foreign body
Purulent discharge can also occur Foreign body be caused. This is often the case pollen and grasses, but also Earth, dust or sand can be eye-catching.
In most cases, the dogs then manage to eliminate the “intruder” by blinking and crying. However, some foreign bodies are more stubborn and embed themselves in the eyeball in such a way that they become troublemakers.
If you don't notice that something is wrong with the dog, a purulent inflammation will quickly develop.
7. Dental problems
Many dogs suffer from this Dental problems – often unnoticed by us for a long time. The four-legged friends have a very high pain tolerance, so they hardly notice when their teeth hurt.
By far the most common related disease in dogs is tartar, through which germs get into the teeth. Injuries and incorrectly grown teeth also make it easy for bacteria to colonize.
During this time, the germs often spread over the entire snout and finally reach the eye: There they cause inflammation, purulent abscesses then appear on the eyeball.
8. “Sicca Syndrome” (KCS)
In some cases there is also a so-called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca responsible for purulent inflammation in the eye area. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the eye chronically withdraws tears. Occasionally it will “Sicca Syndrome” therefore also as “Dry Eye Syndrome” designated.
The disease is often genetically determined, But it can also occur spontaneously as a result of a viral illness or other eye infection. Without a watery protective film, the eye is powerless against foreign bodies and pathogens, which is why inflammation often occurs.
These then quickly become purulent. A related disease is this Keratitis superficialis chronica, This disorder, which is based on a genetic defect, only occurs in German Shepherds or German Shepherd mixes.
Festering Dog Eye: This is what you can do
If your dog's eye festers, it's usually the next best thing: Often there is delayed inflammation behind it, which usually does not go away on its own without causing further damage.
Without professional help Your four-legged friend will probably hardly get by.
1. Going to the vet is always the best solution
Therefore the rule of thumb is: If purulent discharge comes out of the dog's eye, a trip to the vet is actually overdue. As a first step, he will probably give anti-inflammatory medication to stop the flow of pus as quickly as possible.
Then we move on to the actual diagnosis. Special ophthalmological instruments are usually used for this. In some cases it is also possible that you and your four-legged friend will be referred to a special eye clinic for small animals.
Possible therapeutic approaches
- Antibiotics or antimycotics for bacterial or fungal infections
- Surgical procedures
- Antihistamines (to relieve allergies)
- Special eye drops.
2. Check dog's eyes regularly
However, it is best if the eye does not start to fester at all. If you look at it regularly examine the dog's visual system, It is often possible to stop inflammation before it becomes unsavory.
I would recommend the eye area of your four-legged friend at least once a week – even more often if there are risk factors such as free exercise in the countryside. For animals with dark fur, the “inspection” is sometimes a little difficult, so you have to look very closely, perhaps with a lamp that doesn’t blind the dog.
Checklist: Eye health in dogs
- Do you see any swelling?
- Are your eyes or eyelids red?
- Does your four-legged friend blink very often/more often than usual?
- Is the dog tearing?
- Does the four-legged friend appear sensitive to light?
- Are there any cracks or other abnormalities such as small foreign bodies?
- Does the animal run its paw over its eyes or rub its head against objects/walls?
- Does the eye appear cloudy?
- Are there any irregularities on the eyelids, such as warts or lumps?
If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, I would make an appointment with the vet.
Don't catch your eye
Under no circumstances should you touch the dog's eye because that just makes things worse. For example, never try to remove a foreign body yourself; if you are unlucky, your dog could even go blind!
3. Eye drops
Many veterinarians advise dog owners to take prophylactic measures as early as the first changes that suggest inflammation and/or dry eyes Eye drops admit.
Choose mixtures that are compatible with dogs
Although there are some eye drops designed for humans that can also be given to dogs, you can be on the safe side with a preparation designed entirely for pets.
For mild infections, this is often enough herbal preparations I would always recommend having a few drops like this in your medicine cabinet for four-legged friends. For more severe cases I would rather use one Veterinarian's prescription demand, there are also eye drops that are classified as medicines and, for example, have anti-inflammatory or even antibiotic or antifungal active ingredients.
Under no circumstances should you…