Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The condition can affect both dogs and cats and may occur in one or both eyes.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. The condition can affect both dogs and cats and may occur in one or both eyes. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections, allergies, irritants, or underlying health issues. While mild cases may resolve with treatment, more severe or chronic cases require veterinary attention to prevent complications.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer expert care to diagnose and treat conjunctivitis, ensuring your pets comfort and health.
Signs Your Pet May Have Conjunctivitis
If your dog or cat has conjunctivitis, you may notice:
🐾 Red or swollen eyes – The whites of the eyes may appear red, and the eyelids may look puffy.
🐾 Excessive tearing or discharge – Discharge can be clear, yellow, green, or thick and crusty, depending on the cause.
🐾 Squinting or blinking frequently – Your pet may seem sensitive to light or keep one or both eyes partially closed.
🐾 Rubbing or pawing at the eyes – Increased irritation may cause your pet to rub their face against furniture or scratch at their eyes.
🐾 Crusting or matting of fur around the eyes – Discharge may dry around the eyes, leading to crusty buildup.
If your pet shows any of these signs, a vet check-up is recommended to allow for treatment and prevent further complications.
What Causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis in pets can have various causes, including:
🐾 Bacterial infections – Common in both dogs and cats, bacterial conjunctivitis often produces thick yellow or green discharge.
🐾 Viral infections – In cats, feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a leading cause of conjunctivitis, especially in kittens or stressed cats.
🐾 Allergies – In dogs, pollen, dust, smoke, or certain foods can commonly trigger allergic conjunctivitis.
🐾 Irritants – Exposure to smoke, dust, chemicals, shampoo, or foreign objects can lead to eye inflammation.
🐾 Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS) – A condition where tear production is reduced, leading to chronic eye irritation.
🐾 Eyelid or eyelash disorders – Conditions like entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids) or abnormal eyelash growth can cause chronic irritation.
🐾 Foreign bodies – Small particles like dust, grass seeds, or debris can get trapped under the eyelid and cause inflammation.
🐾 Underlying health conditions – Conjunctivitis may be a symptom of systemic diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or autoimmune disorders.
When to See a Vet
You should consult a veterinarian if:
🐾 Your pet’s eye redness or discharge lasts more than 24 hours.
🐾 The eye discharge is thick, yellow, or green.
🐾 Your pet is squinting, keeping the eye closed, or rubbing at it persistently.
🐾 There is noticeable swelling around the eye or eyelid.
🐾 The eye appears cloudy, ulcerated, or there is a change in colour.
🐾 Your pet has signs of a systemic illness, such as fever, lethargy, or sneezing (common in viral infections).
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer gentle, professional treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
Professional Conjunctivitis Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we provide thorough diagnostics and treatment tailored to your pet’s needs:
Diagnostics
A comprehensive ophthalmic examination and certain diagnostic.
Lubricating eye drops
To manage dry eyes and improve tear production.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Steroid or non-steroidal eye drops to help reduce inflammation.
Antiviral medications
Prescribed for viral conjunctivitis in cats (e.g. feline herpesvirus).
Allergy medications
This may be recommended if your pet has underlying allergies triggering conjunctivitis.
How to Help Prevent Conjunctivitis
🐾 Keeping their eyes clean – Gently wipe away discharge and debris with a damp cloth or vet-approved eye wipes
🐾 Reducing exposure to irritants – Avoid smoke, dust, pollen, and harsh chemicals that can trigger eye inflammation
🐾 Routine vet check-ups – Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming serious infections
🐾 Seeking early intervention – If you notice redness, excessive tearing, or pawing at the eyes, consult your vet
While some dogs are prone to eye infections, you can help reduce the risk by:
For pets with chronic eye issues, regular vet visits and tailored treatments may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends on the cause. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be contagious between pets, while allergic or irritant-induced conjunctivitis is not.
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No, human eye drops can be harmful to pets and may worsen the condition. Always use vet-prescribed treatments.
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Mild cases can resolve in a few days with treatment, while chronic or severe cases may take weeks and require ongoing care.
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Some mild cases may improve without treatment, but underlying infections or conditions require veterinary care to prevent complications.
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Untreated conjunctivitis can lead to worsening inflammation, corneal ulcers, scarring, chronic eye pain, and in severe cases, vision loss.
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