ASAP-pink eye

Question
Hello Patti.  I think my dog has pinkeye- he can't open his eye, is itching constantly with slime all around his eye- and I was wondering some remedies of how to treat it. Thanks

Answer
Hi Amber,

Pink eye, or Conjunctivitis as it's known needs to be treated by your vet.

All cases of conjunctivitis should be treated at once, so please don't put off going to the doctor.

Normally conjunctivitis is not life threatening, however, in advanced cases of infection, the organisms can spread and affect other structures of the eye. Vision could become impaired. In addition, infections or foreign bodies may cause corneal ulcers which are extremely serious conditions. Conjunctivitis may also be a symptom of a more serious disease such as canine distemper.

Conjunctivitis is also seen with other underlying eye diseases such as corneal ulcers, inflammation inside the eye, or glaucoma. Local irritation from shampoos and dips can cause conjunctivitis. Animals with eyelid or eyelash abnormalities frequently have signs of conjunctivitis.

Several tips will help you provide good nursing care for your dog:

- Apply warm compresses to the eyelids to gently remove dried discharge.

- If mucus is present, use an eye rinse to cleanse the eye before applying medications (use only an eye rinse recommended by your veterinarian; over-the-counter products may contain ingredients that make the situation worse).

- If solutions and ointments are both prescribed, use the solutions prior to the ointments.

- Wait several minutes (usually 10-15 minutes) between administering each different medication to allow for absorption

Most cases of conjunctivitis can be easily treated. However prognosis for conjunctivitis that develops secondary to a serious underlying eye disease (such as glaucoma) will depend on your dog's response to specific treatment.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti