Wonjeong Jang, Director of Internal Medicine, Ansan Joy Cat Hospital
I thought my dog just had a stye, but there are times when it gradually spreads around the eye and becomes worse in both eyes. Today, we will learn about blepharitis, a condition that causes swelling and redness around the eyes of dogs.
Blepharitis is literally an inflammation that occurs around the eyes. The area around the eyes turns red and swells, causing severe pain and itching. If it gets worse, your dog may scratch the area, causing bleeding and even pus.
Why does blepharitis occur? The causes of blepharitis can be broadly classified into four types.
The first is infection. Inflammation may occur around the eyes due to infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms, etc.
The second is an eye problem. Due to internal eye problems such as cataracts and dry eyes, rubbing the eyes can cause secondary bacterial infections, which can worsen inflammation around the eyes.
The third is allergies. A sudden allergic reaction to a specific food or environment can cause your eyes to swell. It is necessary to check whether you have ever suffered from severe itching or frequent redness due to a food allergy.
The fourth is autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease can be diagnosed when all of the above problems have been ruled out.
When blepharitis is discovered, a thorough physical examination must be performed along with basic ophthalmologic examinations such as measurement of tear volume and intraocular pressure, and the presence or absence of corneal wounds. Additionally, when allergies are suspected, additional allergy testing may be helpful in managing allergies in the future.
If all problems have been ruled out and immune-mediated blepharitis is diagnosed, immunosuppressants must be taken for a long period of time. If the drug is effective, you should slowly reduce the drug over a long period of time and continue to check whether symptoms improve. It is also necessary to regularly check other organs, such as the liver or kidneys, to ensure that they do not deteriorate. Patients and their guardians must be patient and continue to treat the disease because it may relapse while reducing the medication.
What was thought to be a simple eye disease can become a chronic disease that causes long-term suffering, such as immune-mediated blepharitis. If your dog has unusual redness, hair loss, or redness around the eyes than usual, please visit a veterinary hospital immediately to receive treatment.
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2023-11-13 01:55:42
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