Conjunctivitis in Cats and Dogs

Correctly identifying the etiology is essential for prescribing successful treatment; therefore, conjunctivitis is classified into the following types:

1. BY ORIGIN:
   • Bacterial: occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of microflora (most commonly Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Mycoplasma spp., Chlamydia spp.) introduced during swimming in natural water bodies, digging in the dirt, socializing with other animals, etc.
   • Viral: caused by viruses such as FHV-1 (feline herpesvirus) in cats; and CDV (canine distemper virus), CAV-I, CAV-II (adenovirus), and CHV (canine herpesvirus) in dogs.
   • Fungal: a rare manifestation, most commonly caused by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and yeast fungi.
   • Parasitic: this type of conjunctivitis is a consequence of the activity and growth of parasites (most commonly Thelazia callipaeda and others).
   • Allergic: the conjunctiva's response to allergic factors from the external environment, such as dust, pollen, smoke, and chemicals.
   • Traumatic: arising from mechanical damage to the conjunctiva or other parts of the visual organ. It can be primary, when the disease originates directly in the eye's mucous membrane, or secondary, where conjunctivitis is a manifestation of another underlying condition. It is also classified as acute, with a sudden onset and rapid development of symptoms, or chronic, characterized by a prolonged inflammatory process in the eye.
   • Autoimmune: pannus, plasmacytoma.
2. BY SEVERITY/DURATION OF THE COURSE:
   • mild
   • moderate
   • severe
   • acute
   • subacute
   • chronic
   • recurrent
3. BY TYPE OF EXUDATE (DISCHARGE):
   • serous
   • catarrhal
   • hemorrhagic
   • purulent

A preliminary diagnosis is made based on the following clinical signs:

• redness of the mucous membrane
• excessive tearing
• swelling of the conjunctiva
• serous or serofibrinous discharge
• blepharospasm – the animal's tendency to keep the palpebral fissure closed
• formation of crusts along the eyelid margins (characteristic of fungal etiology)
• itching, causing the animal to constantly try to scratch its eyes
• weakness and lethargy
• decreased appetite
• elevated body temperature.

Several clinical forms of this pathology are recognized:

• Catarrhal conjunctivitis. In this case, the ocular discharge contains no pus or blood. This is the mildest form of the disease.
• Purulent conjunctivitis. Caused by infectious lesions of the mucous membrane, either pre-existing or secondary to the catarrhal stage of the pathology. Symptoms of this form include an intensification of all clinical signs and the appearance of a purulent component in the discharge.
• Follicular conjunctivitis. A specific form in which the inflammatory process is localized in the lymphoid follicles (located on the inner surface of the third eyelid). During blinking, the enlarged follicles traumatize the cornea, causing discomfort and leading to the spread of inflammation and the development of keratitis.
• Dry keratoconjunctivitis is associated with insufficient tear production. It is characterized by dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, loss of corneal transparency, and secondary bacterial infection.

For pet owners, any signs of conjunctivitis should prompt a visit to the veterinarian. Only a veterinarian can provide proper and comprehensive treatment. The most important step is to promptly identify the cause of the inflammation and determine how far the condition has progressed. This allows for the selection of the most appropriate and effective therapy.

To achieve this, a hematological examination (complete blood count) may be performed to assess the level of inflammation in the body. Additionally, conjunctival swabs may be taken to determine the exact cause of the conjunctivitis using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or ICA (immunochromatographic analysis).

A fluorescein stain test is used to detect any accompanying corneal damage. Once the underlying cause has been diagnosed, eye flushing is typically prescribed in most cases to remove foreign objects and soothe irritation.

The treatment regimen depends on several factors that determine the choice of methods and therapeutic agents.

Underlying cause:

• Infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal) – requires the use of antimicrobial or antiviral medications.
• Allergic – antihistamines, hypoallergenic diets, and allergen avoidance are prescribed.
• Traumatic or mechanical – requires treatment of the injuries, with possible use of anti-inflammatory agents.
• Idiopathic (without a clear cause) – treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
• Autoimmune – treatment follows a specific regimen aimed at maintaining the pet's quality of life.
• Cosmetic (entropion/ectropion) – inward or outward turning of the eyelids – requires surgical treatment.

Severe or chronic inflammation may require comprehensive therapy using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agents.

For young or debilitated animals, the treatment regimen is tailored to their specific needs. When treating senior pets, a more cautious approach is required.

In the presence of other pathologies (such as immunodeficiency conditions), the treatment regimen must be adjusted.

Ophthalmic medications intended for human use must not be applied, as they may cause adverse reactions. In pets with liver or kidney pathologies, medications that place an increased burden on these organs should be avoided. Treatment of pregnant dogs and cats should be approached with caution.

It is crucial for pet owners to avoid self-medication and not to prescribe medications on their own. A professional diagnosis of the underlying cause and the selection of an appropriate therapy by a qualified veterinarian are essential.

NITA-FARM manufactures modern and effective medications for the comprehensive treatment of various types of conjunctivitis, including broad-spectrum antibiotics (Synuxol-Nita and Azitronit Solutab), as well as anti-inflammatory agents (Vemelcam and Vemelcam Solutab).

Synuxol-Nita has proven to be a highly effective medication for the systemic treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Its active ingredients include amoxicillin, a safe, latest-generation semi-synthetic antibiotic from the penicillin group, and clavulanic acid, which helps overcome bacterial resistance. It is effective against most pathogens that cause conjunctivitis in cats and dogs.

Azitronit Solutab is a medication based on azithromycin designed to combat bacterial inflammation and control secondary bacterial complications. A key feature of this product is its activity against intracellular pathogens of conjunctivitis, such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, which other antibiotics often fail to eliminate. At the same time, Azitronit Solutab is one of the safest antibiotics available.

For the comprehensive therapy of allergic conjunctivitis, pannus, and plasmacytoma, as well as to reduce itching and swelling, the use of prednisolone-based medications is recommended: Prednipharm and Prednipharm Solutab.

The question of how to treat conjunctivitis in cats and dogs is relevant year-round. Only a timely visit to the veterinary clinic and proper treatment will ensure a quick and safe resolution for pet. You can find the full range of veterinary medications for cats and dogs in the catalog section of our website.

There are contraindications. Please read the instructions for use.