Conjunctivitis in Pets: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Red, watery eyes in your pet? Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a common eye condition affecting both dogs and cats that requires prompt care.
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the inner eyelids and the white part of the eye. It's one of the most frequently diagnosed eye conditions in veterinary practice.
Key Points
- Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes
- Common causes include bacterial infection, viral infection, allergies, and foreign bodies
- Symptoms include redness, discharge, squinting, and excessive tearing
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause but often includes topical medications
- Most cases resolve completely with appropriate treatment
- Untreated conjunctivitis can lead to corneal damage or vision impairment
Common Causes
Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, or viruses such as feline herpesvirus in cats. Allergic conjunctivitis results from pollen, dust, or mold sensitivity. Irritant conjunctivitis occurs when foreign bodies like dust or chemicals enter the eye. Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can also cause chronic conjunctival inflammation.
Recognizing the Signs
The most obvious sign is redness of the eye. Pets with conjunctivitis often have discharge that ranges from clear and watery to thick and yellow-green. You may notice your pet squinting, keeping the eye partially closed, or pawing at their face. Some pets show sensitivity to light. In chronic cases, the conjunctiva may appear swollen or have visible blood vessels.
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope and may perform a Schirmer tear test to check tear production. Fluorescein staining helps detect corneal ulcers. In some cases, a conjunctival swab is sent for culture or PCR testing to identify infectious agents. Allergic conjunctivitis is diagnosed by ruling out other causes and assessing response to treatment.
Treatment Options
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Viral conjunctivitis in cats often requires antiviral medications like cidofovir. Allergic conjunctivitis responds to antihistamine eye drops and removing the allergen. Artificial tears help with dry eye-related cases. Severe cases may need oral anti-inflammatory medication. Most pets show improvement within 3-5 days of starting treatment.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your pet's eye is red and producing discharge
- The eye is squinted or partially closed
- Your pet is pawing at their face or rubbing their eye
- The third eyelid is visible or swollen
- There's a change in eye color or cloudiness
How RVC Can Help
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.