What happens if a dog gets keratitis?

When a lively dog ​​at home suddenly blinks frequently, has more secretions from the corners of his eyes, or even starts to avoid light, the owner may not immediately realize that the dog's bright eyes are suffering from a silent "storm" - keratitis, a common but easily overlooked eye disease that is quietly eroding the dog's vision and health. ​

The dog's cornea, like a transparent shield covering the front of the eyeball, is tough but fragile. It not only maintains the shape of the eyeball, but is also the first gateway for light to enter the eye. Under normal conditions, the cornea should be as clear as crystal, reflecting the lively light, allowing the dog to clearly perceive the world. However, when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi invade, or when an immune response is triggered by external damage, allergic reactions, eyelash irritation, or even potential systemic diseases, this barrier will fail and cause keratitis. ​

Once a dog suffers from keratitis, the first thing that appears is obvious discomfort in the eye. Sick dogs will frequently scratch their eyes or rub their heads on the ground or furniture to try to relieve the burning pain on the corneal surface. Their eyelids begin to become red and swollen, and the originally clear surface of the eyeball becomes cloudy, as if covered with a layer of frosted glass. As the inflammation progresses, white or gray spots and ulcers will appear on the surface of the cornea. In severe cases, corneal perforation may even occur, which not only means loss of vision, but may also lead to irreversible consequences such as eyeball atrophy and blindness. ​

In this process, the pain that dogs endure is far beyond our imagination. The intense pain makes them restless, their originally docile personality may become irritable, and their appetite will also decrease significantly. Due to eye discomfort, they cannot move freely as usual and can only curl up in the corner. Their once smart eyes are full of fear and helplessness. ​

What is more worrying is that if keratitis is not treated in time, it is very likely to cause a series of complications. If corneal ulcers continue to deepen, they will damage the internal structure of the eyeball and cause serious diseases such as iris prolapse and glaucoma. These complications will not only increase the dog's pain, but also greatly increase the difficulty and cost of treatment. Even after active treatment, some dogs may be left with permanent corneal scars, affecting vision and appearance. ​

It is worth noting that the risk and symptoms of keratitis vary among dogs of different breeds and ages. Short-nosed dog breeds such as bulldogs and Pekingese are more susceptible to external stimuli due to their protruding eyeballs and special eyelid structure; elderly dogs have a higher chance of getting sick due to their decreased immunity and weakened resistance to pathogens. In addition, dogs who wear Elizabethan collars for a long time, live in a dirty environment, and do not clean their eyes in time are also more likely to be "targeted" by keratitis. ​

In the face of keratitis, early detection and timely treatment are crucial. When a dog's eye abnormalities are found, the owner should immediately take it to the pet hospital to accurately determine the extent and cause of corneal damage through professional fluorescent staining, slit lamp examination and other means. The treatment process often requires the use of antibiotic eye drops, antiviral drugs, artificial tears, etc. according to the condition, and even corneal repair surgery is required in severe cases. This requires not only the veterinarian's superb medical skills, but also the owner's patience and persistence. Administering medication on time, regular check-ups, and careful care, each link is related to the dog's recovery. ​

The dog's world is very small, so small that there is only the owner; the dog's eyes are very pure, and every look is full of trust and dependence. When their eyes are suffering from pain, what we can do is to use professional knowledge and endless love to dispel the darkness for them and protect the light that belongs to them. Regularly checking eye health, maintaining environmental hygiene, and promptly handling foreign objects in the eyes, these seemingly simple details are the key to preventing keratitis. After all, nothing can make the owner feel more relieved and at ease than seeing the dog's bright eyes and running happily again.