What happens if conjunctivitis is left untreated in dogs?

Conjunctivitis is a common eye disease in dogs. For any pet owner, seeing their dog's eyes red, swollen, and often tearful can be heart-wrenching. However, many people may not realize how serious the consequences can be if this condition goes untreated.

When a dog has conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball, becomes inflamed. There are various causes of conjunctivitis, including allergies, infections (such as bacterial, viral, or fungal), irritants like dust or pollen, and even some underlying health problems. In the early stages, the symptoms may seem manageable. The dog's eyes may just be a little red, with a small amount of discharge, and it may be slightly more sensitive to light. However, if these early warning signs are ignored, the situation can quickly get out of control.

As time passes, if the conjunctivitis remains untreated, the inflammation in the eyes will worsen. The redness of the eyes becomes more pronounced, and the discharge may change from a clear, watery substance to a thick, mucus-like or even purulent secretion. This not only looks unpleasant but also indicates that the body's immune response is struggling to fight against the underlying cause. The dog may scratch its eyes more frequently with its paws, which will further exacerbate the problem. Continuous scratching can lead to abrasions on the delicate eye tissues, making the dog more vulnerable to secondary infections.

One of the most concerning consequences of untreated conjunctivitis is the development of more serious eye problems. For example, keratitis. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye. When the inflammation of conjunctivitis spreads to the cornea, it will trigger keratitis. Keratitis can make the cornea cloudy, and in severe cases, it can lead to corneal ulcers. These ulcers are extremely painful for the dog, and if not treated promptly, they can cause permanent damage to the cornea. A damaged cornea may lead to loss of vision, and in some cases, the eyeball may even need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Another potential complication is uveitis. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, which contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the eye. When conjunctivitis is left untreated, it can trigger an immune-mediated response that affects the uvea. Uveitis can cause intense pain in the eyes, and the dog may show obvious signs of discomfort, squinting frequently and being extremely sensitive to light. Chronic uveitis can also lead to an increase in intraocular pressure, causing glaucoma. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, gradually eroding the dog's vision and ultimately leading to blindness.

In addition to the serious effects on the eyes themselves, untreated conjunctivitis can also have a negative impact on the dog's overall health. The persistent eye discomfort can affect the dog's appetite and sleep. It may become irritable and listless, no longer as lively and active as before. Since the body is constantly in a state of stress to deal with the inflammation, the dog's immune system will also be weakened, making it more susceptible to other diseases, from respiratory infections to skin problems and various other ailments. Moreover, because of the eye discomfort, the dog may frequently rub its eyes, accidentally damaging the skin in other parts of the face and triggering skin inflammation or infection.

From an emotional perspective, watching a once lively and happy dog suffer from untreated conjunctivitis is a torment for the owner. The dog may become cautious and even afraid to move around in a familiar environment because it can't see clearly with its eyes, losing its former confidence. Its interaction with the owner will also decrease. The once eager eye contact becomes evasive because the pain in its eyes makes it difficult for it to open its eyes. This change not only affects the dog's quality of life but also greatly impacts the deep emotional bond between the owner and the dog.

Therefore, once any symptoms of conjunctivitis are detected in a dog, even if they seem mild, the owner should immediately take the dog to see a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing the condition from worsening. The veterinarian can determine the cause of the conjunctivitis through a detailed examination, whether it is due to allergies, infections, or other underlying problems, and then develop a targeted treatment plan, which may include the use of eye drops, eye ointments, or oral medications when necessary. Through timely intervention, we can help the dog relieve the pain and avoid those terrible consequences that may lead to permanent vision damage or even more serious health problems, allowing our furry friend to regain its bright eyes and a happy life.