What to Do When Your Dog Has Keratitis: A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Keratitis Treatment

Canine keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is a relatively common eye disease affecting dogs of all breeds, though it’s particularly prevalent in small, long-haired breeds. Characterized by corneal cloudiness, ulcers, perforation, and potentially persistent corneal scarring, keratitis requires prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent serious complications, including vision loss and even the loss of the eye. This comprehensive guide explores the causes, symptoms, and various treatment approaches for canine keratitis.

I. Causes of Canine Keratitis:

Keratitis in dogs is often triggered by external factors. The most common cause is trauma, including scratches, abrasions, or penetration by foreign bodies (such as grass seeds, dust particles, or even branches). However, it’s crucial to understand that keratitis isn’t simply a superficial injury; it’s a complex inflammatory response. Underlying medical conditions can significantly increase susceptibility to keratitis. These include:

Infectious diseases: Viral infections like canine distemper or adenovirus can directly damage the cornea, predisposing it to inflammation. Bacterial infections are another significant contributor, often secondary to an initial injury. Fungal infections are less common but potentially serious.

Parasitic infestations: Thelazia callipaeda (eye worm) infestation can directly irritate and damage the cornea, leading to keratitis.

Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune disorders can affect the cornea, leading to chronic inflammation.

Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): A deficiency in tear production leaves the cornea vulnerable to damage and infection, increasing the risk of keratitis.

Genetic predispositions: Some breeds may have a genetic predisposition to certain types of keratitis.

II. Recognizing the Symptoms of Canine Keratitis:

Recognizing the signs of keratitis is crucial for timely intervention. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the type and severity of the inflammation:

Traumatic Keratitis: Obvious signs of injury on the corneal surface are visible, including scratches, abrasions, or foreign bodies embedded in the cornea. The affected area may appear rough and uneven, and the corneal epithelium (outer layer) will be damaged. The dog will likely exhibit signs of discomfort, such as squinting, pawing at the eye, and increased tearing.

Superficial Keratitis: The corneal epithelium is swollen, resulting in a rough and uneven surface. The cornea’s transparency is reduced, appearing cloudy or hazy, often with a pale blue or grayish-white discoloration. Increased tearing and photosensitivity (light sensitivity) are common symptoms.

Deep Keratitis: Inflammation extends into the deeper layers of the cornea. The dog experiences significant pain when the eye is touched. The corneal cloudiness is more pronounced, appearing white and opaque. A characteristic “brush-like” network of blood vessels may be visible around the affected area, often appearing purplish in color. This indicates significant vascularization as the body attempts to repair the damage.

Suppurative (Purulent) Keratitis: This is the most severe form, characterized by intense pain upon touching the eye and the discharge of pus-like secretions. If left untreated, this can lead to corneal perforation (a hole in the cornea) and potentially panophthalmitis (inflammation of the entire eyeball), requiring surgical intervention or enucleation (removal of the eye).

III. Treatment Options for Canine Keratitis:

Treatment for canine keratitis is tailored to the specific cause and severity of the condition. Veterinary intervention is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Common treatment strategies include:

1. Inflammation Control: The initial focus is on reducing inflammation. This typically involves gentle cleansing of the eye with a sterile saline solution or 3% boric acid solution to remove any debris or discharge. Topical anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids (under veterinary supervision), can help reduce swelling and pain. However, prolonged corticosteroid use can have negative consequences, such as increased risk of infection, so this must be closely monitored by a vet.

2. Infection Management: If a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection is suspected or confirmed, appropriate antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medications will be prescribed. These are often administered topically (as eye drops or ointments) but may also include systemic (oral or injectable) medication depending on the severity and type of infection. Culture and sensitivity testing may be performed to identify the specific pathogen and determine the most effective treatment.

3. Promoting Corneal Healing: Treatment aims to promote the regeneration of damaged corneal tissue and reduce scarring. Topical medications may include growth factors or other agents to stimulate healing. In severe cases involving ulcers or perforation, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damage.

4. Pain Management: Pain relief is a crucial aspect of treatment, particularly in cases of severe keratitis. Analgesics (pain relievers) may be prescribed to manage discomfort.

5. Preventing Further Damage: An Elizabethan collar (E-collar) is often recommended to prevent the dog from scratching or rubbing its eyes, which could worsen the inflammation or introduce further infection.

6. Supportive Care: Providing a clean and comfortable environment for the dog is essential for healing. This may involve regular eye cleaning, monitoring for signs of worsening infection, and adhering strictly to the prescribed medication regimen.

IV. The Importance of Veterinary Care:

Home remedies should never replace veterinary care for canine keratitis. Accurate diagnosis and treatment require a veterinary examination. Self-treating can delay appropriate treatment, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss or even loss of the eye. Your veterinarian will assess the severity of the keratitis, identify the underlying cause, and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. Early intervention is key to achieving the best possible outcome for your dog’s eye health.