Blepharitis - how to treat in dogs

How inflammation occurs

Inside the dog's eyelid there are a large number of glands that produce mucus to protect the eye. Inflammation of their ducts causes suppuration .

Sebaceous gland blockage

Fluid secreted by the gland may accumulate around it. This occurs due to improper care of the animal or an inflammatory process. The gland becomes filled with purulent masses, becomes inflamed, and breaks out.

Inflammation

Bacteria enter the exudate and cause inflammation. It spreads to the tissues of the eyelid and everything around the eye space. A large inflamed area of ​​mucous membrane appears around the lump.

Types of barley

Depending on the location, there are 2 types of barley - external and internal. Treatment is prescribed depending on the variety.

Outer

The inflammatory process occurs as a result of a blockage of the sebaceous gland or an abscess in the hair follicle. At the initial stage, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes red, and later an abscess appears.

Interior

Barley occurs when the fatty gland on the inside of the eyelid becomes inflamed. This process is not visible from the outside. If you pull back the eyelid from above or below, you will find a small bump filled with pus underneath.

Mixed

This pathological phenomenon is rare. Inflammation from one area of ​​the eye spreads to another.

This type of stye occurs in advanced cases, when the dog was not given help at the first signs of illness.

Stye on a dog's eye

Most of the sebaceous glands are located on the outside of the eyelids, the functions of which include the formation of mucous exudate to moisturize the eyeball. Around the eye there are eyelashes that protect the mucous membrane from mechanical damage - ingress of dust and small solid particles. If the age-old barrier passes and small hard or soft particles still get on the mucous membrane, the eyelid begins to move and closes the organ of vision.

There is a stye on the dog's eye.

As for barley, this is a process that is characterized by inflammation as a result of the penetration of an irritant into the pores of the sebaceous gland or into the hair follicle.

Classification of causes and types of barley

Based on location, three types of pathology are distinguished:

• external type - develops on the outside of the eyelid;
• internal – localized on the inside;
• mixed type - simultaneously on the upper and lower eyelid, external and internal location.

External type of pathology.

A stye looks like a lump. Causes painful sensations. There is severe itching.

In appearance, the disease looks like a reddened lump that is painful to the touch; often the entire eye becomes swollen - depending on the degree of damage.

A harbinger of infection is severe itching in the eye area. The dog will constantly rub his eyes with his paw. The progression of the disease causes purulent inflammation.

The main causes of infection:

• complication of respiratory diseases;
• fungal skin infection;
• intoxication of the body;
• any inflammatory ophthalmic infection, conjunctivitis, for example;
• improper conditions of detention: damp premises, hypothermia, poor nutrition;
• hypovitaminosis;
• eye injuries;
• stressful or shock situations.

Stress can cause infection.

It is important for owners to remember that ignoring the pathology leads to damage to nearby tissues and the optic nerves of the animal, which causes complications and the possibility of loss of vision.

Factors that provoke inflammation

Styes occur on the upper or lower eyelid in dogs for several reasons. It is easier to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment if you determine what caused the pathology.

Diseases, fungi

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, its injury, or introduced fungus provoke the development of barley. The damaged mucous membrane does not have a protective barrier; bacteria easily colonize it, causing inflammation and the formation of pus in the wound.

Weak immunity

Viral and infectious diseases, injuries, surgeries, improper care, and unbalanced nutrition weaken the animal’s immunity. During this period, bacteria attack the animal’s body and cause inflammation.

Poisoning

The impact of toxic substances on the dog’s body and in particular on the organ of vision is destructive.

The chemicals corrode the skin of the eyelid, ulcerating it. Germs enter open wounds, spreading infection.

Improper care

An unbalanced diet weakens the pet’s immunity, and the body ceases to resist infections. Diseases occur more often than usual, and the animal has a hard time bearing them.

Violation of hygiene standards leads to eye diseases. They need to be washed regularly, properly care for the skin of the eyes, and remove secretions that accumulate, clogging the glands.

Injuries of the century

Violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane makes it vulnerable to microbes and bacteria. If the damaged area is not treated, pathological processes develop.

Stress

Fright, moving to a new place, change of owner cause stress in the dog.
This condition weakens the animal’s immunity, and the body is not 100% able to resist infections. Being in a stressful state for a long time, the dog begins to get sick.

Prevention of barley in dogs

The main preventive measure is to strengthen and stimulate the pet’s immune system (vitamins and minerals are included in the diet). In animals that eat well, walk a lot and are kept clean, barley is extremely rare.

Eye disease is a common problem among dogs. Barley is an inflammation of the hair follicle or sebaceous gland of the eyelid, accompanied by the formation of pus. If you notice that your pet's eye is swollen and red, consult an ophthalmologist.

Why does a dog have stye on his eyelid?

• penetration of pathogenic microflora into the sebaceous glands (usually Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci), injury to the mucous membrane or skin;
• blockage of the meibomian glands located along the edge of the eyelid (when ingested by pathogenic fungi and parasitic mites);
• microtrauma of the eye organs;
• toxic-allergic condition (irritation from toxic products and allergens leads to impaired permeability of blood vessels, which manifests itself as inflammation in the eye);
• poor eye care (frequent stress, lack of vitamin A in the body, decreased immunity), conjunctivitis of various origins;
• after suffering an infectious or cold disease, due to hypothermia, as well as when keeping the animal in a damp and dirty room.

Signs on the upper and lower eyelids of a dog:

• External stye on the upper eyelid visually looks like a red bump.
• The formation is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues.
• The swelling causes watery eyes and itching in the dog. The pet rubs its face with its paws.
• After 3-4 days, yellowish purulent contents may leak out of the cone.
• In advanced cases, due to the development of purulent inflammation, the animal may experience an increase in general body temperature.

When pathology develops on the inside of the eyelid, it is difficult to notice it immediately. Internal stye in a dog’s eye is dangerous because inflammation can quickly spread to nearby eye tissues.

The process on the eyelid begins with increased blood flow to the damaged tissues and they swell. The mucous membrane is hyperemic - redness is visible. The infiltrate in the tissues rapidly increases, which leads to the formation of a lump. If a dog has a stye on the lower eyelid, then after 2-3 days a purulent head with yellowish contents forms. This period is accompanied by increased pain.

After 4-5 days, spontaneous release of pus and dead tissue as a result of inflammation occurs. The stage is characterized by a decrease in pain and elimination of tissue swelling. With internal barley, pus breaks out from the side of the conjunctival cartilage.

Treatment of styes in dogs:

1. it is necessary to treat the inflamed part of the eye at home with an antiseptic applied to cotton pads (furatsilin solution, pink solution of potassium permanganate, Chlorhexidine);
2. in the presence of a purulent phase of barley, in no case should you squeeze the contents out of the lump - unprofessional actions can lead to the spread of the purulent process to other tissues of the eye and provoke panophthalmitis, meningitis and even sepsis;
3. after providing first aid, take him to a specialized clinic;
4. After a visual examination and ophthalmological examination, a veterinary specialist will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Tetracycline and Erythromycin ointments work well for barley in dogs; they are placed behind the lower or upper eyelid 5-6 times a day. Hydrocortisone ointment has proven itself well in the fight against barley: it has an anti-inflammatory effect, but also effectively relieves swelling, reduces itching and has anti-allergic properties; it should be applied to both eyes, and not just to the patient.

Before using the medicinal ointment, it is necessary to wash the inflamed area with a disinfectant solution (a decoction of chamomile, calendula or sage prepared in boiled water is suitable). Medicinal herbs relieve inflammation, reduce swelling and pain, and help soften purulent contents.

In some cases, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drops may be prescribed, for example, chloramphenicol eye drops, Tsiprovet, Floxal, Tobrex. In a complicated form of inflammation accompanied by hyperthermia, antibiotics or sulfa drugs in the form of tablets or injections may be prescribed. To strengthen the body's defenses, vitamins and microelements and immunomodulators are prescribed.

If an animal has internal barley, the veterinarian usually resorts to surgically opening the lump followed by antiseptic treatment. During the rehabilitation period, the dog should wear a protective collar.

The use of physical therapy methods will help improve tissue regeneration processes and thereby speed up your pet’s recovery. In veterinary practice, dry heat - UHF, as well as quartz lamps (tube) - are successfully used to treat inflammation of the eyelid.

Preventive measures: a diet balanced with vitamins and minerals, a clean room without dampness and dust, cutting long bangs, checking and cleaning the eyes daily.

Read more in our article about barley in dogs, its identification and treatment.

Barley formation process

The disease of the eye mucosa goes through several stages. It is important to respond correctly to pathology at its very beginning.

Initial

The disease begins with slight redness of the eyelid and slight swelling. The ciliary edge becomes inflamed and painful sensations appear.

Maturation period

A few days later, a small ball appears in the inflamed area, on the surface of which a yellow head appears. The inside of the neoplasm is not yet filled with pus.

Purulent

Pathogenic microorganisms located inside the damaged mucosa trigger the inflammatory process further, producing a large amount of pus. Under its influence, the thin mucous membrane of the eyelid can burst, releasing the contents out.

Treatment of stye in dogs and puppies

Treatment depends on the type of disease.

The method of treatment depends on the type of disease. The internal barley is carefully opened in a veterinary clinic, washed with saline solution, and treated with an antiseptic (0.05% Picloxidine solution). After this procedure, you can begin treatment (the scheme is the same for both types of disease):

1. The pet's eyes are washed with a decoction of chamomile or calendula (boiled warm water is suitable), you can use a solution of Furacilin (1 tablet per glass of water).
2. Anti-inflammatory ointment is applied to the lower eyelid of both eyes up to 6 times a day: Erythromycin, Tetracycline or Hydrocortisone.
3. To combat pathogenic microorganisms, drops with antibiotics are used: Levomycetin, Tsiprovet, Iris, Desacite, etc. The course of treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. 1-2 drops of the drug are dripped into each eye 3-4 times a day.

Dry heat has a good effect, but it can only be used if there is no pus inside the stye. Warming the abscess will only worsen the pet's condition. As dry heat, use a peeled boiled egg wrapped in a scarf, baked onions or squeezed tea bags.

Symptoms of stye

The pathology is easy to distinguish from other eye diseases.

Barley has characteristic symptoms:

• 
  redness of the lower (upper) eyelid;

• swelling, especially well expressed in the interciliary space;
• the appearance of pain (the animal rubs its eyelids with its paw, whines);
• copious discharge in the corner of the eyes;
• the formation of a lump filled with exudate.

The pathological condition causes discomfort and pain to the animal. The pet needs immediate medical attention.

Treatment

It is prohibited to treat barley in dogs at home. The eyes of an animal (especially a puppy) should be examined by a veterinarian and therapy prescribed.

Boosting immunity

In order for the body to begin to resist infection, it is strengthened.
The animal is prescribed a course of vitamins, enhanced and balanced nutrition, and walks. During the treatment period, the animal should be protected from heavy physical exertion. Severely weakened dogs are prescribed immunostimulants.

Antibiotic ointments

Antibiotics are prescribed for the eyes in the form of ointments. They act locally, speeding up the treatment process.

For barley the following are used:

1. Tetracycline is a drug in the form of a cream. It destroys pathogenic microorganisms: streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasmas.
2. Eye ointment with erythromycin is active against gram-positive bacteria. It is used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases. The product is applied to the affected area in accordance with the doctor's instructions.

3. 
   Levomycetin ointment is an antibacterial drug for external use. It is indicated for the treatment of infectious diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, eliminates ophthalmological problems of microbial origin.

   Read also:  What does the color of a dog’s tongue mean?

The drug destroys microbial infection pathogens and accelerates tissue regeneration.

Drops

Additionally, the veterinarian prescribes topical medications in liquid form – drops. They are easy to use and have a quick effect that appears immediately after application.

Effective for barley:

1. Tobrex is an antibacterial, fast-acting drug that kills staphylococcal, enterococcal, and streptococcal infections.

2. 
   Floxal - drops are indicated for inflammation of the conjunctiva of the upper or lower eyelid, lacrimal bursa, and boils.

3. Albucid is an effective remedy in the form of drops that fights the causative agent of the disease and quickly relieves inflammation.

Treatment is carried out locally until signs of inflammation completely disappear.

Traditional methods

Once the pus comes to the surface of the boil, dry heat can be used. The egg is hard-boiled, wrapped in a dry cloth, and applied to the inflamed area.

To wash the sore eye, use strong, unsweetened tea or infusion of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula (1 teaspoon of dried flowers per glass of boiling water).

The ruptured cone is treated with ethyl alcohol (70%). They moisten a cotton pad with it and apply it to the inflamed eyelid.

Physiotherapy

In combination with rinsing and applying ointments, other procedures are prescribed.

For this purpose, UHF or tube quartz is prescribed.

Preparation for procedures

Before examination by a veterinarian, applying ointments or using drops, the dog’s eyelids are washed with warm boiled water or chamomile infusion. It is necessary to remove all discharge accumulated in the eye area.

Duration of treatment

Uncomplicated barley goes away in a week or 10 days. Medicines are used until the symptoms of inflammation completely disappear.

Surgical intervention

The internal stye is opened in a veterinary hospital, without waiting for the contents to come out. After the operation, the wound is treated with antiseptics, and further treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of styes in dogs

The effectiveness of treatment depends on timely medical intervention. It is important to notice the disease at an early stage and alleviate the animal’s suffering.

Timely contact with a veterinarian affects the effectiveness of treatment.

If the infection progresses and the abscess is already fully formed, it is strictly forbidden to open it yourself. Moreover, you should not try to squeeze out the pus - this is fraught with complications and the development of infections such as meningitis, phlegmon, sepsis.

Therapy

Therapy is used mainly of a local nature. Use hydrocortisone or tetracycline ointment. In this case, hydrocortisone is used in the area of ​​the immediate inflammatory process, and tetracycline ointment is used in the area of ​​the lower eyelid.

Hydrocortisone ointment is used to treat the eyes.

Therapy is carried out on both eyes, even if only one organ is inflamed. Perform the appointment up to six times a day. Before using ointments, wash the infected area with an antiseptic solution.

Alcohol can be a possible antiseptic. To do this, moisten the swab and apply it to the eyelid. In this way, cauterize the stye two or three times a day. Sulfonamide drugs, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs for topical use are prescribed.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies include a decoction of chamomile or calendula. These plants act as excellent antiseptic solutions.

Chamomile decoction is a good antiseptic.

In order to prepare a decoction of chamomile, take two teaspoons of chamomile and pour one glass of boiling water. Leave for about two hours, strain. Cools to room temperature. Wash your pet's eyes several times a day before using ointments and between treatments.

Calendula decoction

To prepare a decoction of calendula, not only the flowers of this plant are useful, but also the stems themselves.

1. The plant is crushed, two teaspoons are measured out, and boiling water is poured into it.
2. Leave for two hours.
3. Strain when chilled.
4. Warm up slightly before use.
5. Rinse your eyes with warm broth three or four times a day.

The calendula decoction needs to be infused for two hours.

Decoction of chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort

It is allowed to prepare a mixed decoction of chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort.

Take one teaspoon of each plant, pour 200 grams of boiling water, infuse, filter. After it has cooled, you can add a couple of drops of propolis alcohol solution. Apply to the sore spot, preferably at night, and apply a fixing bandage to your pet.

You can add a couple of drops of propolis tincture to the herbal decoction.

Bay leaf

Bay leaf is considered one of the effective remedies.

1. Place two or three chopped bay leaves and a few pieces of cotton wool into boiling water.
2. Boil and let sit for a quarter of an hour.
3. When it cools to room temperature, apply to the sore spot as a compress.

Bay leaf is an effective remedy for stye.

It is advisable to put it overnight. To prevent the dog from tearing off the compress, it is recommended to make a fixing bandage. Another remedy is a hard-boiled egg. It is applied warm to the barley for a couple of minutes.

Disease prevention

A pet's eyelids will always be healthy if the dog has good immunity. Barley is an infectious disease that occurs in weakened animals.

Proper nutrition

The pet's diet must be balanced.

You should not feed your dog high-calorie foods; it is important to provide vitamin supplements.

Strengthening the immune system

Long walks in the fresh air and moderate physical activity help activate the body's defenses. A healthy dog ​​rarely gets sick.

Selection of dry food

It is important to consider the veterinarian's opinion. He will tell you what nutrients your pet is lacking. Based on this, they choose a balanced food rich in vitamins and microelements.

Vaccination

Routine annual vaccinations will protect your dog from many infections. This will strengthen the immune system, and the body will quickly cope with pathogenic microorganisms.

Hygiene

The animal's eyelids are washed regularly, and secretions around the eyes and on the face are removed. This reduces the risk of infection.

Treatment of eye stye in dogs

You should definitely consult a doctor before treating your dog. The doctor will be able to do an examination and the necessary tests. If the mass is on the inner eyelid, the doctor will remove it and wash it with an antiseptic, if necessary, use an antibiotic. This method is used at a late stage of the disease to avoid infection. But, in principle, internal and external stye are treated in the same way.

First, the eye is thoroughly washed with a concentrated solution of chamomile or a solution of furatsilin (one tablet of furatsilin per glass of water). The doctor must make sure that the dog does not have an allergic reaction to the medicine. This is done using a blood test. With the help of medicinal anti-inflammatory ointments, which are placed behind the eyelid, you can cure stye in a dog.

If the animal has a late stage of the disease, various drops containing potent antibiotics are used. It is important to remember that you should not apply heat to the area with the tumor, this can aggravate the situation and increase the amount of pus.

Drugs that treat stye on a dog's eye

The most popular remedy is Tetracycline ointment. It contains an antibiotic that fights bacteria and quickly eliminates redness, itching and irritation. After several days of use, the pet immediately feels better and the affected eye stops itching.

Erythromycin ointment. An ointment that is prescribed to both animals and people with barley disease. It actively fights bacteria, eliminates fungus, reduces the amount of pus and dries the barley itself quite strongly, thereby reducing it. Prevents the entire eye from being affected.

Levomycetin drops. An antibiotic that is easy to instill in a dog, does not cause a burning sensation and is good at eliminating the disease at an early stage. It is better to follow the recommendation of a doctor, who will select a drug taking into account the characteristics of the animal, and also prescribe treatment if the dog is allergic to the drug.

You can also use folk remedies: wash the dog’s eyes after each walk with a solution of chamomile and calendula. Make various compresses from sea buckthorn oil, which soothe the eyes, serve as an antibacterial agent and are absolutely harmless to the health of your pet.

Prevention treatment

The main preventative method will be to monitor the dog’s nutrition and support its immune system. This can be done with the help of vitamins, supplements, and a proper balanced diet. The diet should include vegetables, healthy cereals and fresh meat.

If the dog eats dry food, it should be selected according to the dog's age. You should ensure that your dog does not come into contact with sick animals, and after a walk you can wipe your paws with a disinfectant. It is very important to get vaccinated on time and be examined by a veterinarian every six months.