Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. In most cases, inflammation affects the two outer layers of the eyelids, but in some cases, it may spread to the inner layer or conjunctiva. Outer layer century consists of skin and hair follicles, then comes the layer connective tissue, muscles, and glands, such as the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands produce a greasy secretion that lubricates the eyes. and eyelids.
What are the symptoms of blepharitis?
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Blepharitis can affect one or both eyes. Affected eyelid will usually be red, swollen and itchy, and the dog will squint and blink often (blepharospasm). Dogs often rub and scratch their eyelids, which can lead to secondary injury surrounding tissues. Mucous or purulent may appear from the eye. discharge. If the inflammation lasts a while, then it may loss of pigment or hair appears.
The skin covering the eyelids may have dry peels, peel, or have small pustules (pimples). Along the edge of the eyelid can one or several meibomian glands become inflamed. In the most severe cases, inflammation can spread and develop in conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), or keratitis (inflammation cornea).
What causes blepharitis?
Any disease that can cause eyelid irritation can lead to blepharitis. The main causes of blepharitis are congenital disorders, allergies, infections, tumors, and sometimes other inflammatory diseases.
Congenital malformations of the eyelids that may predispose the dog to blepharitis, include inversion of the eyelid – a condition where the eyelid turned inward, and abnormalities in the development of eyelashes, such as dystychiasis and trichiasis when one or more eyelashes grow inward.
The shape of the muzzle can also predispose the dog to development blepharitis. Dogs with folds on the face, very long and narrow, either with flattened muzzles (with bulging eyes) are more prone to the development of the disease.
An allergy to insect bites or food can cause to some forms of blepharitis. Bacterial infections can cause local abscesses of the glands of the eyelid. In some cases, infection staphylococcus can lead to an allergic reaction called “hypersensitivity to staphylococcus”. Sometimes fungal infection may also cause blepharitis.
The most common tumors that cause blepharitis in dogs are formed in the meibomian glands. These tumors may be benign “sebaceous adenomas” or “malignant sebaceous adenocarcinomas. ”
Other causes of blepharitis can be trauma to the eyelids, scabies (caused by ticks), eating disorders, dermatitis, endocrine problems, Cushing’s disease or diabetes. In some cases the root cause cannot be determined, in this case, the diagnosis will be “idiopathic blepharitis.”
Are there any breeds that are more prone to blepharitis?
Dogs with any congenital anomalies and muzzle forms described higher, more prone to blepharitis. These breeds are shih tzu, pekingese, english bulldog, pugs, golden retriever, Labradors, poodles, Chow Chow, Rottweilers and Collies.
How is blepharitis diagnosed?
The veterinarian will conduct an eye examination to determine the degree lesions of the eyelids. An ophthalmic examination will help determine the presence of infection, bacteria, fungus or ticks. If the vet If you suspect an allergy, further testing is required to determine the type of allergy. In the case of tumors, you may need biopsy to determine the nature of the tumor and prescribe a suitable treatment. If there is no obvious reason for developing blepharitis, then your veterinarian may be advised to take blood tests to determine the root cause of the disease.
What is the treatment for blepharitis?
Your veterinarian may advise short-term symptomatic treatment of inflammation, such as the use of warm compresses for 5-15 minutes several times a day, along with the removal of any secretions from using sterile saline solution for ophthalmic drops.
However, treatment for the root cause of blepharitis will be depend on the type of disease. Surgical treatment may required to correct eyelid abnormalities or remove a tumor. Bacterial infections require antibacterial treatment with ointments or drops, and with scabies may be required antiparasitic drugs. Allergic diseases may controlled with broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants.
If the diagnosis is idiopathic blepharitis, then symptomatic treatment with topical medications preparations. In some cases, oral administration may be required. immunosuppressants.
What are the recovery forecasts?
The prognosis is completely dependent on the cause of blepharitis. If for blepharitis congenital malformations are responsible, then the prognosis of surgical treatment very good. Most eyelid tumors in dogs are benign and can be removed surgically with good prognosis. Most other causes of blepharitis may well be controlled by drugs, but in some cases cannot be cured completely.
