Allergic Conjunctivitis
 
Description of the Disease and Clinical Picture
The conjunctiva is rich in immune system cells and serves as the first line of defense against antigens. As a result, allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition. Allergies are the most common cause of conjunctivitis in dogs, while in cats, viruses and bacteria are more frequent culprits. Anamnesis often reveals that the patient has previously been diagnosed with allergic otitis, flea allergy, pollen allergy, or certain food allergies, or has existing or suspected skin changes of allergic nature. When exposed to allergens (dust, grass, pollen, smoke, local drug therapy, etc.), dogs can experience allergic changes in the eyes, just like humans. Symptoms include swelling and redness of the conjunctiva, follicular proliferation, epiphora, blepharospasm, and sometimes mucoid discharge from the eye. The dog may feel itching and can injure the cornea while scratching the eye. Conjunctivitis may occur seasonally or throughout the year, either as the only manifestation of an allergy or within generalized allergic conditions.
 
Therapy
The diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis is made by a detailed eye examination and identifying if there are any hidden abnormalities. A Schirmer's test is performed to determine the tear film quantity, the patency of the nasolacrimal canal is checked, eye pressure is measured, and a sample from the conjunctiva is taken for cytological and microbiological examination. The suspicion of allergic conjunctivitis can be confirmed by biopsy or confocal microscopy, revealing a significant number of mast cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Allergen tests can identify the potential causes of allergies. Treatment involves avoiding contact with the allergen, if possible, systemic control of allergies, and local application of anti-inflammatory medications.
 
Please contact our specialty veterinary ophthalmology hospital Animal Eye Consultants
of Iowa (animaleyeiowa@gmail.com) in USA or Oculus Veterinary Specialty Hospital
(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
can be seen.