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Canine
Blepharitis
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Blepharitis is inflammation and often, infection of the eyelid margins
which can be caused by Bacteria (Staphylococci), fungi, parasites,
allergies and trauma. This condition may involve one or
both eyes.
Blepharitis
often presents with swollen and thickened eyelids, loss of hair on the
lids and redness around the area and enlargement of the glands of the
eyelids which will appear as small abscesses on the inner surface of
the eyelid. In advanced cases, the eyes become chronic red and
irritated with crusting, exudates may be present and conjunctivitis or
keratitis may occur at the same time.
Treatment of
Blepharitis starts with cleaning the eyelid. A simple technique
is to gently
massage the eyelids (eyes closed!) with a hand towel soaked with warm
water. If this is done two or three times a day, the bacterial growth
can be controlled. Bacterial infections are often Staphylococcus
infections, so strong oral antibiotics are needed. Topical drops are
used if conjunctival or corneal irritation is present. Prednisolone or
triamcinolone are often used in cases of allergic blepharitis and may
be used short term to relieve swelling of the lids. Parasitic diseases
are treated based on the parasite present while fungal infections are
treated with antifungal drugs and topical creams. Chronic cases have
been treated using what is called a "staph lysate", a product designed
to stimulate the body to better fight off the usual type of infection.
