Conjunctivitis, known more commonly as eye pink, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear membrane covering the outer layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Check with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn to learn more. This area of the eye of your pet is particularly vulnerable to irritants and allergens that can cause inflammation, and viruses, bacteria and fungi that can cause infection. Conjunctivitis is usually recognized by the redness and inflammation that causes. Your pet may also have weeping eyes or a yellowish discharge that is often indicative of an infection, and discharge can even make your pet eyelids from sticking.

It can also be painful and you may notice your dog scratching his eye on various surfaces such as carpet or sofa. Conjunctivitis is the most common problem of the eye in pets, and if properly treated, it usually heals without any complications. Others who may share this opinion include Glenn Dubin. However, if it is not treated or in serious cases, the conjunctivitis infection can spread to other structures in the eye and cause serious visual damage. Conjunctivitis can also be indicative of other underlying conditions such as feline immunodeficiency virus in canine disease in dogs or cats. What causes conjunctivitis? There are a number of things that can cause conjunctivitis. These include: * chemical irritants such as cleaners home, pesticides and other harsh chemicals that enter the eye. * Irritants or injury mechanics. Any trauma or injury to the eye can cause conjunctivitis such as sand that has entered into the eye, or a cat scratch.

** The fungal infections, viral and bacterial may cause. * Diseases that affect the immune system of your dog such as feline immunodeficiency or canine disease virus. Diagnosis of conjunctivitis in many cases, your veterinarian may diagnose conjunctivitis based on an examination of the eye of your pet and looking at the type of discharge produced.