Dog eyeworm disease (Thelaziasis) is a parasitic disease caused by sucking nematodes (Thelazia spp.) parasitizing the eyes of dogs (especially the conjunctival sac and subnictitating membrane).
The following is a detailed description of eyeworm disease in dogs:
1. Pathogens:
The pathogen is sucking nematodes, the common ones being Oriental eyeworm (Thelazia callipaeda) and Bull eyeworm (Thelazia gulosa), which belong to the class Nematoda and the family Suckingidae.
2. Transmission methods:
Euglencosis is mainly spread by vector insects (such as flies). When insects feed on dog eye secretions, they bring larvae or eggs into the dog's eyes. The larvae mature and lay eggs in the eyes.
3. Clinical symptoms:
Conjunctival congestion, edema, and increased secretions (tears, mucus, or purulent secretions).
The nictitating membrane (third eyelid) is swollen and protruding.
The eyes are itchy and painful, and the dog frequently blinks, rubs its eyes, and shakes its head.
Coreal opacity and inflammatory reaction may lead to corneal ulcers, vision loss or even blindness in severe cases.
Moving white or yellowish elongated worms may be observed directly at the edge of the eyelids, conjunctival sac or canthus of the eye.
4. Diagnosis:
Clinical examination: Directly observe eye secretions with the naked eye or open the eyelids to look for wriggling worms.
Laboratory examination: Collect eye secretions or removed worms for morphological identification under a microscope.
5. Treatment:
Drug treatment: Use antiparasitic drugs prescribed by veterinarians, such as 5% L-isopyrimidine sulfate injection eye drops, rub the eyes as directed to promote the removal of parasites, and then rinse the eyes with normal saline to remove the parasites and drugs Residual, finally apply antibiotic eye ointment to prevent secondary infection.
Surgical intervention: In cases where drug treatment is ineffective or the worms are deeply located, a veterinarian may need to perform surgery or deep irrigation to remove the worms.
6. Prevention:
Fly prevention measures: Avoid dogs going out during periods when flies are active (such as early morning and dusk), use anti-fly products (such as fly repellent collars, sprays), and clean secretions from the dog's eyes in a timely manner.
Regular deworming: Include it in your regular internal deworming program and use a broad-spectrum deworming drug that covers eye parasites.
Environmental cleanliness: Keep the dog’s living environment clean and reduce the breeding of flies.
To sum up, dog eyeworm disease is a parasitic disease caused by sucking nematodes parasitizing the eyes. It is mainly transmitted through vector insects and manifests as eye inflammation, increased secretions and visual impairment. Treatment is mainly based on drug deworming, and preventive measures include fly control, regular deworming and environmental cleaning. Once you find that your dog has relevant symptoms, you should seek medical treatment in time.