Pinkeye

Pinkeye, also known as blight and infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Pinkeye is caused by a number of organisms, and creates weeping of the eye initially, followed by a pink raised lesion in the middle of the eye, before a white accumulation in the eye asppears.

Sometimes the white accumulation is under the surface of the eye and requires intramuscular injections to treat.

As it warms up, flies become more prevalent and increase the spread of the organisms.
Some breeds are more susceptible to infection, such as Herefords and Friesian.

Depending on the stage where the disease is caught, treatment options include:

– The use of cream topically applied every 2 days
– Topically applying cream and eye-patching for more severe infections
– Oxytetracycline antibiotic injection

If the eye has ruptured, unfortunately, removing the eye is the best option.

There is also means for a subconjunctival injection with a mixture of penicillin and dexamethasone that leaks into the affected tissue and helps to heal quite effectively.

Prevention can be obtained through use of Piligard with 2 injections needed initially followed by an annual booster.

For more information please call us to discuss.

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