Runny eyes, or epiphora, in dogs can be a persistent issue causing discomfort and aesthetic concerns for pet owners. This guide delves into the two primary causes of excessive tearing—eye irritation and abnormal tear drainage—providing insights into diagnosis and viable solutions for managing this common canine condition.
1. Understanding Epiphora
- Definition of epiphora and its impact on dogs, including skin irritation, infection, and unsightly tear stains.
- Recognition of porphyrins as tear pigments contributing to reddish-brown staining, particularly problematic in white-furred pets.
2. Causes of Epiphora
- Differentiation between two primary causes: eye irritation and abnormal tear drainage.
- Importance of identifying signs of eye pain, squinting, pawing, sudden excessive tearing, or loss of vision requiring immediate veterinary attention.
3. Eye Irritation as a Cause
- Chronic cases of eye irritation resulting from viral conjunctivitis, glaucoma, reactions to eye medications, or abnormalities in eyelashes and eyelids.
- Challenges in managing chronic cases and the need for careful examination and potential surgical procedures.
4. Causes of Eye Irritation
- Allergies, dust, smog, trauma, or infections leading to excessive tearing due to conjunctivitis.
- Medical treatment for problems causing eye irritation.
5. Normal Tear Drainage
- Overview of the efficient tear drainage system in the eye, involving caruncle, nasolacrimal punctae, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct.
- Common problems affecting tear drainage, such as shallow eye sockets in certain breeds and entropion (inward-turned eyelids).
6. Diagnosing Tear Drainage Issues
- Introduction of the non-invasive Jones test involving fluorescein stain to determine the integrity of the tear drainage system.
- Potential problems affecting drainage, including turned eyelids, long hair acting as a wick, scarring from old infections or injuries, and congenital closure of puncta.
7. Surgical Solutions
- Discussion on surgical procedures to address tear drainage issues, including considerations about veterinary comfort and potential specialist referrals.
- Importance of specialized equipment for drainage surgeries.
8. Addressing Tear Stains
- Evaluation of suggested remedies for tear stains, including low doses of tetracycline or tylosin and regular wiping with hydrogen peroxide.
- Caution against irresponsible antibiotic use and staining concerns with tetracycline in immature animals.
- Introduction of Douxo Micellar Solution for cleansing tear stains from fur and skin.
Effectively managing runny eyes in dogs requires a thorough understanding of the underlying causes, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate solutions. Whether addressing eye irritation or abnormal tear drainage, pet owners are encouraged to seek veterinary guidance for tailored treatments, ensuring the well-being and comfort of their canine companions.
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