Mary Allen
In order to keep the cornea, i.e. the surface of the dog’s eye, moist, the tear glands constantly produce tear fluid. Each eye has a so-called nasolacrimal canal to drain this tear fluid. When the tear fluid produced becomes too viscous or the nasolacrimal ducts become inflamed, the tear fluid leaks out of the eye. A reddish or brownish discoloration in this area is often clear evidence of this.
If the discharge from the eyes persists for a long time, it turns the fur at this point brown-reddish and leads to adhesions. As with us humans, watery eyes can have various causes. Occasionally the origin is benign, such as B. drafts or dust. However, if your four-legged friend has frequent or permanent watery eyes, it could also be due to an illness. Eye discharge, also known as epiphora by doctors, refers to excessive discharge of the watery portion of tears.
How does eye discharge occur?
The tear glands produce the tear fluid that keeps the eyes moist and protects them from contamination. Normally, the tear fluid flows through so-called “tear puncti”, i.e. small openings in the inner corner of the eye, into the nasolacrimal canal. The nasolacrimal canal runs from the small openings at the inner corner of the eye to the front of the nose, where the tear fluid can then evaporate. In dogs with ocular discharge, either tear production is too high (mainly due to irritation) or the tear fluid cannot flow freely through the tear duct because it is blocked.
Congenital or acquired problems or misalignment of the eyelids can also be responsible for more tears forming or not being able to drain properly. The tear fluid is mostly watery and clear. However, if bacteria, viruses or fungi are involved in the disease, the discharge from the eyes can also be mucous or even purulent. Eye discharge is often not the only sign of eye disease. For example, red or swollen conjunctiva, clouding of the cornea or lens, unequal pupils, or pinching of the eyelids (blepharospasm) can also be signs of a problem.
When to the vet?
If the tearing of the eyes is persistent, and you notice a wet discoloration in the areas mentioned, your dog is squeezing one or both eyes, or has unequal pupils, you should definitely consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to find out the cause.
Unfortunately, such discoloration occurs in some dogs immediately after birth, particularly short-nosed dogs like the Pekingese, Pug, and Chow Chow. Due to their short nose, their tear duct is atrophied and the tear fluid cannot drain through the ducts intended for this purpose. In the meantime, however, breeders try to maintain the dog’s normal anatomical conditions, and the nose is again lengthened a little.
Diagnosis
The vet will ask you a few questions, to begin with. This can be, for example, how long your dog has had watery eyes, whether you have observed other symptoms or whether you are aware of other illnesses in your four-legged friend. After a general examination, the veterinarian will carefully examine your dog’s eyes.
This is done, for example, with a colored liquid that makes damage to the cornea visible. If this is not the case, further possible causes are clarified. Ingrown hairs can also cause eye irritation. If this does not bring any results, your veterinarian may well refer your dog to an eye specialist who has other measuring devices and examination options and can measure intraocular pressure, for example. Depending on the diagnosis, eye drops can help, or an operation may be necessary to correct the atrophied tear ducts or other changes in the eye, such as entropion.
Dacryocystitis in dogs – FAQs
Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac (saccus lacrimalis) in dogs.
What is dacryocystitis?
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac, usually due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
Which antibiotic for dacryocystitis?
The antibiotic is usually a first-generation cephalosporin or penicillinase-resistant synthetic penicillin. If the infection does not respond as expected, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) should be considered and antibiotics modified accordingly.
Which antibiotic for lacrimal sac infection?
In order to cover a broad spectrum of pathogens, antibiotics are immediately applied locally (ointment with gentamicin) and administered systemically (e.g. cefuroxime).
What helps against lacrimal sac inflammation?
How is lacrimal sac infection treated? When inflammation is acute, treatment of lacrimal sac infection aims to fight the infection. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are also used. In addition, decongestant eye drops and warm compresses are used.
How do I know if I have tear sac inflammation?
- Unilateral swelling of the lacrimal sac.
- With or without redness (also of the conjunctiva and lower eyelid)
- Pain, especially when touched, which can radiate to the forehead and tooth region.
- Possibly pus from the lower punctum.
- Possibly fever.
Why does the tear sac become inflamed?
The most common cause of inflammation of the bags under the eyes is a blockage of the tear ducts. This makes it easier for infectious agents to spread and cause inflammation.
Which doctor is responsible for lacrimal sac infection?
To detect the pathogen, he collects secretion and pus from the punctum by gently pressing the lacrimal sac. To rule out a sinus infection, he refers the patient to an X-ray or to an ENT doctor.
How long does tear duct surgery take?
The operation is only carried out if appropriate examinations have been carried out. Sometimes an X-ray is useful. The operation takes about 1-1.5 hours, so it does not mean a small operation.
How does an eye infection manifest itself?
- very red eyes.
- burning or itching in the eyes.
- the eyes water.
- sticky and swollen eyelids from watery, mucous, or purulent discharges, especially in the
- morning after waking up.
- foreign body sensation and scratching in the eye (like grains of sand), feeling of pressure.