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—50-50 Standard—
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a common eye condition in dogs that occurs when
their tear glands are not able to produce the normal amount
of tears. The condition can be very painful because without
tears, the eyes feel dry and irritated (feeling like sandy grit in
the eye) and are more prone to infections and ulcers. If left
untreated, this can lead to pigmentation changes and scarring
of the eye surface and eventually even blindness.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a common eye condition in dogs that occurs when
their tear glands are not able to produce the normal amount
of tears. The condition can be very painful because without
tears, the eyes feel dry and irritated (feeling like sandy grit in
the eye) and are more prone to infections and ulcers. If left
untreated, this can lead to pigmentation changes and scarring
of the eye surface and eventually even blindness.
—1/3 + 2/3 Standard—
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a common eye condition in dogs that occurs when
their tear glands are not able to produce the normal amount
of tears. The condition can be very painful because without
tears, the eyes feel dry and irritated (feeling like sandy grit in
the eye) and are more prone to infections and ulcers. If left
untreated, this can lead to pigmentation changes and scarring
of the eye surface and eventually even blindness.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a common eye condition in dogs that occurs when
their tear glands are not able to produce the normal amount
of tears. The condition can be very painful because without
tears, the eyes feel dry and irritated (feeling like sandy grit in
the eye) and are more prone to infections and ulcers. If left
untreated, this can lead to pigmentation changes and scarring
of the eye surface and eventually even blindness.
—50-50 Bullets—
What is Dry Eye?
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What is Dry Eye?
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What is Dry Eye?
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Dry Eye Treatment
In most cases, Dry Eye requires treatment for life since there is no permanent cure for the destruction of tear glands. Once diagnosis
has been made, the regimen is typically two-fold:
1. PRESCRIPTION OINTMENT with cyclosporine: To treat the underlying condition, the veterinarian prescribes an eye ointment that protects the tear glands from being attacked by the immune system.
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2. DAILY TEAR REPLACEMENT: Considered an essential component in the management of Dry Eye to keep eyes lubricated, most veterinarians recommend lubricating drops that replace natural tears to keep the eyes moist and protected.
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Stages of Healing
In most cases, Dry Eye requires treatment for life since there is no permanent cure for the destruction of tear glands. Once diagnosis has been made, the regimen is typically two-fold:
Inflammation
First, blood vessels constrict to control bleeding, and then within minutes, the blood vessels dilate. This causes swelling.
Inflammation
First, blood vessels constrict to control bleeding, and then within minutes, the blood vessels dilate. This causes swelling.
Repair
Cells begin to grow and rebuild missing and damaged tissues. Small blood vessels develop to deliver a blood supply to the wound. Skin cells then migrate, and scabs form within hours of the initial wound. These skin (or epithelial) cells can cover a properly closed surgical incision within 48 hours. In a larger open wound, the creation of granulation tissue takes longer.
Maturation
The newly laid collagen fibers reorganize and the tissue strengthens. The length of this process depends upon the severity of the injury or wound.
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Signs of Dry Eye
The appearance of Dry Eye can be varied and subtle, especially in the early stages. If your dog has any of the following signs, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Blinking
Blinking or rubbing eyes excessively.
Trying to keep eyes closed
Redness
Bloodshot appearance
and inflammation
Discharge
Discharge from
the eyes
Dull appearance
Dull or
dry appearance
Conjunctivitis
Frequent conjunctivitis, eye infections
or corneal ulcers
Dark pigment
Dark pigment on the surface
of the eyes
Please note: the eyes of some dogs affected by Dry Eye look quite normal, despite severely reduced tear production and destruction of the tear glands. Being aware of the signs is a big step in getting it diagnosed early before too much tear tissue is destroyed and adverse changes to the eye develop. Veterinary specialists in ophthalmology recommend testing virtually all sore eyes for Dry Eye to make sure it’s caught early.
Causes of Tear Stains
Here are five common causes:
Porphyrin
This is a pigment excreted in tears, saliva and urine. Porphyrins are iron-containing molecules produced when the body breaks down iron. All dogs have some porphyrin in their tears, but some dogs have more than others.
Environment
Water that is high in iron may be responsible for the staining. Dogs may also have adverse reactions to plastic food bowls. You may see signs of redness and inflammation around your dog’s eyes, ears, nose and lips which can be mistaken for tear stains.
Abnormal
Lashes and Ducts
Eyelashes can rub on and irritate the surface of the eye due to a condition where your dog’s eyelids fold inward, called entropion. The eye responds by producing more tears than normal. Further, if the tear duct isn’t emptying into the nasal cavity properly, your dog may develop tear stains. Clogged tear ducts can also be the culprit.
Genetics
Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to tear stains, and dogs with light-colored fur will have more obvious tear-staining than will darker dogs. Breeds commonly susceptible to tear stains include the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Poodle. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs can be prone as well due to the way the eyes fit into the socket and the configuration of the muzzle, which can cause the tears to accumulate instead of flowing through the ducts and draining away.
Infection
An infection of the skin around the eyes can cause symptoms that look like tear stains in dogs. If the stain is brownish in color, it’s possible it might be caused by yeast rather than bacteria. A veterinarian should properly diagnose the infection. Infections can also develop due to the chronic dampness that can occur with tear staining.
Causes of Inflammation
& Irritation
Conjunctivitis
The most common eye problem, this occurs when the mucus membranes of the eye become inflamed and itchy
Glaucoma
A much more serious condition caused by increased pressure within the eye itself
Foreign object
in the eye
Scratched
cornea
Entropion
when the eyelashes are
turned inward instead of outward, causing the eye to tear, become irritated, and ultimately infected, if not treated
Causes of Inflammation
& Irritation
Conjunctivitis
The most common eye problem, this occurs when the mucus membranes of the eye become inflamed and itchy
Glaucoma
A much more serious condition caused by increased pressure within the eye itself
Foreign object
in the eye
Scratched
cornea
Entropion
when the eyelashes are turned inward instead of outward, causing the eye to tear, become irritated, and ultimately infected, if not treated
Knowledge Is Comfort
Information is one of the powerful ways pet parents can feel comfortable
with the decisions they make for the pets they love. These educational
resources are designed to give you helpful facts about common ocular
and epidermal conditions and injuries. It’s not meant to replace the invaluable
expertise of your veterinarian – your most trusted resource for keeping your
pet comfortable and healthy for a lifetime.
