What are the symptoms of dry eye in dogs?

Having a pet is a great way to experience unconditional love and companionship, but it is also important to ensure that your pet is healthy and free from any ailments. One condition that can affect your canine companion is dry eye. Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated and can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and potential damage to the eye. Knowing the symptoms of dry eye in dogs can help pet owners to identify the condition early, allowing for adequate treatment and the prevention of further complications. In this blog post, we will explore the common symptoms of dry eye in dogs and discuss the importance of seeking veterinary advice if any of these symptoms are observed.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome in Dogs

One or more of the symptoms listed below may be present in dogs with dry eye syndrome:

Red, inflamed, irritated, and painful eyes

Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, or the tissues around the eye

Frequent squinting and blinking

Dryness on the surface of the cornea—the outer clear dome-shaped part of the eye

Mucous-like discharge on the cornea (may be yellow or green if a secondary bacterial infection is present)

Obvious defects and irregularities of the cornea, including increased vascularization (abnormal growth of blood vessels to the injured area) and pigmentation as the eye attempts to heal and protect itself

Possible vision impairment and blindness

Most common eye problem in dogs

Tears have an important role in keeping the eye healthy. They protect the cornea and remove dirt and infectious substances. The condition known as “dry eye” affects both people and dogs when the eye’s tear film, the delicate but intricate layer of fluid coating the eye, is deficient in tears. ” (The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. ).

Dr. Dry eye is the most prevalent condition Bianca Martins, a board-certified ophthalmologist, sees in dogs at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.

Signs and Causes of Dry Eye

“Dogs with this condition frequently have red, itchy eyes and some thick mucous discharge.” They may blink excessively or keep their eyes closed, squint frequently, and Martins says. The animal may paw at the eye more frequently than usual or avoid being touched because dry eyes can be painful. These signs often occur in both eyes.

Dogs between the ages of 4 and 6 are typically affected by dry eyes, though it can occur at any age. It is more likely to appear in breeds with flat faces, such as Boston terriers, pugs, and shih tzus.

The majority of dogs have a quantitative form of dry eye, in which the eye simply doesn’t produce enough tears, though there is a qualitative form of the condition associated with underproduction of a particular type of high-quality tear.

“An immune-mediated reaction of the tear-producing lacrimal glands is the most frequent cause of dry eye,” Dr. Martins says. “Immune mediated” denotes that the lacrimal glands are attacked by the body’s immune system, which causes them to shut down.

Other causes include specific drugs, like the prolonged use of oral antibiotics containing sulfonamide, and genetic issues, like a gene that makes some dogs more likely to be born with abnormally small glands.

The Schirmer tear test can be used by the majority of veterinary clinics to identify dry eyes. To conduct the test, a sterile paper strip is placed on the eye’s surface to gauge the amount of tear present. Martins explains.

If the strip determines that there is decreased tear production, then the dog has the quantitative form of dry eye. If this test does not reveal inadequate tears, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be required. A specialist can diagnose the qualitative form by using special stains on the cornea.

The goal of treatment is to improve the dog’s quality of life and ensure that the dog is pain-free. Fortunately, the animal has a good chance of maintaining vision and eye comfort if dry eye is identified and treated quickly.

Sometimes artificial tears are used to treat dry eyes, but they are not very effective because they don’t stay in the eye for very long.

The majority of patients are treated with medicated drops or ointments that are applied directly to the affected eye or eyes, according to Dr Martins says. The drug reduces the body’s immune response while reactivating the lacrimal glands to produce tears. The dog needs to take the medication forever, and it can take up to 4 weeks for the treatment to start working.

If medical therapy is not effective in the patient, doctors may perform a surgical procedure called “parotid duct transposition.” One of the ducts in the mouth that produce saliva is surgically moved to the eye. Although this transposed duct adds moisture to the eye, because the moisture differs from tears in its normal pH and mineral content, this procedure is not curative and leads to chronic problems. For this reason, the surgery is not often done.

Pets should visit a veterinarian right away if they have red eyes or discharge. Dry eye not only hurts the pet and lowers their quality of life, but if it is not treated quickly by a veterinarian, serious and life-long consequences could result.

Chronic dry eye may cause ulcers that could rupture and get infected, cautions Dr Martins. “Pigment will accumulate over the cornea without adequate lubrication in the eye, leading to permanent blindness.” ”.

Please speak with your neighborhood veterinarian if you have any inquiries regarding your pet’s eyes.

Feature photo of Dr. Teaching a veterinary student how to conduct an eye examination is Bianca Martins, second from left, by L Brian Stauffer.

FAQ

How do you know if dog has dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome in dogs is characterized by red, swollen, itchy, and painful eyes. the tissues around the eye, or the conjunctiva, are red and swollen. Frequent squinting and blinking. Dryness on the cornea’s surface, the clear, dome-shaped portion of the eye’s exterior

Is dry eye curable in dogs?

But for the majority of dogs, dry eye is a chronic condition that can only be managed. Your pet will likely require some degree of medication long-term. To find the lowest maintenance dose required to control the condition, your ophthalmologist will work to gradually reduce medication over time.

Is dry eye painful for dogs?

When a dog’s tears don’t flow normally, a painful condition called dry eye develops. Both eyes are typically affected, becoming dry and irritated. The most frequent cause of dry eyes is immune mediated, which means that the immune system attacks the tear glands.

Is dry eye in dogs serious?

Pets should visit a veterinarian right away if they have red eyes or discharge. Dry eye not only hurts the pet and lowers their quality of life, but if it is not treated quickly by a veterinarian, serious and life-long consequences could result. Chronic dry eye may cause ulcers that could rupture and get infected, cautions Dr