Basset hounds have many distinctive features, one of which is saggy eyes. These eyes often look red because of the exposed inner eye lids of the dog. Because of this exposed area of the eye, basset hounds' eyes tend to have discharge. If the discharge turns yellow, this can indicate a potential health concern and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
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Causes
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Discharge from your basset hounds eye can be caused by a number of different things. One common cause is conjunctivitis, which is similar to the pink eye humans can develop. Often, conjunctivitis is caused by other diseases such as distemper or corneal disease. Sometimes, you dog experiences eye trauma and you may not realize it has occurred. Sinus infections can also be the culprit. As the sinus cavities in you basset become filled, mucous can leak out of your dog's eyes. Dry eyes tend to develop in older dogs, which can cause discharge to occur according to Dog First Aid 101.
Symptoms
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Symptoms will vary depending on what the cause of the discharge is. Often the discharge will begin as watery and clear, which could be excess tearing. This can be harder to determine on darker colored dogs. However, according to Dog First Aid 101, as the problem progresses, watery discharge can turn to the yellow discharge that may be sticky. Discharge can be gradual or sudden onset. Sometimes the cause of the discharge can make the eye itchy or irritated, so you may notice your dog rubbing his eyes on the carpet or with his paws.
Diagnosis
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When you take your dog to the vet to determine the cause of discharge, your vet will perform an examination of your basset hound's eyes, inspecting the eyelids, the cornea as well as the internal chambers of the eye. He will also want to know if your dog has any other symptoms not associated with the eye, such as a runny nose. Depending on what is found during the eye exam, your vet may perform tests to check for bacteria, a blood test as well as a full physical exam. According to Vet Info, your vet may also perform a Schirmer tear test which checks for tear production.
Treatment
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After your vet has diagnosed your basset hound's specific medical condition, he will likely recommend one of a number of treatments. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat infections. Even if your basset hound shows signs of improvement, medications should be continued unless instructed otherwise. Some medications will be oral and others will be a topical treatment that is applied to your dog's eye directly. Sometimes, simple at home eye cleaning is enough to treat the problem. You can wipe away excess discharge using a clean, wet cloth. However, you should always use a clean cloth for each eye to prevent passing bacteria from eye to eye. Paw Nation recommends using a canine saline solution to flush the eye, when your vet approves.
Prevention
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After you have effectively cured your basset hound of the yellow discharge, you will want to take steps to prevent future problems. Since the basset hound usually has its nose to the ground, dirt and bacteria can easily find its way into the eyes. According to Oregon Basset Hound Rescue, you can help prevent dirt and other debris from building up in your dog's eyes by cleaning them a few times a week using a warm, wet cloth. Also, if you notice your dog's eyes are redder than normal or watering more, contact your vet for preventative care. Being aware of your dog's current health can help catch warning signs early on.
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