Dogs can have discharge from their eyes for a number of reasons, including allergies, eye disease and trauma to the ocular region. Understanding symptoms, causes and treatments for eye discharge can help minimize any potential problems and alleviate discomfort.
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Symptoms
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Observe the quantity of the discharge. Make note of the color, thickness, if any blood is present and the condition of the tissue around the eye.
Causes
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Discharge can be caused by a blocked tear duct, eye infection, excessive tearing, or can be indicative of more serious issues, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids), corneal ulcers or glaucoma.
Emergency Indicators
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If the eye discharge is discolored, contains blood, or is mucus like, contact your vet immediately. These are signs of serious injury or infection and need immediate action to reduce the possibility of lasting damage.
Diagnosis
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A successful treatment needs an accurate diagnosis. Vets may perform a number of tests, including an eye exam, administering reflective eye drops to identify tears or perforations, or performing a tonometry, which measures the pressure in the eye.
Treatment
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Never use human eye drops on a pet unless specifically told to do so by a vet. Treatments for eye injuries or infections can include flushing the ocular area, applying a topical ointment or administering antibiotics.
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