Does your dog get a lot of Rheum (eye boogers)? If so you’re not alone. I can say even I’m constantly wiping them off my dog as well. And if we’re taking pictures? Well it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll have a few.
The Reason Why Dogs Get Rheum (Eye Boogers):-
Eye discharge in dogs is completely normal but we need to look out for yellow discharge or pus that could be of serious infection. Here we’ll discuss some of the common causes for canine eye discharge. Lets talk on five common causes of the same.
Pink Eye:
Pink Eye is the inflammation of the membrane covering the surface of the eyeball. It can be a result of infection or irritation of the eye, or it can be related to systemic diseases, such as Reiter syndrome. The symptoms of pink eye are redness, puffy eyelids, stringy discharge, watering eyes, pawing at their eyes, squinting and eyelids that stick together. It’s usually seen in both eyes, but in certain conditions only one may be affected. The Common Types are :-
Allergic Pink Eye:
This allergic reaction is often seasonal and not contagious.
Causes:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dander
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Drugs
Treatments:
- Cold compresses
- Artificial tears
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antihistamines
- Steroid eye drops
Viral Pink Eye:
This is caused by a virus, spreads easily, and can take up to 3 weeks to get better.
Symptoms:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Upper respiratory infection
Treatments:
- Cold compresses
- Artificial tears
- Steroid eye drops
Bacterial Pink Eye:
This type is also very contagious.
Causes:
- Streptococcus (strep)
- Staphylococcus (staph infection)
Treatments:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
Canine Dry Eye:
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as “dry eye,” is a chronic inflammatory condition in dogs which not enough tears are produced to keep the eyes properly lubricated. KCS is a canine eye disorder that can affect the precorneal tear film (PTF) which keeps the cornea and surrounding eye tissues healthy.
Symptoms of Dry Eye in Dogs:
- Redness around the eyes.
- Mucous production (usually yellowish)
- Brownish tint to the eye surface.
- Excessive blinking.
- Discharge of mucus, pus, or liquid from the eye.
- Rubbing at the eyes and whining.
- Loss of vision (severe circumstances)
Ephiphora :
Epiphora is the medical term for watery eyes and the excessive production of tears. Epiphora can occur in one eye (unilateral) or both (bilateral), and often is asymmetrical, being worse in one eye than the other.
The symptoms of epiphora are:
- redness.
- enlarged, visible blood vessels.
- soreness.
- sharp pain.
- eyelid swelling.
- blurred vision.
- light sensitivity.
Entropion:
Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid rolls inward. This inward rolling often causes the hair on the surface of the eyelid to rub against the cornea resulting in pain, corneal ulcers, perforations, or pigment developing on the cornea which can interfere with vision.
Symptoms:
- The feeling that something is in your eye.
- Eye redness.
- Eye irritation or pain.
- Sensitivity to light and wind.
- Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
- Mucous discharge and eyelid crusting.
Treatment:
Rinse your dog’s eye and eye area with simple saline solution, which can be purchased from a veterinarian or pharmacy, or made with a teaspoon of salt water in a cup of warm water. Carefully instill into the corner of your dog’s eye and dip a cotton ball in the solution and wipe away discharge from around the eye.
Consult the nearest veterinarian doctor to be on safe a side.
