Dog Tearing?

Question

Has anybody ever had their dog's tear ducts drained? I have a pom pup who tears frequently (which causes staining) and my vet suggested trying to drain the ducts because they might be plugged. It seems like a rather simple and cheap procedure, what do you think?

Answer 1

Runny Eyes (Epiphora)
EXCESSIVE TEAR PRODUCTION IN DOGS AND CATS)

Watery ocular discharge is a common concern of pet owners. Excessive tears drain down the pet's face and, in time, the chronic exposure to moisture produces skin irritation, infection, and odor. The fur becomes stained reddish brown due to tear pigments, an especially non-cosmetic problem in white-furred pets. The medical term for this condition is epiphora and it is one of the most difficult conditions to resolve in all of veterinary ophthalmology.

There are two causes of Epiphora (excess tearing) in pets: irritation to the eye and abnormal tear drainage.

IRRITATION TO THE EYE

One of the eye's natural responses to irritation is to produce more tears. This helps flush away any irritants that might have contaminated the eye surface. If excessive tearing is accompanied by squinting or pawing of the eye, or if the excessive tearing should occur suddenly this should be taken as an obvious sign of eye pain and veterinary attention should be sought at once. Any accompanying loss of vision should be taken as an emergency.

It is the more chronic cases that are harder to manage. Eyes can certainly become chronically irritated from viral conjunctivitis (probably the most common reason for excessive tearing in cats), from glaucoma (painful increase in eye pressure in the eye), or more commonly from eyelash abnormalities.

Some breeds of dogs naturally have hair in their eyes and this does not cause irritation in most cases but in some cases it can. Hairs can grow from the face onto the eye and cause irritation. Eyelashes can grow at abnormal angles and rub on the eye. Eyelashes can even grow on the inner surface of the eyelids and cause irritation. Often magnifying instruments are needed to discover these tiny hairs and delicate surgical procedures are needed to address them. Complicating the situation, however, is the fact that breeds that tend to have eyelid and eyelash problems also tend to be the same as those with faulty tear drainage anatomy (see below) which makes it very hard to determine which of many possible causes is to blame.

Allergy, irritating dust or smog in the air, trauma, or infection can lead to excessive tears from conjunctivitis. These problems can often be treated medically by a general practitioner. Once we are certain that a painful condition is not present, we can consider that the drainage ducts of the eyes may not be normal. The normal eye is most efficient at draining tears. Looking at the inner corner of the eyelids (the side nearest the nose) one can see the pink, moist caruncle and on the eyelid margins upper and lower openings called nasolacrimal puncta. These are essentially drainage holes for tears. The puncta are the openings to small passages called canaliculi which, in turn, open into a sac called the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac drains into the nasolacrimal duct which drains tears into the nasal passages and throat. (This is why we get runny noses when we cry, why we sniffle when we cry, and why we can taste our tears when we cry).

There are many problems that can occur along this drainage route. One common problem, especially in the poodle and the bichon frise as well as brachycephalic breeds, is simply that the eye socket is shallow. This means that tears over flow from the corner of the eye because the eyelid space there is not deep enough to contain them. These tears never make it to the puncta and instead spill down the sides of the nose. This condition, if present, cannot be repaired; it is simply the conformation of the dog's face.

Alternatively, the eyelids may be turned inward (a condition called entropion) blocking the puncta and preventing drainage. Another problem may be long hair acting as a wick drawing tears from the eye to the skin. This hair may be kept trimmed; though, if the hair is part of the nasal skin fold of a brachycephalic breed, surgery may be needed to remove or alter the skin fold.

Old infections or injuries may scar the puncta, canaliculi, or nasolacrimal ducts closed. Sometimes a vigorous flushing of saline through the ducts (performed under general anesthesia) can re-open them. Sometimes the puncta are congenitally closed (common in poodles and cocker spaniels) and can be surgically re-opened.

If surgery is required in these delicate little drainage structures, special equipment is needed and a veterinary ophthalmologist is best consulted. For help finding an ophthalmologist for your pet visit www.acvo.com.

ADDRESSING THE STAINING
An assortment of remedies have been suggested to resolve the unsightly reddish stains that result from chronic tear drainage.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

first off how old is the dog and how long have you had him for? I no this sounds hard with a three month old baby but you need to drop the baby round it's Grandma's house, she'll love looking after the baby :P, and take the dog for a big walk and just have fun with it really. Always make sure you have one day a week alone with the dog so he gets enough attention! you could try and arrange something with other members of the family so you get more time with him? Get a jam-jar and fill it with pebbles from the backyard and everytime he does something bad shake the jam-jar and tell him ''NO!'' and he'll soon get used to not doing that! Because he's very protective he'll probably see the baby as a threat and result badly to this by chewing up stuff. Comfort him when he's down and make sure that you and your partner get to take him out together so he's not favoured to you too much. When you're ready gradly bring the baby into the walks and with your partner there and the dog on leash hold the baby near the dog, not dangling (obviously) but cradelling it as you would normally to comfort the baby. If he starts to growl tell him ''NO!'' but if he reacts well then praise him big time! I can say I've never had a dog with children before so I don't no how it will go but never give up on the dog, he will just feel worse. And certainly do NOT kill it or abandon it! It's love and reassurence a dog needs, not being passed around! Good luck and congrats with your baby! x

Answer 4

Your vet needs to read up more on their eyes and eyelids. Excessive tearing is a common sign of 2 things - allergies, or entropian. Entropian is caused by malformation or inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelid is pulled to tightly against the eye itself, occluding the tearducts which prevents the tears from draining into the nose.

I would consult with your vet about these possibilities, and if they offer no solutions, I'd see another vet. Allergies and entropian are easily solved (usually) and fixing the problem now will help eliminate risk that your dog will injure the eye from rubbing the face or itching the eye with paws, or infection from excessive buildup of tears in the eyelids.

Answer 5

Dogs with prominent eyes have excessive tearing and staining and it is very common. My shih tzu has staining and I use Eye Envy Tear Stain remover. It is chemical free and really works great. It doesn't hurt if you get it in the dogs eyes. I am including questions and answers from the site I use.

Eye Envy is the most effective product for curing runny, ugly tear stains on your dog or cat. Our solution removes tearstains effectively, safely and gently. Eye Envy is an eye treatment solution that is non-irritating and proven to prevent eye leakage and discharge, quickly and through an easy to use method that your pet will thank you for. Eye Envy also comes in an herbal version. It is guaranteed to be effective, endorsed by veterinarians, catteries, and groomers the world over. If your pet is prone to tearstains, Eye Envy is for you. It is also effective in treating urine stains, red yeast infections, food stains, helping droolers, and of course for that unsightly brown goop around the eyes that affects dogs and cats everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What causes excessive tearing and staining:
A: Staining can be caused by a variety of things:

Clogged or Shallow Tear Ducts: Studies indicate that 20-25% of small dogs and cats are born with closed of shallow tear ducts. Tears overflow because there the eyelid space is not deep enough to contain them.
Excessive Tearing: When the face hair is wet from excessive tearing, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections (AKA: Red Yeast, which causes deep reddish-brown stains); Low grade bacteria infections may also cause excessive tearing.
Cutting Teeth: Cutting teeth may cause changes in the head & mouth structure of your pet, placing pressure on the tear ducts.
Irritation & Allergies: Some animals get hair or eyelashes into their eyes causing irritation. Many breeds are susceptible to allergies. Shampoos and other chemicals can also irritate their eyesSome foods cause allergic reactions; animals may also build an allergic reaction over time to a type of food.
Water: Water with high mineral levels causes staining
Food & Treats: Diet can play a significant role in tearing. Many commercial foods contain additives, preservatives and food coloring. This could lead to staining.
Fleas: Fleas survive in moisture, which they get from the eye or moth area. This could cause irritation and in addition red stains left behind may be from flea feces. These are just a few reasons. There are MANY more!!
Q: What is Eye Envy so different that all the other products that I've bought and don't work?
A: Eye Envy works at the true problem, a bacteria infection. Eye Envy contains a cleanser, an astringent (to dry the area) and herbal flower extract (acts as a natural antibiotic) and an antibacterial.

Eye Envy is a topical tear stain remover. Other products are often masked as palatable supplements, taking months to work and requiring your pet to ingest antibiotics (e.g. tylan, tylosin as tartrate, collidal silver).

Q: What if I've used bleach or peroxide to clean the area around the eyes?
A: Bleach/Peroxide make the hair shaft very pourous, causing the stain to set into the hair. Eye Envy will only lighten the areas previously damaged by bleach or peroxide, but all regrowth will be clean.

PLEASE do not use peroxide, bleach or woolite on your animals.

Q: Is Eye Envy safe to use on my pregnant dog or cat?
A: Yes. Since Eye Envy is applied externally, it is 100% safe to use on pregnant, lactating and even small kittens (over the age of 7 weeks).

Q: Should Eye Envy be refrigerated? If so, how long is it's shelf life?
A: NO WE CARRY THE BRAND NEW NO REFRIDGERATION REQUIRED PRODUCT. THIS PRODUCT HAS A SHELF LIFE OF 3-4 MONTHS.

Q: Is Eye Envy applied inside the eyes?
A: No. Eye Envy is to be applied externally only.

Q: What happens if a small amount gets into my pets eyes?
A: There is nothing to worry about is some solution gets into your pets eyes. The ingredients are safe and have been tested.

Q: How many pads come in a jar?
A: There are approximately 28-30 pads per jar. Our pads are made of special material to avoid any "fuzz" from getting into your pets eyes.

Q: Can I use Eye Envy on my dog/cats legs, tail, mouth area? Is it safe?
A: Yes. The ingredients will not harm your animal. Also, EE can be used for chin acne and urine stains.

Q: Should I refrigerate my product when it arrives?
A: NO WE CARRY THE BRAND NEW NO REFRIDGERATION REQUIRED PRODUCT. THIS PRODUCT HAS A SHELF LIFE OF 3-4 MONTHS. .

Q: I have a white dog, do you recommend the powder?
A: Yes! With any white animals it is recommended to use both the solution and the powder.

Q: Does Eye Envy fade/bleach colored animals?
A: No. The produt does not contain any peroxides or bleaching agents. Your pets hair will not discolor.

Answer 6

it's up to you. it isnt' as cheap as you might think they do need to be put under anesthesia for this procedure. you can always just try and keep it clean. trim any hair that might be bothering them.

Answer 7

whatever's best for your dogs health, dont forget to ask the vet the consequences if you do this.