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Diagnosing a Dog Eye Discharge

also see Dog Eye Infection

also see Dog Eye Allergies

also see Dog Cataract Surgery

also see Dog Eye Carea

also see Eye Drops for Dogs 

also see Cat Conjunctivitis 

also see Canine Eye 

Dog eye discharge can be alarming to any dog owner. It can be caused by something as simple as environmental allergies or as serious as corneal ulceration. Whatever the cause, eye discharge should be addressed and treated before the condition becomes more serious, causing the loss of vision or possibly the loss of an eye. Tearing and discharge is the canine eye's way of ridding itself of any irritant that may exist on a day to day basis or a chronic eye problem.

Determining the Seriousness of the Discharge

Ocular discharge can occur gradually or can develop very suddenly in dogs. A general guideline is that the more discharge there is, the more serious the condition of the eye. Other symptoms that indicate the need to be seen by a veterinarian for potential treatment are:

Causes of Eye Discharge

Eye discharge can be caused by any number of irritants. Causes of discharge include, but are not limited to:

Diagnosing Eye Discharge Problems

While a general practice veterinarian has some of the tools required to conduct a canine eye exam, a veterinary ophthalmologist will have the full spectrum of equipment required to conduct a full ophthalmic examination or specialized testing, should they be required. Some of the tests that may be conducted:

If indicated, a veterinary ophthalmologist may also require cell analysis collected from gland openings or from the cornea or other eye tissue. Other procedures may also be required to determine if the tear ducts are blocked or if there are underlying systemic causes for the eye discharge.

Some dog breeds are known to have discharge and tear staining from their eyes. If your dog is one of these breeds and the tearing is a concern, have it checked out to ensure there isn't an underlying problem. If your dog develops discharge, it is important to have the condition checked out, especially if the tearing is excessive, thick, or appears to be infected or bloody. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your dog keeps his healthy eyesight throughout his lifetime.

also see Dog Cataract Surgery Explained

also see Causes of Dog Tear Stain Problems

also see Choosing and Giving a Dog Eye Drops

also see The 5 Most Common Dog Eye Problems

also see Dog Eye Infection Treatment With Anitbiotics

also see Causes of Cherry Eye in Dogs

also see Dog Cataracts: Understanding the Different Types, Causes and Treatment

also see Throat Problems in Cats