Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

190 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Treatment: Nasolacrimal duct infection is treated with antibiotics, in
some cases by instilling them directly into a duct. The dosage, type, and route
of administration must be determined by your veterinarian.
A minor operation on a duct opening may be needed to clear a blockage.
Follow-up treatment includes topical antibiotics and topical corticosteroids
to reduce inflammation.
POODLE EYE
This problem, in which brown stains appear at the corner of the eye, is common
to several toy breeds, including Toy Poodles, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese,
Pomeranians, Pekingese, and others.
The exact cause of tear overflow in these breeds is unknown. One theory is
that susceptible breeds have a pooling space that is too small to collect a lake
of tears. Tears contain chemicals that react with light to produce reddishbrown
stains. The staining will be more apparent in dogs whose haircoat is
light colored or white. This is primarily a cosmetic problem.
Treatment: Poodle eye often improves when the dog is given a course of
tetracycline, which is secreted in the tears and binds the photochemicals that
cause the staining. The face remains wet but is not discolored. Tetracycline is
given orally for three weeks. If the staining returns after the antibiotic is
stopped, long-term antibiotics can be considered. One option is to add lowdose
tetracycline to the dog’s daily food.
Surgery is another alternative. The operation involves removing part of
the tear gland of the third eyelid. While this reduces tear volume and makes a
better tear lake, it does carry the risk of producing a dry eye, as discussed in
Cherry Eye (page 183). Removal of the tear gland should be considered only
if the Schirmer tear test shows that the strip wets more than 15mm per
minute (see Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, page 187). After the surgery, dogs may
still develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca later in life.
The dog’s appearance can be improved for cosmetic purposes by plucking
the stained hairs or clipping them close to the face. Daily cleaning alone will
decrease, but not eliminate, the discoloration. Stains can be removed by
bathing the area with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide (1:10). Be sure
peroxide does not get into the eyes. A minor problem can be improved with a
piece of white chalk. Do not get chalk dust in the eye itself. If you are planning
to show the dog, note that all powder or chalk must be removed from the
hair before the dog is brought into the conformation ring for judging.
Do not use chlorine bleach for eye stains! The fumes are painful and may cause
chemical conjunctivitis. Commercial grooming wipes are also available to
help with tear stains.