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Blood in the Eyes, Recurring Abscesses and Weight Loss in an Older Dog

by A reader

Reader Question
My friends dog, a small male Shih Tzu mix? approx 22pds, has blood in his eyes. He is approx. 10 years old, has been overweight most of his adult life, over the last 4 months he has had anal gland infections where he had lumps filled with fluid and had to have 3 courses of antibiotics to clear up. He is now being treated for a lump filled with fluid on his shoulder, which was drained and being treated with antibiotics. He has been on a diet for the last year or so and has been losing weight, maybe a little more quickly than he should? My question is, are these all related to some underlying cause or are they all separate incidences? Thank you in advance for any info.


Answer from Our Team

These could be separate problems, but together they're worth looking at as a whole. Infections that keep coming back, fluid-filled lumps and blood in the eyes in an older dog can point to something affecting the whole body, such as a weakened immune system, diabetes, Cushing's disease, a bleeding or clotting disorder, high blood pressure, or certain cancers. Weight loss faster than expected adds to that.

Ask the vet about blood and urine tests, a blood pressure check, and a clotting test. High blood pressure in particular can cause bleeding inside the eyes and can damage vision, and it's easy to check.

See the vet soon about the eyes. Go right away if the eyes look cloudy or painful, or he seems unable to see.

See red eyes and blood in the eye.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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