Dog Watery Eyes

by Joy
(Rochester Hills MI USA)

Reader Question: Dog Watery Eyes

We are considering rescuing a 5 mo old Lhasa Apso puppy. We have been told that the puppy has Teary Eye which has been treated. The shelter said that one of the puppy's eyelids dropped down and it was tacked back in place and there is some opaque appearance of the eye.

Is this serious or should we pass on this puppy?

Thanks,

Joy

Vet Suggestion on Dog Teary Eye

Hello Joy,

I’m not sure exactly what eyelids “dropping down” and being “tacked back in place” means. It’s possible that this Lhasa puppy suffered from something called entropion – an abnormal inward rolling of the eyelid that causes fur to rub on the cornea.

If that is the case, a correctly performed surgery usually is curative, although on occasion a second surgery is necessary as the eyelids heal. Another possibility is a Cherry Eye. In this condition, a gland on the third eyelid protrudes abnormally and needs to be sewn back into position.

Whatever the cause, a reputable shelter, breeder, or rescue should have absolutely no problem with giving you a copy of this dog’s medical records and allowing you to take the puppy to your veterinarian for an exam and records review – the best way for you to know what you are getting into. If they seem to balk at this idea, the organization is not one that you should support.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM