Mucus Film on the Eyes of a Rescued Stray

by Diana
(California)

Reader Question

Helping out a stray canine and he is responding well. Was almost starved to death and extremely weak. Removed ticks, administered 1 1/2 cc of PEn-Aqueous antibotic every 12 hours for three days. Had the runs initially, but stool normal now and is eating and drinking. I am feeding in moderation. Cleaned his eyes and administered Neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and Dexamethasone Ointment. He has had three applications over two days. I noticed a mucus-type film on his eyes and when viewed from the side it is especially noticeable. There was considerable discharge..grayish- but it has cleared up fairly well. Not possible to take him to the vet. Any ideas on treatment or diagnosis?

Answer from Our Team

Thank you for helping him. A film of grayish mucus on the eyes often points to dry eye, which is common in neglected or poorly nourished dogs, and can also come from conjunctivitis or distemper in an unvaccinated stray.

Please be careful with the ointment you're using: it contains dexamethasone, a steroid, which can make a corneal ulcer much worse. Stop it if he squints, rubs his eyes or the eye looks cloudy. Plain lubricating eye gel and saline rinses are safer until a vet can check for ulcers. If he develops coughing, nasal discharge or twitching, he needs a vet urgently.

See dog eye discharge and conjunctivitis in dogs.

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

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Mucus Film on the Eyes of a Rescued Stray

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