Protecting a Dog's Eyes With Severe Dry Eye
Reader Question
I live retired in Costa Rica. I have a small dog that i rescued off the street here 10 years ago, "Chica." She looks like a fox with longer strong legs that drive her running faster then my Dutch Shepherd working dog. Chica has long ears that are upright and she can maneuver them to aim sound directly into her ears. She listens carefully to my words. She understands sentences in English and she knows about 20 commands. Both dogs are intelligent and follow about 20 commands each. Little "Chica" is the boss,but I worry that her corneas or lenses will pop off from dryness as her canine opthalmologist stated as possible. Coincidentally, I have Sjogren's Syndrome, and my lenses will pop off and leave me me blind or partially blind. What can I do to protect her eyes other than dog eye drops and ointment?? a slim portion of her cornea slipped off today.
Answer from Our Team
With severe dry eye, the cornea is at risk of ulcers. Keeping the eye surface moist is the main goal. Ask your ophthalmologist about tear-stimulating medicine (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), using a lubricating gel very frequently and a longer-lasting ointment at night, and, for dogs that don't respond, a surgery that redirects saliva to the eye (parotid duct transposition).
If you notice a piece of the eye surface coming away, squinting or a cloudy area, have her seen promptly, since this can mean an ulcer that needs treatment.
See corneal ulcers in dogs and dog eye discharge.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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