An introduction to the Dry Eye Syndrome
The eyes need to frequently produce tears to lubricate and save the eyes from various complications. Sometimes, the eyes stop producing enough tears, as the tear productions face obstacles due to various reasons. Which can include things like the sudden onset of allergies, swelling in the nearby areas, and infection by various means. Generally, this condition does not become serious, if the owner provides initial treatments. Dry eyes itself is a sign of something called the canine distemper virus.This needs addressing as soon as possible.
Tears are crucial for flushing out waste products, foreign particles, and infectious organisms from the eyes. Arrested tear production will motivate the growth of infection, or can initiate damage to the outer layer. It can even lead to irreversible scarring to damage the dog’s eyes. The owners will have to call the vet soon after noticing any unusual production of mucous, or redness of the eyes. Without proper treatments, corneal ulceration and scarring will soon follow, and will ultimately lead to blindness.
Signs are:
1.The eyes can get red
2.Sudden production of mucus
3.The snot usually have a yellowish tinge
4.The surface of the eyes can have a brownish tinge
5.An escalation in blinking
6.Discharge of pus, liquid or mucus from the eyes
7.Whining or rubbing the eyes
8.A sudden temporary loss of vision
9.Serious circumstances can also happen
Causes
1.A sudden infection of the eye, more precisely the tear duct
2.A sudden trauma to the conduit or the tear gland
3.An autoimmune reaction against the tear gland
4.Ac sudden blockage in the tear duct
5.Specific breeds who are prone to the condition which are Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers, etc.
Test and diagnosis
The owner may notice redness of the eyes, with the frequent discharge of mucus. The dog may dispose of signs of discomfort. These are some basic signs of the condition, but the owner will still have to see the veterinarian. The vet will conclude dry eyes, only if it proves decisive in tests like visual inspection of the eye. The vet will also have to investigate the depth and severity of the condition, by using the Schirmer Tear Test. The process of the test will go as:
1.The vet will bring a piece of clinically used paper in contact with the lower eyelid of the dog, at the outer corner.
2.Then the will allow it to absorb for around 60 seconds.
3.The limitation of moistened paper at the end of the exam will provide an assessment of the eye’s ability to dampen itself.
4.If the distance is less than 10mm, the pet has dry eye.
5.Less than 5mm is considered severe.
6.A right tear duct should moisten the paper with fifteen mm or more.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on treating the primary cause of the condition. These primary causes can be arcane to secondary problems. Many pre-existing cases of inadequate tear production in the future can lead infections to invade the conjunctiva. The vet will mostly prescribe antibiotic drops to clear up the infection.
It is a crucial step as often the primary causes are the attacking force in the tear gland. This will need treatment in the form of immunosuppressants. Giving these suppressants if the dog already has an active infection will initiate severe problems. Thus, diseases need prior addressing before it gets too late. In severe cases, treatment of Cyclosporine is only an option.
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