Watery Eyes in Dogs

Complications of an ocular nature can vary greatly in a cause. Excessive tearing can result from abnormalities with the eyelids, infection, or diseases of the eye. Resolution of epiphora can involve simple or complex interventions. While epiphora is not breed specific, certain breeds are more predisposed to some ocular conditions. For example, dogs with the anatomical “flattened or squished” face can often have problems related to tear duct drainage.

Epiphora is the medical term for an excessive watery, ocular discharge. Often secondary to a variety of conditions, watery eyes become a problem when accompanied by other symptoms that indicate irritation. Eye conditions can be painful for your pet and should be investigated by a veterinarian without delay.

Veterinarian treatment is essential when dealing with eye conditions. Disorders of the eye can be extremely uncomfortable for your dog. If you notice or come across any of the symptoms below, contact the veterinary caregiver for an appointment:

• Puffiness around the eye
• Redness of the eye
• Squinting, which can mean pain
• Discharge
• Reddish brown staining of the fur
• Dampness or wetness under the eye
• Sneezing
  
• Eye or skin infection
• Holding the eye shut
• Odor
• Rubbing of eyes with the paw, or against other objects
• Periorbital alopecia

Types

There are several types of ocular conditions that can cause watery eyes, some of which are listed below.

• Distichiasis
• An entire row of eyelashes can be affected
• The eyelashes may grow in an abnormal direction or in an abnormal location on the eyelid
• Genetics play a factor
• Many breeds can be affected: Chesapeake Retriever, Golden Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Pekingese, Pug, Boxer, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso
• Entropion
• With this condition, the eyelid rolls inward
• The lashes on the surface of the eyelid rubs against the cornea
• Some of the many breeds that may be affected by this congenital disorder are Akita, Shar Pei, Great Pyrenees, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pekingese, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Bulldog, Pomeranian, Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Dalmatian, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Weimaraner, Poodle, Basset Hound and Irish Setter
• Conjunctivitis
• This is an inflammation of the lining tissue that covers the eye
• Often both eyes will be involved
• Can be bacterial, viral, secondary to allergies etc.
• May be secondary to another disease
• Breed associated conditions may predispose German Shepherds and Collies

• Dacryocystitis
• An inflammation of the tear duct which can be genetic (such as abnormal development) or acquired (tumor or bacteria)
• Brachycephalic breeds are susceptible due to the shallow eye socket and the tight eyelid
• Examples of this breed, which have a flat and wide skull, are the Pug, Pekingese, Bulldog and Boston Terrier
• Corneal Ulcer
• This is the erosion through the epithelium (outer layer of eye) into the stroma (main support tissue for the cornea)
• The most common cause is trauma
• Can be secondary to other diseases like Dry Eye or Epithelial Dystrophy, which can be inherited by Boxers

There can be many causes for watery eyes which lead to various degrees of seriousness. Several of the causes are listed here.

• Breeds with excessive hair on the face can have the hair growing into the eye
• Eyelashes growing at an abnormal angle
• Allergy to pollen, dust, mold etc.
• Trauma, punctures, scratches
• Tumor
• Irritants such as smoke, sprays, dust or perfumes
• Bacteria
• Virus
• Fungi
• Glaucoma
• Facial anatomy that causes inadequate tear drainage
• Blocked tear duct
• Congenital issues like folds on the skin that become infected from constant wetness
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Because watery eyes can be the indication of a serious problem, do not delay in taking your dog to the veterinarian for an eye examination. The veterinary caregiver will want to know how long the eyes have been watering, and whether there has been the presence of an illness of late.

If your dog is showing signs of pain, a topical anesthetic may be applied directly to the eye before the examination begins, in order to make the surface numb. A fluorescein stain may be applied on the eye. This is a painless procedure to verify if there are scratches, to check for foreign objects and to assess tear drainage. Once the stain has been applied and your dog’s head is tilted slightly downward, the veterinary caregiver will assess the drainage capabilities of the nose. Normal function will allow the stain to become evident in the nose within minutes.

The veterinarian will also examine your pet’s eyes to evaluate tear production (using a Schirmer Tear Test), corneal damage, and nasolacrimal duct function. Radiographs may be included to look for possible obstructions.

Depending on the cause for the epiphora, the veterinarian may suggest further investigation with an ophthalmologist.

The treatment of watery eyes in dogs will vary depending on the cause.

• Distichiasis and entropion
• In the case of distichiasis and entropion, surgery is the most viable option.
• Because the eyelashes and the hair on the eyelid can rub against the eyeball, ulcers can result.
• If the ulcers are left untreated, vision loss can occur
• Conjunctivitis
• If not taken care of, conjunctivitis can lead to impaired vision
• Treatment involves flushing the eye, and a course of local antibiotic therapy
• Eye drops and eye ointments are usually given
• Dacryocystitis
• Treatment will mean flushing out the eye with sterile water or saline solution
• Antibiotics will be prescribed
• If the damage is too severe, surgery might be needed to create a new drainage pathway
• The new drainage route will empty tears into the nasal cavity, mouth or sinus
• Corneal Ulcer
• It is important to care for an ulcer without delay because the eye can be damaged beyond repair
• Antibiotic eyedrops and ointments are required
• Atropine may be used locally for pain relief
• There's a decent likelihood that your dog may be required to wear an Elizabethan collar so as to not rub the eye

Return visits to the clinic will be necessary in the case of epiphora. Complete resolution of any primary problem is critical. Recurrent intermittent episodes of conditions related to watery eyes are not uncommon; therefore, even if you feel that your dog is back to normal, the veterinarian will need to confirm that the therapy has been thorough and sufficient. It should be noted that multiple flushings may be needed in some cases.

You may need to administer eye drops or ointment at home for a period of time. The veterinarian will be able to coach you on the best method of giving the eye drops.

For the breeds who have fur that may interfere with preventing a recurrence, diligent grooming by a professional is needed.