Does Your Labrador have Dry Eye?
Although the medical term is Keratoconjunctivitis, Dry Eye is the more commonly used term for the condition where there is a lack of tear production. As the name may suggest this condition is when a dogs tears are ‘dry’.
What we know as tears are a mixture of substances that are produced by the body and contain what we will call ‘watery’ molecules. When this ‘watery’ part is not produced the eye can become severely irritated. If the irritation worsens the eye can eventually become scarred and result in lack of vision.
Labradors, like any other dog, can potentially suffer from this condition. Like any other disease it can have a damaging effect on your labradors life and should you suspect any problems in and around the eye you should not hesitate to contact a veterinarian.
Leaving your dog untreated for too long could result total lose of its vision.
Keratoconjunctivitis is more common among female dogs than male dogs, but it is caused mainly through the immune-mediated destruction of the tear glands.
Also, you should be very careful with any medication you give your labrador. There are medications that can cause ‘dry eye’. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if any of the drugs you give your dog have, sulfonamide.
Trying to find out whether or not your beloved labrador has this condition or not is fairly simple. Although you should ask for professional advice before making a final decision.
If your dog is taking a nap or having a long sleep be sure to be there when he wakes up. Once awake check around the eye for a thick green-yellow discharge. Secondly, look at the eye and check if it is overly red.
So, if you think your Labrador may have this terrible eye disease make sure you get in touch with your veterinarian. Ask about medication and also try and get a Schirmer Tear Test and an eye test done before a final decision is made.
