eye drops for german shepherd dogs
Hi, I'm Dr. Deb. I will do my best to assist you today.
Could you provide a little more information about the problem with Fritz's eyes? Are they red? Is there a discharge? Is he keeping the eyes closed or squinting with them?
This additional information will help me respond better to the problem that Fritz is having. German Shepherds can suffer from a problem called Pannus which is treated somewhat differently from other problems with the eye. I just want to make sure that we are talking about the same thing.
Thank you.
Eyes are not red. Discharge seems a gray/greenish color. Does seem normal i.e. no blinking, or squinting
Thank you for that information. How long has the discharge been present? And it is affecting both eyes, or only one?
He is a rescue dog. I have had him for 6 weeks. Problem was probably present when I picked him up. He was at a very good shelter in Hutto, TX. Was sent by the GSD rescue association in LA. Very handsome, active and STRONG. Our 2nd GSD, first lived 17 yrs and, except for some rought edges, this is a very good GSD.
He sounds like a great dog:)
I'm not sure what you are describing is necessarily a problem if the eyes are not red and he isn't rubbing at them. If the discharge is sort of a mucousy consistency that accumulates in the corners of his eyes. I have seen this in some dogs who are a little older and I consider it normal for that dog. You can wipe it out very easily, you can treat with antibiotics/steroids and it will go away, but when you discontinue the eye drops, it returns. Does this sound like what Fritz has in his eyes? Or is the greenish/grey color on the outside of his eye...more on his skin than just in the eye?
Jack - Do not think fritz can be characterized as older. I have not tried any treatment and cannot comment on the antibiotic/steroid treatment. When I do clear the discharge; it seems to return very quickly and there is quite a bit mucus discharge.
I know that many rescue dogs are often aged much younger than they are...I don't think it's intentional; I just think that they aren't very good at aging dogs:)
Jack- it is more on the skin.
Then there may be a mild irritation to the eye such an an eyelash or a very small mass; some dogs with mild allergies will have more discharge from the eyes.
It is possible that a good physical exam of the eyes will detect a problem that is producing the discharge.
A low level eye infection can cause it too.
I should take him to the vet for an examine. Is there an over the counter treatment such as a saline wash I can try in the interim?
If Fritz has allergies (which a lot of dogs do have), then that could explain why the discharge is always present even though he doesn't seem bothered by the eye.
Yes, you can use artificial tears to help flush out the eyes. This is not harmful at all.
Ok. I do suspect it's allergies.
I think he should be examined anyway since he was a rescue; just to have him checked out and make sure all of his shots and everything are up to date.
If you think allergies might be a possible explanation, you could also try Benadryl at a dose of 1 mg/lb twice daily.
As an anti-histamine, it might be enough to make a difference in the discharge.
Sedation is the primary side effect (if you see it at all) and is very safe.
Jack - I certainly intend too. Probably next week. I just misplaced his medical records and recently fount them.
You're welcome. You did a good deed by rescuing him; I know he's grateful:)
I love it when folks adopt older pets; they are so deserving of our attention and love.