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My new 7-month old Chinese Crested was born without a tear duct. I understand there is a surgery they can do by replacing it with a sublingual salivary duct. Can you tell me how successful this operation is. Is it likely his eye is already damaged?

Submitted: 197 days and 21 hours ago via PetPlace.

Category: Pet

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Christian K. 197 days and 20 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello,
This is Dr. Christian. Welcome to JustAnswer. A few questions will help me get a clearer picture of the situation:
How does the eye look now? Is there drainage and squinting?
Has he had any corneal ulcers or scratches?
Is the cornea blue, cloudy or dark?
Does he show any blindness now?

197 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Gosh--- I just got him yesterday, so I have no idea about ulcers or scratches. He squints and it has pussy colored gunk in it, but the former-owner was using "Tears for Dry Eyes" & an ointmen (unknown) in it. I will have him vetted in a day or two. A veterinariay-opthamologist here in Rochester saw him some time in the last 7 months (his age) and gave her a price on the procedure, but I'm afraid that's all I know. I can seldom get a close look at him without the gunk blocking his eye, but I'm afraid I may have seen a blue opacity to it.

Accepted Answer

The surgery can be very successful for preventing the dry eye and keeping it lubricated. However, keep in mind that the eye will drain more because the salivary duct produces a lot of saliva. As for the vision issue, the vet will be better able to answer that for you by looking at it. Chronic irritation to the cornea can cause permanent damage that causes blindness. It's kind of like paint on the lens of a pair of glasses. It's not possible to see through it. If you have more questions please let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	202
Answered:	9/4/2009

Veterinarian

12 years of veterinary experience in medicine, surgery and behavior with exotics,canines and felines

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