Should I Have My Dog's Eye Removed?

Question:
I have a crested that has had a dry eye since birth I put the medication in but it seems to be getting worse should I have the eye removed? What would be the cost of such?

A:  Dry eye is a serious problem.  I would recommend speaking to a veterinarian about options for your dog.

Dry eye is a condition in which the tear ducts are not producing enough tears to protect the cornea.  This condition is more common in older dogs, whose tear duct glands no longer produce the needed tears.  Younger dogs with glands that are not formed properly will not be able to produce tears.

Medication can be used, under the supervision of a veterinarian.  Aqua tears are a tear replacer that can be used to replace tears.  There is also an ointment which can be used which stimulates tear production.  This is commonly used in older dogs with this disease.  Over time, however, if not treated, the cornea (which is the outer covering of the eyeball) can become dry and will scar and turn black.  Once this happens, blindness often follows.

Having the eye removed, called an enucleation, is not a bad decision once the eye is no longer visual.  I would recommend calling for an estimate of this procedure.  It is a relatively uncomplicated procedure.  A veterinary ophthalmologist can place a fake eyeball, if cosmetics is an issue.  Animal Eye Care in Cary and the Ophthalmology service at the NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital are the eye specialists, if you are looking for a cosmetic replacement.  Otherwise, most general practitioners perform this procedure.   You can call us at 832-3107, 783-7387, and 841-4211 for an estimate for this procedure.

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital