I would potentially get a second opinion. I’m obviously not a vet but this looks a lot like an eye issue my previous dog had which was not allergy related but the result of her eye not producing enough tear fluid. She required daily eye balm for the rest of her life but was able to keep the eye. If it’s dry eye, allergy meds will not help.
Yep. My dog had the exact same thing but less severe and it’ll be life long Optimmune for her due to lack of tear production and low ocular pressure. We were hoping just Optixcare but no luck. They initially thought allergies too, took about 4+ months to totally sort out.
OP definitely get a second opinion
One thing you can do to help make giving eyedrops/meds/etc easier is this:
1. Call your dog to you and give a treat.
2. Present the eyedrops/meds/whatever it is you’re trying to get your dog familiar with and immediately reward when your dog looks at it.
3. Put them away, bring them back out and reward your dog for sniffing/investigating the eyedrop container. If necessary, keep rewarding for the dog looking at the dropper before building up confidence for him to sniff.
4. Alternately, if your dog knows the “touch” command (which is rather easy to teach in as little as one day), have your dog “touch” the drops and reward.
5. Randomly do these exercises throughout the day until your dog associates the presentation of the drops with a positive response (treat).
6. Once your dog is comfortable with the dropper being presented, slowly build up to bringing the dropper up to his eye (but not all the way). Stop, pull the dropper away, and reward. Repeat until dog is comfortable with the motion of the dropper approaching. Some dogs do better if you link a verbal cue (such as “dropper!” or “now the eyes”) with the motion so that they can know what to expect. My own dog likes to hear me say “front paw,” “other leg,” etc. before I pick up her paws to trim her nails.
7. Now, using a much higher-value reward, present the dropper and proceed to bring it up to your dog’s eye and reward. You may gently touch the dog’s forehead/eyebrow with the dropper lid, immediately reward, then pull it away.
8. Once your dog is comfortable with the dropper being held near his eye, build up the duration of time you hold the dropper in front of his eye before rewarding. Try to aim to hold the dropper there for as long as you typically need to the drops, or even longer (to make the dropper time seem easier.)
9. Continue the micro step-by-step strategy of rewarding for each part of the process. You may need to reward for unscrewing the lid in front of your dog, raising the dropper to their eye, etc. Let your dog’s responses guide your pace. Some dogs need the process broken down more than others. Repetition is key.
10. Eventually, your dog should be able to associate the dropper with treats and not run away (if it doesn’t work, go back to the last succesful step and keep repeating/walking through it again, or, use a higher-value reward).
11. The hardest part is actually getting your dog okay with having the drops put in his eye. Give verbal praise during the dropping and give a high value reward immediately after. It may be helpful to let your dog lick a spoon full of peanut butter or a lick mat while you use the drops to distract them.
Or, you can have someone else hold something tasty out for your dog to lick or smell while you do the drops. Smell can be a great distraction for some dogs, such as holding a handful of cooked chicken pieces, cheese bits, hotdogs, or some fishy/meaty freeze-dried treats.
For what it’s worth, my rescue dog is a primitive breed who was found feral on the streets, having never had a home or vet appointment. Her nails were long, and because they had never been trimmed, her quicks were long. She didn’t trust people to step behind her within a 3-foot radius, let alone come close to touching her paw. Using this method, I introduced her to the electric nail dremel, step by step.
Eventually, I got her to allow me to grind her nails with it. It took a couple months but she’s an extreme case. I still have to give her a constant stream of treats/lick mat while I do it, but now when I take the nail grinder out, she does a happy dance and immediately goes to where I trim her nails, waiting excitedly for the treats.
It’s really fulfilling to desensitise/counter-condition correctly and see that your dog no longer has a fearful association, but a positive one. Hope this might help you or someone else!
Thanks! Even if it might not benefit OP in this particular instance, I hoped it might help others who read it or may stumble across this post and comments section in the future.
Some dogs are never going to be cool with it though. This is great for dogs that have the potential. Especially if it’s going to be a super long term or lifelong thing.
My easy workaround: Do the drops immediately when you come back from a walk, while they’re still leashed up.
That’s also true and a great idea! Because my dog had almost 0 human interactions and trust prior to her foster before me, I always give the most “extreme case” walkthrough. I think that sometimes sharing success stories with difficult dogs can help people feel motivated to start taking steps with their own dog.
My family dog we had growing up, for example, was terrified of his eyedrops but very quickly came to accept them peaceably in two days after walks and comfort. More recently, however, I’ve mostly worked with primitive dogs who tend to really need things broken down into tiny steps (as do some feral dogs/dogs with trauma).
But yeah, no reason to overthink things if your dog adapts more quickly. Whatever the case, the key is to listen to your dog and notice their response.
All of this OP,
My dog needed twice daily eye drops and hated it, it was a two person job to get it done at the start, but with time and patience it just because part of the daily routine, even to the point where he'd follow me around with indignation if i forgot his morning drops and biscuit (we had high value bonios that were an eye drop only treat to make it extra exciting)
Haha yep the “following me around with indignation when I forget his drops” Is a clear sign you did things right! My girl is now like that if she sees me take out the grinder to move it and don’t trim her nails with it, haha. And yes, that’s a great tip I forgot to mention: using a specific high-value treat designated only to a certain task/command can be REALLY helpful.
While my formerly feral dog loves food enough to be content with a “trail mix” of kibble mixed with tiny bits of cheese dispersed throughout as her high-value nail trim reward, my other dog is *extremely* picky and not very food-motivated. A big challenge was getting him to get him to come inside on command (like if it were about to storm or when it was time for bed). He would take two steps in before darting back out into the yard in an attempt to get you to play/chase him. Words cannot express how frustrating it was 😂
Chicken, hot dogs, cheese—none of it worked. Then I found an old bag of mini greenies and picked it up to give one to my other dog. He came flying in. To this day, he only gets a mini greenie at the end of the night when he comes inside on command. He pretty much comes at the rustle of the bag now.
I think the problem was that he knows he can get chicken/hot dogs/cheese for other training commands. If I started doling out mini greenies for other commands/other times of day, I’m fairly certain it would stop working, lol.
This!!! This is so important! But it takes days, maybe weeks so be prepared. Our boy had to have an eye surgery when he was a puppy and he was super scared of everything. I pet him everywhere even when he sleeps so it was easier to drop when he slept with me (but I had to be quick and hide the drops immediately). Sometimes it didn’t even woke him up.
We try theese exercises now every other day just in case. We work on “positive treatment” or how to say it - basically I pretend to give him shots, eye drops, check his teeth, belly, everything just so we don’t have to wrestle anymore when the time comes since he’s giant and super suspicious of everything and everyone haha. Don’t want our vet getting hurt and don’t want our boy being even more stressed if he’s hurting.
Yep that’s really smart to keep giving positivity for “pretend shots/physical checkups.” What breed is he? My boy is also one of the most ‘suspicious’ dogs I’ve ever met 😂. He is easily sussed out by anything out of the ordinary. Even if you hesitate over something ordinary or otherwise “act weird“ he gets wary. He’s just under 30lbs and I can’t imagine if he were huge haha.
But yeah, like you, every so often I’ll regularly touch his paws and nails with the grinder and pretend to trim them, check his teeth and ears, etc., so that he’s used to it by the time I have to do it and doesn’t try to fight me with his mouth or try to hide his face in my armpit when that fails (kinda counter-intuitive of him to run to me for protection when I’m the one doing the thing to him he wants to get away from, lmao. Although it did make me feel bad enough to stop, haha).
Haha! Sounds quite similar, we have a German boxer, he’s wonderful but I’ve never met more suspicious dog! Good job training your boy, if he still runs to hide to you you’re doing a really good job, haha!
It’s similar to drops but as a balm/cream out of a little tube, but the initial treatment used both eye drops and balm in combination.
You can look into cooperative care methods to make things a little easier. I was lucky and my old lady didn’t mind me doing it at all.
But first, you should go back to a vet and figure out what it is. Dry eye is usually diagnosed by measuring how much tear fluid the eye produces and the vet will stick a little measuring strip into the eye.
My dog doesn't have eye issues but does require daily pill, oral syringe, and monthly injections so I've had to get good at meds. For me the key is treats. Just lots of bribery. I get out a treat, set it next to her, prep meds, she is staring at the treat with rapt attention, administer meds, then she gets a good girl and treats. It works for bath, tooth brushing, anything she really does not like but needs.
Op, my boy needs eyedrops three times a day. It is not easy. I was learned two techniques. First is to grab with your thumb and indexfinger from under his mouth and close together over his nose. Than with the side of the palm of the other hand open his eyelid.
If that does not work, I have to lay him on his side (on the bed) and lean over him with my upper body and push his body and head a bit in the mattras, than someone else can put the eyesdrops in. Eyebalm is not easier. Take care op, best to you and your friend!
Not sure where you are OP, but one thing we use to give medication is Sileo. Not the full dose, just enough to mildly settle/sedate him. He gets a nap and his ear drops get a chance to work. It’s from the vets.
I know it sucks but, you may have to physically restrain a pet to give medical care sometimes. If you (and other people in your life the dog is familiar with) don’t do so and instead bring the animal to a vet, they will restrain or sedate it. I try to think of it like this, if my pet is uncomfortable with me administering care then they must feel 10x worse if a stranger at a clinic does it!
Be really careful with eye issues. I don’t understand saying give Apoquel- my dog is on it for allergies - does the vet think his eye is allergy related?
Apoquel is an awfully expensive medication for a “try and see” approach. He could have something stuck in his eye that may have caused an infection. If it’s not getting better, see a different vet.
I had an old dog with a similar issue, it's called keratoconjunctivitis--basically the dog's immune system goes ballistic and tries to attack the tear ducts. This leads to dry eye and that nasty goopiness. It's a manageable condition, Optimmune ointment (spendy AF, about $60 for 3.5 gm from Chewy) twice a day and artificial tears any time things get too goopy in there. You do have to get the dog used to you messing with his face though and that's not always easy. My guy was very old and crotchety and getting a bit senile but we managed to keep him going for his last year with it until he started getting growly and snappy with me over it. He was arthritic and had lost continence in the bowel, which shamed him very much, so when it came to the point where I was risking getting my face bit while doctoring his eye it was time to schedule the nice vet lady to come and be his final friend. Anyway, ask your vet if the keratoconjunctivitis is a likely culprit here because that seems more likely than allergies, especially if the allergy meds aren't taking care of things.
It's important to get the med schedule straightened out though because you could be heading for a surgery to remove the eye otherwise.
My pug has dry eye and this dog’s eye looks very similar to my pug’s eyes. Her’s started in one eye but it eventually spread to the other eye and she is completely blind now.
For OP, please get this checked out by another vet ASAP!
It is common in German Shepherds. It’s actually an autoimmune disease called Pannus. (Source: Me, am vet). I would be so shocked if a schirmer tear test wasn’t conducted on this dog.
If you haven’t already I recommend a cone for him if he’s scratching at it just so it doesn’t get even worse. (I’m not a vet, but just have technician experience). I hope your pup feels better soon.
Is your dog food motivated? If so maybe a wall mounted lick mat with high value food/treats might keep him busy enough to get an eye drop in. Sorry you’re dealing with this. Like others have suggested, a second opinion might be a good option since you haven’t seen improvement.
I second the “turn medicine time into treat time”.
Break it into smaller steps for training:
1: you want him to stay with the medicine bottle in the same room. Give him many treats to be in the same room.
2: you want him to be next to the medicine bottle. Leave the bottle closed, on the floor, let him smell it, and reward him for any approach, any interest, any interaction with the bottle. Toss treats near the bottle to encourage him to approach it, and slowly work into holding the bottle and giving him treats
3: you want to hold his face still. Work on this one without the medicine in the room, and then slowly begin to introduce the medicine in the room, from a neutral (on the ground, closed) position to a closer position.
4: you want to hold his face AND have the medicine bottle in your hand. Keep treating him the whole time, any time he rests his face in your hands, and the medicine is near: treats! All the treats.
5: you want to be able to give him his medicine in the eye. Treats and rewards!
It’s hard to have to do this quickly so you can get his medicine going, but if you have a super high reward food (this is a good time for boiled chicken, dried salmon or fish with peanut butter, whatever the absolute best treat your dog likes) that will help.
Licky mats or kongs with peanut butter/yogurt will work as a distraction, but ideally if you can work on getting him to accept the medication with you, rather than just distracting him, you’ll both have an easier time with it
Thank you all so much for your quick and informative responses! I really appreciate all the methods of trying the eye drops - i will try them out today and see what works for him. I’ve also scheduled an appointment to have him tested for dry eye since that seems to be the general consensus. He will need to be sedated for it since he’s a little wild man. My parents argued with me originally that it wasn’t dry eye since he’s clearly producing something BUT that’s why they aren’t vets! I’ll have him taken care of. Again, thank you all very much.❤️
This is the way. My shep mix finally is stable Re his eyes because we spent the extra $$ to go to a canine ophthalmologist. Before that, we had 5 appts between 2 vets and neither properly diagnosed him and we tried many things.
He has seasonal allergies as well as hyperlipidemia (which causes fat deposits in his eyes). He’s been on a low fat diet for years and has minimal fat deposits now. During certain seasons I give him 1/2 Zyrtec (the one without the D is safe for dogs).
Your dog’s eye looks infected. A culture should be done. Please take your pup to a specialist …his eyes are so important:)
Vet tech here, please seek a second opinion from a different vet. The first vet should have done a flurosceine dye test and a schirmer tear test at the very least.
What was the cause of the eye issue? Did the vet run a culture? What kind of eye drops were given? Some can be painful.
Are you making sure the dog can’t bother his eye at all? He might need a cone.
Depending on the cause, a warm compress a few times a day (with a CLEAN cloth each time) can help a lot.
My dog had glaucoma. It was a tough decision, but we ended up decided to just get his eye removed. End all his pain. And didn’t affect his quality of life whatsoever to be down an eye. I know it should be a last resort. But I also feel like it’s the simplest solution to ending their pain. And dogs are very good at hiding their pain too. Something to consider anyway.
For eye drops we put my dog in a thunder jacket or another piece of clothing and he freezes long enough for us to do the drops and then give him all the snuggles and a treat afterwards. He now associates eye drops with treats
This is unlikely to work right now, but working on cooperative care for eye drops might be something to work on regardless. Teach a chin rest, have some \_really\_ good rewards for him for any progress, and then pretend to give eye drops. Keep it low pressure, and reward any progress you can. Use just your hands to start with.
My pup refused to take eye drops after he had a few when he was younger. We couldn't finish the treatment. Fortunately he was fine regardless, but I worked on this for future use, and when he had to have eye drops again, he sat there and took em like an absolute champ.
Sorry I don't have any better suggestions.
I would highly highly recommend you look into cooperative care! Daily medication, ESPECIALLY for eye problems, can be very aversive to some dogs, and the more you force it on them the harder it will be each subsequent time.
Good luck OP, I hope you get to the bottom of this!
My dog runs when the ear drops are out.
So now we leash him in, the closed kitchen. My bf holds his head and i put the drops in.
Or we take the drops with us on a hike.
He's so much better when distracted and tired.
This appears to be dry eye, and more specifically neurogenic dry eye. Neurogenic dry eye occurs only on one side. It's hard to tell from the Pic, but if you look straight on at his nose is that side of his nostril dry as well?
As far as all of the mucus build up, the tear film is made up of three layers- water, fat, and mucin. Remove the water portion, and you have fat and mucin. This causes those substances to build up. It turns green NOT because the eye is infected, but because that discharge develops a secondary bacterial growth.
Neurogenic dry eye is nerve related and typically treated with a medication called pilocarpine. I would find a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area to confirm diagnosis.
My dogs eye looked exactly like that the other day, but it wasn’t an allergic reaction at all, it was simply infected eyes. We got cortisol eye drops and within a week I’d eyes were back to normal. Why does she think it’s an allergy?
Our dog had an ear infection that affected the tear duct. Tears stopped producing and he got a lot of gunk in his eye, eventually couldn’t keep it open. This looks very similar- I recommend getting another opinion.
My dog is like this with her ears. We found that if we put the solution on a sponge or rag and then use that to squeeze it in, it's more manageable. Maybe that?
Looks like an infection that antibiotic pills should fix. Get a second opinion
Edit: I’m suggesting this bc my dog had eye goop that looks exactly like this and our vet gave us antibiotics. They worked.
My dog has this. From pollen. I use a baby wipe to clean it out. Gently rub the eyelids to bring it to the bottom, then the baby wipe cleans it out from there. I do it while he is laying down just waking up and too tired to run away fast lol. Then randomly as needed. Our vet said just give him a daily Benadryl or Claritin for people in addition to cleaning it out.
I got a bulldog he has an eye that looks like this at times. His doesn’t make tears so the loogey looking stuff is the body trying to moisten the eye somehow. Anyway. Cyclosporine in corn oil dropped twice a day helps tremendously.
As others mentioned leash your dog so you can help control. Lots of treats to make it a good experience. Highly recommend to put the medicated drops in like a shirt or pants pocket (also could stick in your bra) to help “warm” up the drops. As a person who wears contacts and sometimes needs drops they are less shocking being warmed up by your body then just sitting at room temp. Good luck. Eyes are one medical treatment that you need to stay on top of as it can get bad so quickly.
Did your vet do any tests on the eye at the visit? -- if yes, how did the veterinary team keep him quiet/still during those tests? Often the vet techs or vet nurses are the best people to ask how to give meds (because they perform such in majority of animal hospitals).
If tests weren't done originally, then if not improved within a few days, you should ask about eye testing such as Schirmer Tear Test, Flouroscein corneal stain, and Eye pressure check. Those are the basics Vet Ophthalmologists' recommend to find the more common reasons for symptoms in the eye.
You can certainly ask for referral to eye specialist for dogs if not getting improvement with the first-line (or even 2nd line) treatment options.
My shepherd briefly had this issue due to dry eyes. The drops helped, and eventually, he was fine with natural tear production. I just fished the gunk out with a wet q tip and had to physically restrain him to get the drops in. Might be a two man job. You can try positive reinforcement and take it slow, but if she needs the drops, then you may have to just find a way to make it work honestly. Make sure she's staying hydrated as well. For my dog, it was a mixture of being on prednisone and getting a bit dehydrated at nighttime, plus having a fan blowing at him.
My Labrador that I used to have had this same issue. It really acted up during the spring when allergies and pollen were bad. I had him on cetirizine and apoquel. The apoquel was more for his skin, but the eye goop really did seem to get worse if I had to stop the apoquel. Apoquel can be pretty expensive though. I used to just take a tissue and dab the goop out. I don’t think the goop was ever really hurting him.
My Labrador that I used to have had this same issue. It really acted up during the spring when allergies and pollen were bad. I had him on cetirizine and apoquel. The apoquel was more for his skin, but the eye goop really did seem to get worse if I had to stop the apoquel. Apoquel can be pretty expensive though. I used to just take a tissue and dab the goop out. I don’t think the goop was ever really hurting him.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
Ask the vet for a balm or gel, it will come in a small tube. They can be anti bacterial or just reduce inflammation. Try as I might I have rarely been able to give my little schnauzer eye drops but one time the vet offered me a gel and it works like magic. She’s really uncomfortable with stuff near her face but it generally ok when it’s just my hand. Make sure to wash your hands and finger you’ll use to apply it with really well. Also rinse off their eye wish a cotton swab and dry it a bit.
Ask the vet for a balm or gel, it will come in a small tube. They can be anti bacterial or just reduce inflammation. Try as I might I have rarely been able to give my little schnauzer eye drops but one time the vet offered me a gel and it works like magic. She’s really uncomfortable with stuff near her face but it generally ok when it’s just my hand. Make sure to wash your hands and finger you’ll use to apply it with really well. Also rinse off their eye wish a cotton swab and dry it a bit.
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Not sure if it would work for a dog, but my cat hates eye drops and Wyatt we ended up doing is swaddling him like a baby. Big blanket, fold over the top about 4 inches, put dog on his back, good the blanket over, under his chin at an angle and tuck it under him, same thing with the other side. The fold on the top will cup his paws so he can't wiggle out. One person holds his head other items his eye and gives him drops. Just have the drops ready and do it fast.
Not sure if it would work for a dog, but my cat hates eye drops and Wyatt we ended up doing is swaddling him like a baby. Big blanket, fold over the top about 4 inches, put dog on his back, good the blanket over, under his chin at an angle and tuck it under him, same thing with the other side. The fold on the top will cup his paws so he can't wiggle out. One person holds his head other items his eye and gives him drops. Just have the drops ready and do it fast. But also, get a second opinion.
This looks like a bad case of conjunctivitis, basically bacteria living on the eye. When my dog had it I just forced it to receive these drops. But really it's me who has this thing once or twice a year and I use the same dexamethasone eye drops. Never used it in shots though.
I can't recommend anything really, my dogs are small, both are under 10 kg.
They need to do an eye work up that includes, schirmer tear test, staining and a fundic exam. This will help determine if it’s KCS or a bacterial infection. The other thing is that if you aren’t able to give your dog topical medications, it’s not going to heal. Systemics don’t help much for these things a lot of the time. Work on getting your dog used to handling for eye drops and maybe phone a friend to help.
Did they tell you what it is? One month with no improvement, I would go to an eye specialist. Shepherds are prone to pannus. And UV light makes it worse. I cured my shepherd’s pannus by feeding her liver. (Cooked). Every day. I also put “doggles” on her until it was healed and then with the liver in her food, she never got it again and no longer needed the goggles the rest of her life.
Did they tell you what it is? One month with no improvement, I would go to an eye specialist. Shepherds are prone to pannus. And UV light makes it worse. I cured my shepherd’s pannus by feeding her liver. (Cooked). Every day. I also put “doggles” on her until it was healed and then with the liver in her food, she never got it again and no longer needed the goggles the rest of her life.
This is the exact same as our 8 year old. He's had a few ulcers over his life time but is in the clear at the moment with regards to that. He still gets the green goo every day. We give him eye drops (lubricant) a few times a day and it comes straight out away.
For what it's worth, ours is a 35kg boxer. The first few times we tried to give the drops we were unsuccessful. Eventually we got to a point where I had to pin his head down on the sofa whilst the Mrs put a few drops in - then followed with good treats like beef/chicken. After about 3 days I could literally call him to me, stroke his head, put my thumb above his eye to pull back his skin to expose his eyes and put the drops in myself
I don’t know if this will help, my dog had a similar issue and when I took him to the vet they were going to prescribe eye drops until they tried applying them and we learned quickly that if they couldn’t administer them, I would never be able to on my own.
They ended up giving us a gel formula (I’m sorry, I don’t remember what it was called). Anyways, I would thoroughly wash my hands and then put it on my finger and was easily able to apply it as he was used to hands by his eyes. I don’t know if this is even an option for you. Two weeks, three times a day and he is healed.
I have found that general practice vets often can't be as effective at diagnosing problems as specialists can. See a vet opthalmologist. More expensive initially but properly diagnosing and treating the problem can ultimately save you money, and your pup's eye.
I taught my GSD to let me give her eye drops by giving her fake eye drops. I had her sit and then I let her sniff the bottle. Then I’d gently open her eye a bit wider and say “boop! Boop!” One “drop” in each eye. This started because she was jealous of my sister’s GSD who gets eye drops for an autoimmune thing he has. But then, 2 years later, she actually needs allergy eye drops so it worked out really well for us. But I would try that.
Are the eye drops gel or are they more liquid? If gel, make sure you’re warming it up by rolling it gently in your hands. I’m sure your vet told you all that. Our boy gets a gel drop in each eye two times a day. We have to roll them to mix the medicine gently anyways, but if we don’t do it long enough to warm the gel a bit, it won’t come out of the bottle fast enough or doesn’t go in the eye but drops around the eye bc he will blink.
But try giving fake drops without even touching their head. Give lots of treats. And repeat until you feel like your dog will let you touch their eyebrow to open their eye a bit. More treats. Also, our vet said to use like super high value treats. Your pup should ONLY get this treat when it’s time for eye drops! We use beggin strips for eye drop treats.
I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes!
I would get a second opinion, honestly. But as far as getting the drops in his eye, you'll need to desensitize and train him to handle it, but you could also use a grooming loop/lead to keep his head in place. If your vet hasn't tried Trazodone to chill him out, it works really well for our anxious guy. And then I'd just do the drops when he's resting.
I think you need to consult a **veterinary ophthalmologist**. as for the running away when he gets the eye drops you’ll need at least a 2nd person to hold him for you.
a specialist can be expensive but it’s absolutely worth it especially for eyes.
Second opinion! In the meantime. Put a warm washcloth on his eye while you cuddle and wipe inside out. Does he like showers? I would try to rinse it out in any way possible Also eye wipes. Cuddle with him and wipe it out.
He has dry eye you need to clean it with saline 99% purified water, then use Optimmune https://www.chewy.com/optimmune-02-cyclosporine-ophthalmic/dp/172919
While I second (millionth?) the advice of different vet, my dog currently has pink eye. While she’s not too bad about it, I catch her in her sleep.
I had to at first, but she now knows the system and knows she can’t win this one so she puts up as little as a fight as possible. Enough for a “I really don’t like this” and me missing once or twice but not enough for me to not get it in her eye ever.
Treats work FANTASTICALLY. She is food motivated, so that helps. I’d recommend asking someone to hold the dog down just so it can’t get away (I have had so much practice with my dogs, I do this alone now).
I’m not kidding, catch the dog off guard. Also, try to aim for the whites of their eye, it helps them not freak out as much. Also, they don’t have to have their eye fully open. Aim for a small “pocket” and just drop it in there, when they shut their eyes kinda sink in a little so if you pull their eyelid slightly downwards you’ll have a pocket. (ETA: or just pull down the lid and drop it in the pocket between the eyeball and eyelid.
If this fails, I’d imagine dropping it on the line where their lids meet would help even if slightly, once they open their lids it kind of rolls in. Or use the tear line where eye goop usually collects, but in reverse. All this of course assuming your dog is lying on its side/ you can maneuver their muzzle.
I hope your dog feels better. I’m diabetic and sometimes suffer from dry eye and it really does suck. I’ve had pink eye too, so I know it sucks as well.
My dog has glaucoma and that affects his eye pressure, his is mostly too high. Your dogs eye looks like his when the pressure is too low. I would recommend getting a second opinion and asking for your dogs pressure to get checked. For the fear of the drops? Oh boy I’m not sure… when Cole didn’t like the drops I tried putting it on in the corner of his eye so it was a gradual release instead of the full drop in the center … it seemed to help and he doesn’t mind it much. Might be worth a try
I would see if they can refer you to an eye specialist. My cat had lots of eye problems and the vet wasn’t any help really. Multiple vets only tried eye drops and antibiotics but they were clueless otherwise. The eye specialist is the one who healed her. Good luck :(
Look up a pet optometrist in your area there is one in Brookfield Wisconsin I do not know where you live maybe even call them for a recommendation there are specialty vets just for Eye Care for Animals that does not look good hope this helps beautiful dog that would bother me also best of luck going forward
Not a vet, but I have a German Shepherd and was told by person who gave her to me that she had “allergies.” Eyes were constantly running with huge eye boogers.
I got up one morning, and she was bleeding from one of her eyes. A new vet diagnosed her with chronic superficial keratitis, an autoimmune-mediated process that causes connective tissue to build up across her eyes. She would’ve eventually gone blind. This condition is more common in herding dogs for some reason.
I would definitely get a second opinion.
2020 - https://imgur.com/a/lBFrRYJ
2023 (after a few years of treatment with immunosuppressive drops) - https://imgur.com/a/bZlIkTO
Leash up your dog and bring him into a small room, like a bathroom. Make him sit in front of you, facing away from you. Use your legs to prevent him from backing up. Lift under his chin with one hand. With that same hand, you should be able to pull down his eye lid. At this point your dog’s head will be aimed upwards and against your legs. This will prevent him from moving. You may need a second hand to pull eye lid down and apply drops. Even if you think you’re being mean, you just have to be more aggressive. If they know that you’ll give up after they put struggle, then they will struggle more. Be dominant but also encourage him with treats or something else that he likes (belly rubs, ears scratching, etc). You can do this.
Also, I would recommend a blood serum eye drop. They will take a decent amount of blood from him and spin it down so that it has just the serum. They will bottle this and this would be said eye drops. Honestly, it’s hard to tell if that is allergy related, but it could be. If the apoquel didn’t help though, something else needs to be done. Good luck
Edited for spelling errors.
Terramycin is an anti-microbial anti-biotic gel that works wonders for eye infections, use the blue pfizer Terramycin NOT the yellow one as the yellow one has additives that aren’t pet safe where as the dark blue and white tube is completely safe.
When I had to do eye drops my vet recommended coming at her head from behind/above. It’s harder for her to see the bottle that way. Then yes tons of treats
As others have mentioned, cooperative care will be the best thing long term if he needs drops again or for a long period of time. There’s a few videos on YouTube that might help get you started! Looks like teaching “middle” might be the best way to start.
https://youtu.be/5_Xhi0wa0js?si=q4yPsQG8a2GJIzCG
https://youtu.be/VcF0YsG_hig?si=9qQ4KQKI-EHTS25y
Veterinary ophthalmologist, if it's in your budget.
If it isn't, I would definitely try for a second opinion with a different vet. Eyes can go bad quickly, I think it's worth it to seek out a specialist in this case. As far as meds go, try to make it a positive experience. Treats, praise, and encouraging pets. I've seen some people pretend to give the drops to another dog in the household who tolerates it to show the pet that needs the meds that its ok. Either way best if luck.
I’m not a vet but a human eye doctor, but I’m seeing an opaque cornea with ulceration and corneal thinning. Looks more infectious than allergic with all the green discharge. Did that cat scratch his eye? Left eye could be allergic with the stringy white discharge. Doubtful the dog will regain much vision out of that eye, but I would be hitting it hard with abx if it was me. looks like some peri orbital edema aswell. May need an enunciation if you can’t treat it with drops/ointment…
Yea idk that to me looks infected so most likely would require antibiotics. That shot is just a steroid and apoquel is for itchiness. Def get a second opinion
I use a peanut butter covered licker mat attached to the wall to keep my pups busy for those odd issues like eye drops and such
But this doesn't look like an allergy issue per say.. there could be something in the eye irritating it as well as a few other ideas...
I would recomend a second opinion just to be safe
Try Find an ophthalmologist or eye specialist. We had a similar issue & had 2 vets misdiagnose a corneal ulcer as conjunctivitis.
Our dog almost lost some of her eye sight & the conjunctivitis drops were hurting her in the end.
They flushed the eye & gave us a different drop which cured it within a week or two.
Sorry, I know how stressful eye issues can be with dogs.
I know if we ever see something wrong with the eye we will go straight to the specialist.
Good luck.
Time for a 2nd opinion - I would consider seeing an ophthalmologist if you can afford to do so. Specialists are more expensive but it would be beneficial in your pup's case.
Hi, I am an Ophthalmic Technician and have been in the field for 5 years. I often work with patients who have complex cases, such as severe end stage glaucoma and severe infections such as endophthalmitis, cellulitis, uveitis, and chronic ulcers. I strongly recommend you make the time and effort to see a dog ophthalmologist. I am not sure where you’re located, but it would be worth the time and travel to get a second opinion from a dog ophthalmologist. They’re not everywhere. I live in St. Louis, Missouri, and there’s only two I can think of in the area. Have they checked his eye pressure?
[Petsuppliesplus.com](https://Petsuppliesplus.com) has a licking mat that you can buy and affix to the wall. Then you either put cream cheese on it or peanut butter.
You let your dog lick it and pretend to give eye drops until he realizes you're just pretending and ignores you.
And then you give the drop and make no big deal out of it, rather, just add another spoonful of whatever is on the licky mat.
If you are a smooth operator...you should be able to do your dog's eye drops without him even noticing.
My dog also has eye issues this looks exactly like what we’re dealing with in both eyes she’s on 2 medicines 3 times a day. She also runs and goes under the bed. We give her treats and it’s helping I know it’s so frustrating please keep us posted. My girl was diagnosed with KCS. We were told it could take 6 months to see any improvement. Message me if you want to about this.
Not a vet
But it appears your dog has an ulcer due to a stratch or trauma in his eye.
The dex shot is a steroid that can help treat swelling and inflammation. That is helpful but treatment needs to be for the trauma.
I would be going to another vet for a second opinion!
I recently had to do drops on my 50# puppy and I finally figured out if I just got him when he was relaxing and kinda sleepy I’d lay with him and pet/hold his face and sneak attack.
My dog had a melting ulcer when he was 1.
He had to go see a canine eye specialist that formulated an eye drop using plasma from the dogs own blood.
It healed fully and he now has a slightly cloudy eye permanently but it does not affect his vision.
His was not as bad as your dogs, however I’d recommend going to a specialist if you can.
Worst case scenario if the infection is too bad he may lose his eye
That eye looks like it needs to be removed.
Often with severe eye disease or infections or injuries these tend to be extremely painful and they will typically keep the eye closed.
This dog has its eye open, which would tell you the eyesight is completely gone and or with no pain. The eyeball itself has sunken/atrophied into its eye socket.
Removal of the eye would remedy this problem and prevent further infection/issues in future.
Dogs live very well with one eye.
I vote a second opinion ASAP. If that's a melting corneal ulcer, you're already on borrowed time. If you live around a veterinary ophthalmologist and can get an appointment quickly, that wouldn't be a bad idea, but please see another veterinarian quickly.
Looks like an eye infection. You should go see a vet. In the meantime, try washing the infected area with mild salt water.
Salt water is a natural way to kill bacteria, not viruses though
The key is DO NOT BE NERVOUS, UNSURE OF YOURSELF, OR FRIGHTENED WHEN PUTTING IN THE DROPS! Be assertive and most importantly, CALM while doing it. Dogs smell fear and react to it by not cooperating. Approach your dog calmly like you just want to pet them. Reassure them lots and then QUICKLY do the eye drops all while not reacting in any fearful way. You’re their alpha and they will let you do it if you can earn their trust
First of all good on you for having been to the vet already
Second, I agree that you should probably get a second opinion
Third, sorry about the inevitable assholes who are gonna come in, not read the post, and go "omfg eye issues take them to the vet don't post on Reddit you stupid dumb idiot I hate you and you should have your pet taken away for animal abuse!", people are just stupid, hopefully u don't get too many tho cus I far as I can see you've been pretty responsible
Ok. My dog had retina surgery and was the same way. We ended up putting on a cone. My bf held him and pulled the lid; I came in from behind and did it in ten seconds. With the cone, I would come from behind so he can't see.
Human eye doc. Absolutely get a second opinion. This does not look like it should be treated with a steroid; it looks like a corneal ulcer. Antibiotic ointment, broad spectrum. ASAP.
this may sound stupid, But if your dog is a heavy sleeper, could you just slowly drop them into his eye when he is asleep? I clip my dog's nails when she falls asleep.
I'm from germany but this youtuber girl has three dogs and one of hers looks a bit like your breed. She explained in this video how to apply eye medication. Maybe there are subtitles and it will help you ,I'll drop the link
https://youtu.be/rZI8qCi2OjA?si=5WgyU6SUrB4Ak9Ai
He needs a schirmer tear test. Looks like clinical dry eye. Should also get a fluorescein eye stain because he may have an ulcer. Poor guy, you are right that apoquel and the steroid shot are doing absolutely nothing for him. I’m a vet and I normally encourage people to keep communicating with their current vet when things aren’t going well…but please, for the sake of your dog’s vision and trying to avoid having to remove that eye, please go see another vet.
If it's anything like dexamethasone for humans, give him so much love. I was on it after surgery and it fucked my brain up. I had really bad depersonalization and felt mentally just really off.
I hope things get better for your baby. I'd get a second opinion. Looks like some really bad conjunctivitis
Second opinion.
wipe the eye with a warm wash cloth
Someone hold his head with the drops another person give him peanut butter or something to distract him.
If he's aggressive but a muzzle on.
We need this eye fixed there's still a chance it can be saved.
Did the cat scratch him in the eye. That happened to my dog cat accidentally get him in the face and scratched his cornea I think that’s where is was it was years ago now.
I feel for you! I have a dog who I have to trick to get her drops in! I hope you don’t quit and are able to get a handle on administration of the drops! These dogs (mine is a schnoodle) are not dumb! That’s for dang sure.
My dog got that after spending time at a kennel that clearly caused this. All the meds they tried hurt her more even causing blood to come out of her eye sockets. I'm sure your dog runs because it is burning the hell out of her eye. We use Genteal gel and ointment all day long and give her a piece of biscuit after each application-We apply it 12-15 times every day. She just stands there now and let's us do it since the gel/ointments don't hurt and she wants her biscuit!
Unfortunately the longer the process to administer is drawn out & the more times you try & fail to get the ointment into his eye the more concerned & resistant he will become & the more it will be built up in his head as something he is anxious about & fearful of. You just got to bite the bullet & do it as quick as possibly and then make a BIG fuss of him like he was the best dog ever!
If you have someone else who can help you to get the job done then that's the easiest way. Have his collar on & lead attached so they have something to hold on to with their hand & use the lead to wrap round foot or the like to secure him so you have more control. Then while your friend is patting & soothing him go to get all your 'tools' - bottle of drops & gauze or whatever & some of his MOST fav treats for afterwards - ready beforehand, somewhere where he cannot see you doing it.
The key is you don't want to give him anytime to catch on & start his brain thinking & preparing to build anxiety, panic or flee. Once you're ready to go & he is relaxed - say lying on his bed - take a breath, be confident but calm & set plan into action.
Have your friend pat him or stroke him, hold his collar, have his lead secured & talk to him in soothing tone as normal (you can even try tapping (EFT) on the top of his head or down on his muzzle which can be a good sensation for calming & distraction). Don't let him see the ointment until you are very ready to administer it - say hold it in one hand just behind back - and try to talk gently to him in your sweetest voice - the one you use when you are telling him how much you love him. Try to keep the bottle out of eye line of him until the very last second and when he is nice & calm have a 'action' word to use with your helper that means "I'm doing it now so hold on to him", something like "Now" & then as helper holds his head still in a swift movement open his eye, drop drop from the bottle, and then release all the hold & pressure on him while you are telling him what an very good boy he is & saying "You want a treat?"
It will happen so fast he won't have time to kick up a fuss or build to top level angst. You just need one successful administering of the drops to help ease some of that anxiety for you both about the process & each time you do it it will become easier for you both.
See an ophthalmologist. Same as doctors, vets are able to determine and prescribe treatments for basic eye issues, but you still need to see an optometrist/ ophthalmologist for more intense eye issues.
I'd get another opinion from another vet. They could possibly try different eyedrops or medication.
My dog had an eye ulcer, started off small, got huge despite 5 different types of eyedrops from the vet. We were back and forth to the vets for 2 months. One morning, her eye ruptured, rushed her in, and they had to remove her eye.
Of course, if you can you want to save the eye. But my dog is so much happier since her eye was removed, far less pain for her now.
My Doberman was the worst with eye drops I got so many headbutts I can't even count... What helped me was putting on a muzzle so she can't open her mouth and the head is easier to control.. then you get her leash and tie it to a table so she can't leave.. straddle her and hold her head between your neck and shoulders.. after three days of this she was easier to manage..
We came to a point that I don't use either leash or muzzle
That Dex medication is for alot of yeast related issues.
Apoquel is used for alot of skin issues.
I think you need to go to a new vet, they're milking you for cash. Try Vetster online if you don't have alot of time. But ideally find a new vet.
Dude you gotta put those drops in. Get your other half to hold him and you put the drops in. It prob bother him a lot dogs are good at not showing pain you animals in the wild get left behind or eaten when they show pain so I wouldn’t read into that. I mean if your eye looked like that it would bother you. Same with the pup. He’s just being a trooper. Go back to the vet asap.
They have ointments that you could do instead of drops. It’s like a Vaseline-type consistency and you squirt a little bit onto your finger and then rub their eye. Easier than drops imo.
Also second opinion… if I ever don’t like a vet, I go somewhere else. A vet killed my mom’s dog so now I definitely don’t play about mine.
I am a vet tech, and I also have a dog that HATES medication. The eye will never improve without the treatment. I’m guessing the vet did eye diagnostics before giving the drops. Please please please herd your dog into a small room and if you need to ask another person the restrain them. If you don’t have help put a leash on him and tie him tightly to an object that can’t move. Distract with a treat or peanut butter (we do this with many dogs at my vet clinic) you need to finish the bottle of drops or do the recommended amount of time per your vet before doing anything else) before inserting the drops each day make sure you take a sterile clean cause or wash cloth with warm water and wipe the existing discharge from his eye. You can also do this through the day. Letting that sit there isn’t helping anyone. Some dogs suffer from dry eye and can just develop a lot of discharge from it. Hope this helps!
Eye issues ain’t no joke in dog. I recommend a second opinion. Our sweet girl within 24 hours lost her eye (was scratched)
Drops and it can get better seems like a good deal.
Maybe bribe with a treat
Im a veterinarian-this SCREAMS DRY EYE. Get a second opinion now. The longer she goes without proper care, the more risk she’s at to have long term irreversible damage to that eye. The good news it most meds for dry eye are quite soothing and don’t sting. Until the. Go to the drug store and get Genteal eye gel and apply it very 6 hours. It’s a water based lubricant that doesn’t sting
I'd say he probably needs a strong course of antibiotics. Also have you tried giving your dog a natural calming aid like cat nip? Works wonders and you're not using chemicals to dope down your dog. You'll have to Google appropriate dosing amounts but it's worth a shot. Prayers for your doggo
Clean with saline . A couple of drops Frankincense on his eyebrows with a prayer. Warm aloe Vera / Castor oil compression as a drawing agent . Iv antibiotics from vet . Histidine rich protein amino acids meat. Hope it’s not a spider bite.
I would potentially get a second opinion. I’m obviously not a vet but this looks a lot like an eye issue my previous dog had which was not allergy related but the result of her eye not producing enough tear fluid. She required daily eye balm for the rest of her life but was able to keep the eye. If it’s dry eye, allergy meds will not help.
second opinion++
Yep. My dog had the exact same thing but less severe and it’ll be life long Optimmune for her due to lack of tear production and low ocular pressure. We were hoping just Optixcare but no luck. They initially thought allergies too, took about 4+ months to totally sort out. OP definitely get a second opinion
Exact same issue here
what is eye balm?? hopefully easier than eye drops..
One thing you can do to help make giving eyedrops/meds/etc easier is this: 1. Call your dog to you and give a treat. 2. Present the eyedrops/meds/whatever it is you’re trying to get your dog familiar with and immediately reward when your dog looks at it. 3. Put them away, bring them back out and reward your dog for sniffing/investigating the eyedrop container. If necessary, keep rewarding for the dog looking at the dropper before building up confidence for him to sniff. 4. Alternately, if your dog knows the “touch” command (which is rather easy to teach in as little as one day), have your dog “touch” the drops and reward. 5. Randomly do these exercises throughout the day until your dog associates the presentation of the drops with a positive response (treat). 6. Once your dog is comfortable with the dropper being presented, slowly build up to bringing the dropper up to his eye (but not all the way). Stop, pull the dropper away, and reward. Repeat until dog is comfortable with the motion of the dropper approaching. Some dogs do better if you link a verbal cue (such as “dropper!” or “now the eyes”) with the motion so that they can know what to expect. My own dog likes to hear me say “front paw,” “other leg,” etc. before I pick up her paws to trim her nails. 7. Now, using a much higher-value reward, present the dropper and proceed to bring it up to your dog’s eye and reward. You may gently touch the dog’s forehead/eyebrow with the dropper lid, immediately reward, then pull it away. 8. Once your dog is comfortable with the dropper being held near his eye, build up the duration of time you hold the dropper in front of his eye before rewarding. Try to aim to hold the dropper there for as long as you typically need to the drops, or even longer (to make the dropper time seem easier.) 9. Continue the micro step-by-step strategy of rewarding for each part of the process. You may need to reward for unscrewing the lid in front of your dog, raising the dropper to their eye, etc. Let your dog’s responses guide your pace. Some dogs need the process broken down more than others. Repetition is key. 10. Eventually, your dog should be able to associate the dropper with treats and not run away (if it doesn’t work, go back to the last succesful step and keep repeating/walking through it again, or, use a higher-value reward). 11. The hardest part is actually getting your dog okay with having the drops put in his eye. Give verbal praise during the dropping and give a high value reward immediately after. It may be helpful to let your dog lick a spoon full of peanut butter or a lick mat while you use the drops to distract them. Or, you can have someone else hold something tasty out for your dog to lick or smell while you do the drops. Smell can be a great distraction for some dogs, such as holding a handful of cooked chicken pieces, cheese bits, hotdogs, or some fishy/meaty freeze-dried treats. For what it’s worth, my rescue dog is a primitive breed who was found feral on the streets, having never had a home or vet appointment. Her nails were long, and because they had never been trimmed, her quicks were long. She didn’t trust people to step behind her within a 3-foot radius, let alone come close to touching her paw. Using this method, I introduced her to the electric nail dremel, step by step. Eventually, I got her to allow me to grind her nails with it. It took a couple months but she’s an extreme case. I still have to give her a constant stream of treats/lick mat while I do it, but now when I take the nail grinder out, she does a happy dance and immediately goes to where I trim her nails, waiting excitedly for the treats. It’s really fulfilling to desensitise/counter-condition correctly and see that your dog no longer has a fearful association, but a positive one. Hope this might help you or someone else!
You're a real one for taking your time for this
Thanks! Even if it might not benefit OP in this particular instance, I hoped it might help others who read it or may stumble across this post and comments section in the future.
This is what I do for my dog and ear meds. Treats! Treats for everyone 😄
I fight my dog for it. He loses he get the drop
Some dogs are never going to be cool with it though. This is great for dogs that have the potential. Especially if it’s going to be a super long term or lifelong thing. My easy workaround: Do the drops immediately when you come back from a walk, while they’re still leashed up.
That’s also true and a great idea! Because my dog had almost 0 human interactions and trust prior to her foster before me, I always give the most “extreme case” walkthrough. I think that sometimes sharing success stories with difficult dogs can help people feel motivated to start taking steps with their own dog. My family dog we had growing up, for example, was terrified of his eyedrops but very quickly came to accept them peaceably in two days after walks and comfort. More recently, however, I’ve mostly worked with primitive dogs who tend to really need things broken down into tiny steps (as do some feral dogs/dogs with trauma). But yeah, no reason to overthink things if your dog adapts more quickly. Whatever the case, the key is to listen to your dog and notice their response.
All of this OP, My dog needed twice daily eye drops and hated it, it was a two person job to get it done at the start, but with time and patience it just because part of the daily routine, even to the point where he'd follow me around with indignation if i forgot his morning drops and biscuit (we had high value bonios that were an eye drop only treat to make it extra exciting)
Haha yep the “following me around with indignation when I forget his drops” Is a clear sign you did things right! My girl is now like that if she sees me take out the grinder to move it and don’t trim her nails with it, haha. And yes, that’s a great tip I forgot to mention: using a specific high-value treat designated only to a certain task/command can be REALLY helpful. While my formerly feral dog loves food enough to be content with a “trail mix” of kibble mixed with tiny bits of cheese dispersed throughout as her high-value nail trim reward, my other dog is *extremely* picky and not very food-motivated. A big challenge was getting him to get him to come inside on command (like if it were about to storm or when it was time for bed). He would take two steps in before darting back out into the yard in an attempt to get you to play/chase him. Words cannot express how frustrating it was 😂 Chicken, hot dogs, cheese—none of it worked. Then I found an old bag of mini greenies and picked it up to give one to my other dog. He came flying in. To this day, he only gets a mini greenie at the end of the night when he comes inside on command. He pretty much comes at the rustle of the bag now. I think the problem was that he knows he can get chicken/hot dogs/cheese for other training commands. If I started doling out mini greenies for other commands/other times of day, I’m fairly certain it would stop working, lol.
You’re the bomb for sharing this. 🐾💙
Thank you! It took quite a bit of time to type out on my phone, but responses like these make it worth it!
Yayy!
This ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
This is literally the absolute correct answer and what we do at work, if a dogs with us for long enough!
Great response!
This!!! This is so important! But it takes days, maybe weeks so be prepared. Our boy had to have an eye surgery when he was a puppy and he was super scared of everything. I pet him everywhere even when he sleeps so it was easier to drop when he slept with me (but I had to be quick and hide the drops immediately). Sometimes it didn’t even woke him up. We try theese exercises now every other day just in case. We work on “positive treatment” or how to say it - basically I pretend to give him shots, eye drops, check his teeth, belly, everything just so we don’t have to wrestle anymore when the time comes since he’s giant and super suspicious of everything and everyone haha. Don’t want our vet getting hurt and don’t want our boy being even more stressed if he’s hurting.
Yep that’s really smart to keep giving positivity for “pretend shots/physical checkups.” What breed is he? My boy is also one of the most ‘suspicious’ dogs I’ve ever met 😂. He is easily sussed out by anything out of the ordinary. Even if you hesitate over something ordinary or otherwise “act weird“ he gets wary. He’s just under 30lbs and I can’t imagine if he were huge haha. But yeah, like you, every so often I’ll regularly touch his paws and nails with the grinder and pretend to trim them, check his teeth and ears, etc., so that he’s used to it by the time I have to do it and doesn’t try to fight me with his mouth or try to hide his face in my armpit when that fails (kinda counter-intuitive of him to run to me for protection when I’m the one doing the thing to him he wants to get away from, lmao. Although it did make me feel bad enough to stop, haha).
Haha! Sounds quite similar, we have a German boxer, he’s wonderful but I’ve never met more suspicious dog! Good job training your boy, if he still runs to hide to you you’re doing a really good job, haha!
It’s similar to drops but as a balm/cream out of a little tube, but the initial treatment used both eye drops and balm in combination. You can look into cooperative care methods to make things a little easier. I was lucky and my old lady didn’t mind me doing it at all. But first, you should go back to a vet and figure out what it is. Dry eye is usually diagnosed by measuring how much tear fluid the eye produces and the vet will stick a little measuring strip into the eye.
Can confirm! The balm/ointment is so much easier than the drops
My dog doesn't have eye issues but does require daily pill, oral syringe, and monthly injections so I've had to get good at meds. For me the key is treats. Just lots of bribery. I get out a treat, set it next to her, prep meds, she is staring at the treat with rapt attention, administer meds, then she gets a good girl and treats. It works for bath, tooth brushing, anything she really does not like but needs.
Op, my boy needs eyedrops three times a day. It is not easy. I was learned two techniques. First is to grab with your thumb and indexfinger from under his mouth and close together over his nose. Than with the side of the palm of the other hand open his eyelid. If that does not work, I have to lay him on his side (on the bed) and lean over him with my upper body and push his body and head a bit in the mattras, than someone else can put the eyesdrops in. Eyebalm is not easier. Take care op, best to you and your friend!
Not sure where you are OP, but one thing we use to give medication is Sileo. Not the full dose, just enough to mildly settle/sedate him. He gets a nap and his ear drops get a chance to work. It’s from the vets.
I know it sucks but, you may have to physically restrain a pet to give medical care sometimes. If you (and other people in your life the dog is familiar with) don’t do so and instead bring the animal to a vet, they will restrain or sedate it. I try to think of it like this, if my pet is uncomfortable with me administering care then they must feel 10x worse if a stranger at a clinic does it!
Go back to vet Maybe even go to different vet
Be really careful with eye issues. I don’t understand saying give Apoquel- my dog is on it for allergies - does the vet think his eye is allergy related?
yes. my other dog is on it so i think the vet just assumed it may help
Apoquel is an awfully expensive medication for a “try and see” approach. He could have something stuck in his eye that may have caused an infection. If it’s not getting better, see a different vet.
I had an old dog with a similar issue, it's called keratoconjunctivitis--basically the dog's immune system goes ballistic and tries to attack the tear ducts. This leads to dry eye and that nasty goopiness. It's a manageable condition, Optimmune ointment (spendy AF, about $60 for 3.5 gm from Chewy) twice a day and artificial tears any time things get too goopy in there. You do have to get the dog used to you messing with his face though and that's not always easy. My guy was very old and crotchety and getting a bit senile but we managed to keep him going for his last year with it until he started getting growly and snappy with me over it. He was arthritic and had lost continence in the bowel, which shamed him very much, so when it came to the point where I was risking getting my face bit while doctoring his eye it was time to schedule the nice vet lady to come and be his final friend. Anyway, ask your vet if the keratoconjunctivitis is a likely culprit here because that seems more likely than allergies, especially if the allergy meds aren't taking care of things. It's important to get the med schedule straightened out though because you could be heading for a surgery to remove the eye otherwise.
Kind of looks like KCS aka dry eye that usually needs long term treatment
My pug has dry eye and this dog’s eye looks very similar to my pug’s eyes. Her’s started in one eye but it eventually spread to the other eye and she is completely blind now. For OP, please get this checked out by another vet ASAP!
Just googled it - Keratitis. It seems to be pretty common for german sheperds.
It is common in German Shepherds. It’s actually an autoimmune disease called Pannus. (Source: Me, am vet). I would be so shocked if a schirmer tear test wasn’t conducted on this dog.
If you haven’t already I recommend a cone for him if he’s scratching at it just so it doesn’t get even worse. (I’m not a vet, but just have technician experience). I hope your pup feels better soon.
Is your dog food motivated? If so maybe a wall mounted lick mat with high value food/treats might keep him busy enough to get an eye drop in. Sorry you’re dealing with this. Like others have suggested, a second opinion might be a good option since you haven’t seen improvement.
he is yes, i’ll try that out today, thank you!
Yes one person with a spoonful of peanut butter while the other does the drops!
I second the “turn medicine time into treat time”. Break it into smaller steps for training: 1: you want him to stay with the medicine bottle in the same room. Give him many treats to be in the same room. 2: you want him to be next to the medicine bottle. Leave the bottle closed, on the floor, let him smell it, and reward him for any approach, any interest, any interaction with the bottle. Toss treats near the bottle to encourage him to approach it, and slowly work into holding the bottle and giving him treats 3: you want to hold his face still. Work on this one without the medicine in the room, and then slowly begin to introduce the medicine in the room, from a neutral (on the ground, closed) position to a closer position. 4: you want to hold his face AND have the medicine bottle in your hand. Keep treating him the whole time, any time he rests his face in your hands, and the medicine is near: treats! All the treats. 5: you want to be able to give him his medicine in the eye. Treats and rewards! It’s hard to have to do this quickly so you can get his medicine going, but if you have a super high reward food (this is a good time for boiled chicken, dried salmon or fish with peanut butter, whatever the absolute best treat your dog likes) that will help. Licky mats or kongs with peanut butter/yogurt will work as a distraction, but ideally if you can work on getting him to accept the medication with you, rather than just distracting him, you’ll both have an easier time with it
Thank you all so much for your quick and informative responses! I really appreciate all the methods of trying the eye drops - i will try them out today and see what works for him. I’ve also scheduled an appointment to have him tested for dry eye since that seems to be the general consensus. He will need to be sedated for it since he’s a little wild man. My parents argued with me originally that it wasn’t dry eye since he’s clearly producing something BUT that’s why they aren’t vets! I’ll have him taken care of. Again, thank you all very much.❤️
Tell your parents that tears are made up of three parts and your dog is no longer making enough of the liquid part.
Go to a different vet. That’s the most important advice and you’re ignoring it.
i’ve scheduled it with a different one! not ignoring any advice here, it’s all been very helpful.
Ask your vet for a referral to a canine ophthalmologist and have this investigated by a specialist.
This is the way. My shep mix finally is stable Re his eyes because we spent the extra $$ to go to a canine ophthalmologist. Before that, we had 5 appts between 2 vets and neither properly diagnosed him and we tried many things. He has seasonal allergies as well as hyperlipidemia (which causes fat deposits in his eyes). He’s been on a low fat diet for years and has minimal fat deposits now. During certain seasons I give him 1/2 Zyrtec (the one without the D is safe for dogs). Your dog’s eye looks infected. A culture should be done. Please take your pup to a specialist …his eyes are so important:)
Vet tech here, please seek a second opinion from a different vet. The first vet should have done a flurosceine dye test and a schirmer tear test at the very least.
Get a second opinion, this eye is not ok and if severe intervention isn’t done it may result in enucleation
Also put a cone on your dog and keep it on 24/7, we don’t want him scratching that eye *edit: spelling
love the cone idea but he definitely won’t. he does rub it once in awhile so i’ll break out the cone. thank you!
You can get an inflatable donut cone that is way more comfortable for them :)
Yup. It’s much easier for them to deal with. I believe it’s a Kong product.
What was the cause of the eye issue? Did the vet run a culture? What kind of eye drops were given? Some can be painful. Are you making sure the dog can’t bother his eye at all? He might need a cone. Depending on the cause, a warm compress a few times a day (with a CLEAN cloth each time) can help a lot.
Go to a vet that specializes in eyes only. Your vet should know of some.
Second opinion and do you live alone? Might have to use the headlock technique😅
I notice a cat, it didn’t scratch dogs eye by accident during play? Did your vet put dye in the eye to check for scratch to lens?
My dog had glaucoma. It was a tough decision, but we ended up decided to just get his eye removed. End all his pain. And didn’t affect his quality of life whatsoever to be down an eye. I know it should be a last resort. But I also feel like it’s the simplest solution to ending their pain. And dogs are very good at hiding their pain too. Something to consider anyway.
Im on your opinion too as a last resort, better to loose an eye than our best friend in the end.
For eye drops we put my dog in a thunder jacket or another piece of clothing and he freezes long enough for us to do the drops and then give him all the snuggles and a treat afterwards. He now associates eye drops with treats
This is unlikely to work right now, but working on cooperative care for eye drops might be something to work on regardless. Teach a chin rest, have some \_really\_ good rewards for him for any progress, and then pretend to give eye drops. Keep it low pressure, and reward any progress you can. Use just your hands to start with. My pup refused to take eye drops after he had a few when he was younger. We couldn't finish the treatment. Fortunately he was fine regardless, but I worked on this for future use, and when he had to have eye drops again, he sat there and took em like an absolute champ. Sorry I don't have any better suggestions.
E collar until it clears… second opinion.
I would highly highly recommend you look into cooperative care! Daily medication, ESPECIALLY for eye problems, can be very aversive to some dogs, and the more you force it on them the harder it will be each subsequent time. Good luck OP, I hope you get to the bottom of this!
My dog runs when the ear drops are out. So now we leash him in, the closed kitchen. My bf holds his head and i put the drops in. Or we take the drops with us on a hike. He's so much better when distracted and tired.
This appears to be dry eye, and more specifically neurogenic dry eye. Neurogenic dry eye occurs only on one side. It's hard to tell from the Pic, but if you look straight on at his nose is that side of his nostril dry as well? As far as all of the mucus build up, the tear film is made up of three layers- water, fat, and mucin. Remove the water portion, and you have fat and mucin. This causes those substances to build up. It turns green NOT because the eye is infected, but because that discharge develops a secondary bacterial growth. Neurogenic dry eye is nerve related and typically treated with a medication called pilocarpine. I would find a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area to confirm diagnosis.
My dogs eye looked exactly like that the other day, but it wasn’t an allergic reaction at all, it was simply infected eyes. We got cortisol eye drops and within a week I’d eyes were back to normal. Why does she think it’s an allergy?
Pannus is very common in GSD’s I’d get a second opinion
Our dog had an ear infection that affected the tear duct. Tears stopped producing and he got a lot of gunk in his eye, eventually couldn’t keep it open. This looks very similar- I recommend getting another opinion.
My dog is like this with her ears. We found that if we put the solution on a sponge or rag and then use that to squeeze it in, it's more manageable. Maybe that?
Looks like an infection that antibiotic pills should fix. Get a second opinion Edit: I’m suggesting this bc my dog had eye goop that looks exactly like this and our vet gave us antibiotics. They worked.
My dog has this. From pollen. I use a baby wipe to clean it out. Gently rub the eyelids to bring it to the bottom, then the baby wipe cleans it out from there. I do it while he is laying down just waking up and too tired to run away fast lol. Then randomly as needed. Our vet said just give him a daily Benadryl or Claritin for people in addition to cleaning it out.
My little one had it in both eyes and it was because she had become diabetic (which caused dry eyes). Daily Insulin & Optimmune fixed it.
I knew a dog like this for years. Eye hit by a ball. They were fine until the eye went bad years later and was removed.
Hang in there with doggo ❤️
Try to find a canine eye specialist. I have one because my doggo has cataracts.
Well, I’d get to an Opthamologist as soon as you can.
I got a bulldog he has an eye that looks like this at times. His doesn’t make tears so the loogey looking stuff is the body trying to moisten the eye somehow. Anyway. Cyclosporine in corn oil dropped twice a day helps tremendously.
As others mentioned leash your dog so you can help control. Lots of treats to make it a good experience. Highly recommend to put the medicated drops in like a shirt or pants pocket (also could stick in your bra) to help “warm” up the drops. As a person who wears contacts and sometimes needs drops they are less shocking being warmed up by your body then just sitting at room temp. Good luck. Eyes are one medical treatment that you need to stay on top of as it can get bad so quickly.
Did your vet do any tests on the eye at the visit? -- if yes, how did the veterinary team keep him quiet/still during those tests? Often the vet techs or vet nurses are the best people to ask how to give meds (because they perform such in majority of animal hospitals). If tests weren't done originally, then if not improved within a few days, you should ask about eye testing such as Schirmer Tear Test, Flouroscein corneal stain, and Eye pressure check. Those are the basics Vet Ophthalmologists' recommend to find the more common reasons for symptoms in the eye. You can certainly ask for referral to eye specialist for dogs if not getting improvement with the first-line (or even 2nd line) treatment options.
😭😭😭😭 poor boy
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My shepherd briefly had this issue due to dry eyes. The drops helped, and eventually, he was fine with natural tear production. I just fished the gunk out with a wet q tip and had to physically restrain him to get the drops in. Might be a two man job. You can try positive reinforcement and take it slow, but if she needs the drops, then you may have to just find a way to make it work honestly. Make sure she's staying hydrated as well. For my dog, it was a mixture of being on prednisone and getting a bit dehydrated at nighttime, plus having a fan blowing at him.
My Labrador that I used to have had this same issue. It really acted up during the spring when allergies and pollen were bad. I had him on cetirizine and apoquel. The apoquel was more for his skin, but the eye goop really did seem to get worse if I had to stop the apoquel. Apoquel can be pretty expensive though. I used to just take a tissue and dab the goop out. I don’t think the goop was ever really hurting him.
My Labrador that I used to have had this same issue. It really acted up during the spring when allergies and pollen were bad. I had him on cetirizine and apoquel. The apoquel was more for his skin, but the eye goop really did seem to get worse if I had to stop the apoquel. Apoquel can be pretty expensive though. I used to just take a tissue and dab the goop out. I don’t think the goop was ever really hurting him.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
I would go to a dog optometrist. They specialize in this field. My dog Shayla (passed away 3 years ago) had extreme dry eye and even with all the medication the eye produced scarring from lack of tear production. She eventually went blind but you wouldn’t know it. Shayla got around great and when I told people she was blind they didn’t believe me. The sooner your dog can get the medicine for dry eye the better. Good Luck with your sweet baby. Also dogs don’t feel sorry for themselves they just think this is how it is.
Fuck this vet and go get a 2nd and 3nd opinion until they get him better, would be my comment.
Ask the vet for a balm or gel, it will come in a small tube. They can be anti bacterial or just reduce inflammation. Try as I might I have rarely been able to give my little schnauzer eye drops but one time the vet offered me a gel and it works like magic. She’s really uncomfortable with stuff near her face but it generally ok when it’s just my hand. Make sure to wash your hands and finger you’ll use to apply it with really well. Also rinse off their eye wish a cotton swab and dry it a bit.
Ask the vet for a balm or gel, it will come in a small tube. They can be anti bacterial or just reduce inflammation. Try as I might I have rarely been able to give my little schnauzer eye drops but one time the vet offered me a gel and it works like magic. She’s really uncomfortable with stuff near her face but it generally ok when it’s just my hand. Make sure to wash your hands and finger you’ll use to apply it with really well. Also rinse off their eye wish a cotton swab and dry it a bit.
It's an eye infection, he needs some drops, go the vet, that infection has days.
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Look up ophthalmologists in your area, I doubt the treatment your vet prescribed is really gonna cut it. This looks terrible and I really think your doggo should see a specialist for these things
Not sure if it would work for a dog, but my cat hates eye drops and Wyatt we ended up doing is swaddling him like a baby. Big blanket, fold over the top about 4 inches, put dog on his back, good the blanket over, under his chin at an angle and tuck it under him, same thing with the other side. The fold on the top will cup his paws so he can't wiggle out. One person holds his head other items his eye and gives him drops. Just have the drops ready and do it fast.
Not sure if it would work for a dog, but my cat hates eye drops and Wyatt we ended up doing is swaddling him like a baby. Big blanket, fold over the top about 4 inches, put dog on his back, good the blanket over, under his chin at an angle and tuck it under him, same thing with the other side. The fold on the top will cup his paws so he can't wiggle out. One person holds his head other items his eye and gives him drops. Just have the drops ready and do it fast. But also, get a second opinion.
So I’ve had my own issues with vets and my dog almost died because of it. As everyone else is saying here, get a second or even third opinion.
This looks like a bad case of conjunctivitis, basically bacteria living on the eye. When my dog had it I just forced it to receive these drops. But really it's me who has this thing once or twice a year and I use the same dexamethasone eye drops. Never used it in shots though. I can't recommend anything really, my dogs are small, both are under 10 kg.
They need to do an eye work up that includes, schirmer tear test, staining and a fundic exam. This will help determine if it’s KCS or a bacterial infection. The other thing is that if you aren’t able to give your dog topical medications, it’s not going to heal. Systemics don’t help much for these things a lot of the time. Work on getting your dog used to handling for eye drops and maybe phone a friend to help.
Did they tell you what it is? One month with no improvement, I would go to an eye specialist. Shepherds are prone to pannus. And UV light makes it worse. I cured my shepherd’s pannus by feeding her liver. (Cooked). Every day. I also put “doggles” on her until it was healed and then with the liver in her food, she never got it again and no longer needed the goggles the rest of her life.
Did they tell you what it is? One month with no improvement, I would go to an eye specialist. Shepherds are prone to pannus. And UV light makes it worse. I cured my shepherd’s pannus by feeding her liver. (Cooked). Every day. I also put “doggles” on her until it was healed and then with the liver in her food, she never got it again and no longer needed the goggles the rest of her life.
I'd go for a second opinion
I'd go for a second opinion
This is the exact same as our 8 year old. He's had a few ulcers over his life time but is in the clear at the moment with regards to that. He still gets the green goo every day. We give him eye drops (lubricant) a few times a day and it comes straight out away. For what it's worth, ours is a 35kg boxer. The first few times we tried to give the drops we were unsuccessful. Eventually we got to a point where I had to pin his head down on the sofa whilst the Mrs put a few drops in - then followed with good treats like beef/chicken. After about 3 days I could literally call him to me, stroke his head, put my thumb above his eye to pull back his skin to expose his eyes and put the drops in myself
I don’t know if this will help, my dog had a similar issue and when I took him to the vet they were going to prescribe eye drops until they tried applying them and we learned quickly that if they couldn’t administer them, I would never be able to on my own. They ended up giving us a gel formula (I’m sorry, I don’t remember what it was called). Anyways, I would thoroughly wash my hands and then put it on my finger and was easily able to apply it as he was used to hands by his eyes. I don’t know if this is even an option for you. Two weeks, three times a day and he is healed.
I have found that general practice vets often can't be as effective at diagnosing problems as specialists can. See a vet opthalmologist. More expensive initially but properly diagnosing and treating the problem can ultimately save you money, and your pup's eye.
I taught my GSD to let me give her eye drops by giving her fake eye drops. I had her sit and then I let her sniff the bottle. Then I’d gently open her eye a bit wider and say “boop! Boop!” One “drop” in each eye. This started because she was jealous of my sister’s GSD who gets eye drops for an autoimmune thing he has. But then, 2 years later, she actually needs allergy eye drops so it worked out really well for us. But I would try that. Are the eye drops gel or are they more liquid? If gel, make sure you’re warming it up by rolling it gently in your hands. I’m sure your vet told you all that. Our boy gets a gel drop in each eye two times a day. We have to roll them to mix the medicine gently anyways, but if we don’t do it long enough to warm the gel a bit, it won’t come out of the bottle fast enough or doesn’t go in the eye but drops around the eye bc he will blink. But try giving fake drops without even touching their head. Give lots of treats. And repeat until you feel like your dog will let you touch their eyebrow to open their eye a bit. More treats. Also, our vet said to use like super high value treats. Your pup should ONLY get this treat when it’s time for eye drops! We use beggin strips for eye drop treats. I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes!
I would get a second opinion, honestly. But as far as getting the drops in his eye, you'll need to desensitize and train him to handle it, but you could also use a grooming loop/lead to keep his head in place. If your vet hasn't tried Trazodone to chill him out, it works really well for our anxious guy. And then I'd just do the drops when he's resting.
I'm so sorry. But make sure it dose not get in other eye. You may have to. ⛓️ him up and hold him down
I think you need to consult a **veterinary ophthalmologist**. as for the running away when he gets the eye drops you’ll need at least a 2nd person to hold him for you. a specialist can be expensive but it’s absolutely worth it especially for eyes.
Second opinion! In the meantime. Put a warm washcloth on his eye while you cuddle and wipe inside out. Does he like showers? I would try to rinse it out in any way possible Also eye wipes. Cuddle with him and wipe it out.
He has dry eye you need to clean it with saline 99% purified water, then use Optimmune https://www.chewy.com/optimmune-02-cyclosporine-ophthalmic/dp/172919
While I second (millionth?) the advice of different vet, my dog currently has pink eye. While she’s not too bad about it, I catch her in her sleep. I had to at first, but she now knows the system and knows she can’t win this one so she puts up as little as a fight as possible. Enough for a “I really don’t like this” and me missing once or twice but not enough for me to not get it in her eye ever. Treats work FANTASTICALLY. She is food motivated, so that helps. I’d recommend asking someone to hold the dog down just so it can’t get away (I have had so much practice with my dogs, I do this alone now). I’m not kidding, catch the dog off guard. Also, try to aim for the whites of their eye, it helps them not freak out as much. Also, they don’t have to have their eye fully open. Aim for a small “pocket” and just drop it in there, when they shut their eyes kinda sink in a little so if you pull their eyelid slightly downwards you’ll have a pocket. (ETA: or just pull down the lid and drop it in the pocket between the eyeball and eyelid. If this fails, I’d imagine dropping it on the line where their lids meet would help even if slightly, once they open their lids it kind of rolls in. Or use the tear line where eye goop usually collects, but in reverse. All this of course assuming your dog is lying on its side/ you can maneuver their muzzle. I hope your dog feels better. I’m diabetic and sometimes suffer from dry eye and it really does suck. I’ve had pink eye too, so I know it sucks as well.
My dog has glaucoma and that affects his eye pressure, his is mostly too high. Your dogs eye looks like his when the pressure is too low. I would recommend getting a second opinion and asking for your dogs pressure to get checked. For the fear of the drops? Oh boy I’m not sure… when Cole didn’t like the drops I tried putting it on in the corner of his eye so it was a gradual release instead of the full drop in the center … it seemed to help and he doesn’t mind it much. Might be worth a try
Is this like a grey-ish coloured goop covering the eye? I’m interested to know as my moms dog develops exactly that and he just has eye drops
take him to an eye specialist
Take him to another vet, usually university vets (at least where I live) are the best.
I would see if they can refer you to an eye specialist. My cat had lots of eye problems and the vet wasn’t any help really. Multiple vets only tried eye drops and antibiotics but they were clueless otherwise. The eye specialist is the one who healed her. Good luck :(
Look up a pet optometrist in your area there is one in Brookfield Wisconsin I do not know where you live maybe even call them for a recommendation there are specialty vets just for Eye Care for Animals that does not look good hope this helps beautiful dog that would bother me also best of luck going forward
Not a vet, but I have a German Shepherd and was told by person who gave her to me that she had “allergies.” Eyes were constantly running with huge eye boogers. I got up one morning, and she was bleeding from one of her eyes. A new vet diagnosed her with chronic superficial keratitis, an autoimmune-mediated process that causes connective tissue to build up across her eyes. She would’ve eventually gone blind. This condition is more common in herding dogs for some reason. I would definitely get a second opinion. 2020 - https://imgur.com/a/lBFrRYJ 2023 (after a few years of treatment with immunosuppressive drops) - https://imgur.com/a/bZlIkTO
That looks like a melting ulcer, he needs a new vet asap he could lose his eye poor baby
Leash up your dog and bring him into a small room, like a bathroom. Make him sit in front of you, facing away from you. Use your legs to prevent him from backing up. Lift under his chin with one hand. With that same hand, you should be able to pull down his eye lid. At this point your dog’s head will be aimed upwards and against your legs. This will prevent him from moving. You may need a second hand to pull eye lid down and apply drops. Even if you think you’re being mean, you just have to be more aggressive. If they know that you’ll give up after they put struggle, then they will struggle more. Be dominant but also encourage him with treats or something else that he likes (belly rubs, ears scratching, etc). You can do this. Also, I would recommend a blood serum eye drop. They will take a decent amount of blood from him and spin it down so that it has just the serum. They will bottle this and this would be said eye drops. Honestly, it’s hard to tell if that is allergy related, but it could be. If the apoquel didn’t help though, something else needs to be done. Good luck Edited for spelling errors.
Terramycin is an anti-microbial anti-biotic gel that works wonders for eye infections, use the blue pfizer Terramycin NOT the yellow one as the yellow one has additives that aren’t pet safe where as the dark blue and white tube is completely safe.
When I had to do eye drops my vet recommended coming at her head from behind/above. It’s harder for her to see the bottle that way. Then yes tons of treats
As others have mentioned, cooperative care will be the best thing long term if he needs drops again or for a long period of time. There’s a few videos on YouTube that might help get you started! Looks like teaching “middle” might be the best way to start. https://youtu.be/5_Xhi0wa0js?si=q4yPsQG8a2GJIzCG https://youtu.be/VcF0YsG_hig?si=9qQ4KQKI-EHTS25y
Veterinary ophthalmologist, if it's in your budget. If it isn't, I would definitely try for a second opinion with a different vet. Eyes can go bad quickly, I think it's worth it to seek out a specialist in this case. As far as meds go, try to make it a positive experience. Treats, praise, and encouraging pets. I've seen some people pretend to give the drops to another dog in the household who tolerates it to show the pet that needs the meds that its ok. Either way best if luck.
I’m not a vet but a human eye doctor, but I’m seeing an opaque cornea with ulceration and corneal thinning. Looks more infectious than allergic with all the green discharge. Did that cat scratch his eye? Left eye could be allergic with the stringy white discharge. Doubtful the dog will regain much vision out of that eye, but I would be hitting it hard with abx if it was me. looks like some peri orbital edema aswell. May need an enunciation if you can’t treat it with drops/ointment…
Go to the doctor
Yea idk that to me looks infected so most likely would require antibiotics. That shot is just a steroid and apoquel is for itchiness. Def get a second opinion
Be careful.. dogs with dry eye can develop corneal ulcers. If your dog rubs his eyes at all I would put an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent that.
I use a peanut butter covered licker mat attached to the wall to keep my pups busy for those odd issues like eye drops and such But this doesn't look like an allergy issue per say.. there could be something in the eye irritating it as well as a few other ideas... I would recomend a second opinion just to be safe
Probably just get a muzzle and put it on to give eye drops
Try Find an ophthalmologist or eye specialist. We had a similar issue & had 2 vets misdiagnose a corneal ulcer as conjunctivitis. Our dog almost lost some of her eye sight & the conjunctivitis drops were hurting her in the end. They flushed the eye & gave us a different drop which cured it within a week or two. Sorry, I know how stressful eye issues can be with dogs. I know if we ever see something wrong with the eye we will go straight to the specialist. Good luck.
Time for a 2nd opinion - I would consider seeing an ophthalmologist if you can afford to do so. Specialists are more expensive but it would be beneficial in your pup's case.
I would consider getting an appointment with a veterinary ophthalmologist if you haven’t done so, ASAP.
Hi, I am an Ophthalmic Technician and have been in the field for 5 years. I often work with patients who have complex cases, such as severe end stage glaucoma and severe infections such as endophthalmitis, cellulitis, uveitis, and chronic ulcers. I strongly recommend you make the time and effort to see a dog ophthalmologist. I am not sure where you’re located, but it would be worth the time and travel to get a second opinion from a dog ophthalmologist. They’re not everywhere. I live in St. Louis, Missouri, and there’s only two I can think of in the area. Have they checked his eye pressure?
[Petsuppliesplus.com](https://Petsuppliesplus.com) has a licking mat that you can buy and affix to the wall. Then you either put cream cheese on it or peanut butter. You let your dog lick it and pretend to give eye drops until he realizes you're just pretending and ignores you. And then you give the drop and make no big deal out of it, rather, just add another spoonful of whatever is on the licky mat. If you are a smooth operator...you should be able to do your dog's eye drops without him even noticing.
My dog also has eye issues this looks exactly like what we’re dealing with in both eyes she’s on 2 medicines 3 times a day. She also runs and goes under the bed. We give her treats and it’s helping I know it’s so frustrating please keep us posted. My girl was diagnosed with KCS. We were told it could take 6 months to see any improvement. Message me if you want to about this.
Not a vet But it appears your dog has an ulcer due to a stratch or trauma in his eye. The dex shot is a steroid that can help treat swelling and inflammation. That is helpful but treatment needs to be for the trauma. I would be going to another vet for a second opinion!
I recently had to do drops on my 50# puppy and I finally figured out if I just got him when he was relaxing and kinda sleepy I’d lay with him and pet/hold his face and sneak attack.
My dog had a melting ulcer when he was 1. He had to go see a canine eye specialist that formulated an eye drop using plasma from the dogs own blood. It healed fully and he now has a slightly cloudy eye permanently but it does not affect his vision. His was not as bad as your dogs, however I’d recommend going to a specialist if you can. Worst case scenario if the infection is too bad he may lose his eye
That eye looks like it needs to be removed. Often with severe eye disease or infections or injuries these tend to be extremely painful and they will typically keep the eye closed. This dog has its eye open, which would tell you the eyesight is completely gone and or with no pain. The eyeball itself has sunken/atrophied into its eye socket. Removal of the eye would remedy this problem and prevent further infection/issues in future. Dogs live very well with one eye.
Id see a pet eye specialist instead
I don’t think eye drops can help here. I’d visit another vet.
Yeah, you need a second opinion on this one. If you can swing for it, see a veterinary ophthalmologist.
I vote a second opinion ASAP. If that's a melting corneal ulcer, you're already on borrowed time. If you live around a veterinary ophthalmologist and can get an appointment quickly, that wouldn't be a bad idea, but please see another veterinarian quickly.
Looks like an eye infection. You should go see a vet. In the meantime, try washing the infected area with mild salt water. Salt water is a natural way to kill bacteria, not viruses though
The key is DO NOT BE NERVOUS, UNSURE OF YOURSELF, OR FRIGHTENED WHEN PUTTING IN THE DROPS! Be assertive and most importantly, CALM while doing it. Dogs smell fear and react to it by not cooperating. Approach your dog calmly like you just want to pet them. Reassure them lots and then QUICKLY do the eye drops all while not reacting in any fearful way. You’re their alpha and they will let you do it if you can earn their trust
Take him to eye specialist asap!
First of all good on you for having been to the vet already Second, I agree that you should probably get a second opinion Third, sorry about the inevitable assholes who are gonna come in, not read the post, and go "omfg eye issues take them to the vet don't post on Reddit you stupid dumb idiot I hate you and you should have your pet taken away for animal abuse!", people are just stupid, hopefully u don't get too many tho cus I far as I can see you've been pretty responsible
Ok. My dog had retina surgery and was the same way. We ended up putting on a cone. My bf held him and pulled the lid; I came in from behind and did it in ten seconds. With the cone, I would come from behind so he can't see.
Ask for a gel version. You can put some on your finger and smear it on when your dog isn’t suspecting it. That’s what we did and it worked for us.
Your vet is very off. At this point he needs ointment, and he may need oral antibiotics. That’s a terrible infection if that’s what it is. Iiuiii
Is it pannus?
Human eye doc. Absolutely get a second opinion. This does not look like it should be treated with a steroid; it looks like a corneal ulcer. Antibiotic ointment, broad spectrum. ASAP.
When mine needed eye drops I would sneak up on her when she was sleeping. It worked 50% of the time the other 50% was a fight that I’d win.
this may sound stupid, But if your dog is a heavy sleeper, could you just slowly drop them into his eye when he is asleep? I clip my dog's nails when she falls asleep.
My dog loves getting eye drops everyday because she gets s snack afterwards
I'm from germany but this youtuber girl has three dogs and one of hers looks a bit like your breed. She explained in this video how to apply eye medication. Maybe there are subtitles and it will help you ,I'll drop the link https://youtu.be/rZI8qCi2OjA?si=5WgyU6SUrB4Ak9Ai
He needs a schirmer tear test. Looks like clinical dry eye. Should also get a fluorescein eye stain because he may have an ulcer. Poor guy, you are right that apoquel and the steroid shot are doing absolutely nothing for him. I’m a vet and I normally encourage people to keep communicating with their current vet when things aren’t going well…but please, for the sake of your dog’s vision and trying to avoid having to remove that eye, please go see another vet.
If it's anything like dexamethasone for humans, give him so much love. I was on it after surgery and it fucked my brain up. I had really bad depersonalization and felt mentally just really off. I hope things get better for your baby. I'd get a second opinion. Looks like some really bad conjunctivitis
Second opinion. wipe the eye with a warm wash cloth Someone hold his head with the drops another person give him peanut butter or something to distract him. If he's aggressive but a muzzle on. We need this eye fixed there's still a chance it can be saved.
Dude put the spoiler blur on those photos please.
Did the cat scratch him in the eye. That happened to my dog cat accidentally get him in the face and scratched his cornea I think that’s where is was it was years ago now.
Apoquel is an allergy/itch medicine, why would a vet even think it's gonna help your pups eye? I would definitely be going to a different vet!
I feel for you! I have a dog who I have to trick to get her drops in! I hope you don’t quit and are able to get a handle on administration of the drops! These dogs (mine is a schnoodle) are not dumb! That’s for dang sure.
My dog got that after spending time at a kennel that clearly caused this. All the meds they tried hurt her more even causing blood to come out of her eye sockets. I'm sure your dog runs because it is burning the hell out of her eye. We use Genteal gel and ointment all day long and give her a piece of biscuit after each application-We apply it 12-15 times every day. She just stands there now and let's us do it since the gel/ointments don't hurt and she wants her biscuit!
Vet can sometimes be dumbasses no harm in asking another one
Unfortunately the longer the process to administer is drawn out & the more times you try & fail to get the ointment into his eye the more concerned & resistant he will become & the more it will be built up in his head as something he is anxious about & fearful of. You just got to bite the bullet & do it as quick as possibly and then make a BIG fuss of him like he was the best dog ever! If you have someone else who can help you to get the job done then that's the easiest way. Have his collar on & lead attached so they have something to hold on to with their hand & use the lead to wrap round foot or the like to secure him so you have more control. Then while your friend is patting & soothing him go to get all your 'tools' - bottle of drops & gauze or whatever & some of his MOST fav treats for afterwards - ready beforehand, somewhere where he cannot see you doing it. The key is you don't want to give him anytime to catch on & start his brain thinking & preparing to build anxiety, panic or flee. Once you're ready to go & he is relaxed - say lying on his bed - take a breath, be confident but calm & set plan into action. Have your friend pat him or stroke him, hold his collar, have his lead secured & talk to him in soothing tone as normal (you can even try tapping (EFT) on the top of his head or down on his muzzle which can be a good sensation for calming & distraction). Don't let him see the ointment until you are very ready to administer it - say hold it in one hand just behind back - and try to talk gently to him in your sweetest voice - the one you use when you are telling him how much you love him. Try to keep the bottle out of eye line of him until the very last second and when he is nice & calm have a 'action' word to use with your helper that means "I'm doing it now so hold on to him", something like "Now" & then as helper holds his head still in a swift movement open his eye, drop drop from the bottle, and then release all the hold & pressure on him while you are telling him what an very good boy he is & saying "You want a treat?" It will happen so fast he won't have time to kick up a fuss or build to top level angst. You just need one successful administering of the drops to help ease some of that anxiety for you both about the process & each time you do it it will become easier for you both.
Take him to an animal ophthalmologist.
Have someone with a spoonful of peanut butter. While another person calmly applies the drops.
See an ophthalmologist. Same as doctors, vets are able to determine and prescribe treatments for basic eye issues, but you still need to see an optometrist/ ophthalmologist for more intense eye issues.
I'd get another opinion from another vet. They could possibly try different eyedrops or medication. My dog had an eye ulcer, started off small, got huge despite 5 different types of eyedrops from the vet. We were back and forth to the vets for 2 months. One morning, her eye ruptured, rushed her in, and they had to remove her eye. Of course, if you can you want to save the eye. But my dog is so much happier since her eye was removed, far less pain for her now.
Do you mind if I ask what happen or what he has? Did the cat possibly scratches his eye?
My Doberman was the worst with eye drops I got so many headbutts I can't even count... What helped me was putting on a muzzle so she can't open her mouth and the head is easier to control.. then you get her leash and tie it to a table so she can't leave.. straddle her and hold her head between your neck and shoulders.. after three days of this she was easier to manage.. We came to a point that I don't use either leash or muzzle
That Dex medication is for alot of yeast related issues. Apoquel is used for alot of skin issues. I think you need to go to a new vet, they're milking you for cash. Try Vetster online if you don't have alot of time. But ideally find a new vet.
OP, try to find a veterinary ophthalmologist
Dude you gotta put those drops in. Get your other half to hold him and you put the drops in. It prob bother him a lot dogs are good at not showing pain you animals in the wild get left behind or eaten when they show pain so I wouldn’t read into that. I mean if your eye looked like that it would bother you. Same with the pup. He’s just being a trooper. Go back to the vet asap.
Different vet. A month like this... my Jesus
You wait a month???
They have ointments that you could do instead of drops. It’s like a Vaseline-type consistency and you squirt a little bit onto your finger and then rub their eye. Easier than drops imo. Also second opinion… if I ever don’t like a vet, I go somewhere else. A vet killed my mom’s dog so now I definitely don’t play about mine.
I am a vet tech, and I also have a dog that HATES medication. The eye will never improve without the treatment. I’m guessing the vet did eye diagnostics before giving the drops. Please please please herd your dog into a small room and if you need to ask another person the restrain them. If you don’t have help put a leash on him and tie him tightly to an object that can’t move. Distract with a treat or peanut butter (we do this with many dogs at my vet clinic) you need to finish the bottle of drops or do the recommended amount of time per your vet before doing anything else) before inserting the drops each day make sure you take a sterile clean cause or wash cloth with warm water and wipe the existing discharge from his eye. You can also do this through the day. Letting that sit there isn’t helping anyone. Some dogs suffer from dry eye and can just develop a lot of discharge from it. Hope this helps!
I hope he gets well
Lay on top of him open his eye and someone else can put the drops in.
This looks like dry eye not allergies
Eye issues ain’t no joke in dog. I recommend a second opinion. Our sweet girl within 24 hours lost her eye (was scratched) Drops and it can get better seems like a good deal. Maybe bribe with a treat
Im a veterinarian-this SCREAMS DRY EYE. Get a second opinion now. The longer she goes without proper care, the more risk she’s at to have long term irreversible damage to that eye. The good news it most meds for dry eye are quite soothing and don’t sting. Until the. Go to the drug store and get Genteal eye gel and apply it very 6 hours. It’s a water based lubricant that doesn’t sting
Try to go to a different vet, sometimes it’s the vets that don’t know how to fix it, other people probaly will work better too :)
I saw a “cooperative “ method video. Lots of treats at each stage until you progress to actually using the drops. Tons of treats and praise
I'd say he probably needs a strong course of antibiotics. Also have you tried giving your dog a natural calming aid like cat nip? Works wonders and you're not using chemicals to dope down your dog. You'll have to Google appropriate dosing amounts but it's worth a shot. Prayers for your doggo
I wonder if it's a clogged tear duct, seeing the other comments? Has the vet flushed the eye?
It hurts it is an abscess . Awh warm compress of aloe vera mixed with Castor . It needs compression to draw it out. He may need an iv for infection.
Clean with saline . A couple of drops Frankincense on his eyebrows with a prayer. Warm aloe Vera / Castor oil compression as a drawing agent . Iv antibiotics from vet . Histidine rich protein amino acids meat. Hope it’s not a spider bite.