Dog keeps scratching eyes...help? (pics) (allergy, yorkie, vet, prescription)
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Our 6-year-old Maltipoo keeps scratching his eyes and rubbing his face on the ground, opening up and exposing the flesh around the inside of both eyes. He also develops buildup quickly around his eyes. It started around 6 months ago and has been getting progressively worse. About 3 months ago, we took him to a vet who prescribed antibiotics and suggested he wear a cone for a week. He was still scratching after one week so we kept the cone on for a couple more weeks. After that, we've put it on again from time to time in the hopes that he would stop scratching and the cuts would heal but he hasn't slowed down. After doing a bit of research online, we also tried herbal supplements with no success. We're getting worried and would prefer not to keep taking him to a vet or paying for an allergy test if we can try other remedies at home.
Does anyone have experience with a similar problem or have any suggestions? I've attached some photos of the poor little guy's eyes. Thanks!
Take your dog back to the vet. Sounds like your pup may have seasonal allergies. You don't necessarily need allergy testing done, but at the very least you need to have direction on what antihistamines are safe and what dosage to use. If one antihistamine doesn't work after you have tried it for a week, then try another one. Generic antihistamines are relatively cheap, but you need your vet's guidance in choosing and correct dosage as some are not safe for dogs.
He could have dry eyes, a common condition in dogs, especially older dogs. The vet needs to do a tear sample to check his tear film and see if his eyes have a thinner tear film than normal. Ironically, some dogs with dry eyes tear excessively as the body tries to compensate for the loss of tear film. Artificial tears are the most common treatment for this condition, but punctal plugs, in which a tiny tube is inserted into each tear duct, is another treatment. Another less likely possibility is exotropion or entropion in which the eyelids rub on the eyeball or away from it. Both conditions can be corrected surgically. You might need to take your dog to a doggie ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Many vets aren't equipped to do specialized ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. Good luck. I hope your pup feels better.
Agree it sounds like allergies. I also wonder if her hair is getting in her eyes and that might be contributing to it. I'd take her back to the vet and ask about an antihistamine and make sure that she hasn't damaged her eyes again.
Thanks so much for the helpful replies. We actually went to a different vet after the first steps described in the OP didn't help and he DID suggest allergy and blood tests but those were going to cost over $1,000. So we took a cheaper route to no avail (new antibiotic and switching flea treatment to include mites). We also recently switched his food to Origens grain-free for its hypoallergenic ingredients and Vet's Best seasonal allergy supplements.
Seems like next step should be to try Benadryl and another visit to the vet to discuss antihistamines.
We actually went to a different vet after the first steps described in the OP didn't help and he DID suggest allergy and blood tests but those were going to cost over $1,000.
Seems like next step should be to try Benadryl and another visit to the vet to discuss antihistamines.
Unless there is something else going on, for a vet to go right to the blood work and allergy testing that costs $1000 without first advising you to try an antihistamine is ridiculous. That would be a huge red flag for me that I need to find another vet. It isn't a matter of the money, it is that your vet let you leave without offering the simplest solution that might have given your pup much needed relief.
I have a 14 year old Yorkie that was doing this. I could not figure out what was going on. When I took him to the vet he had lost his vision in one eye. He was diagnosed with dry eye. It is actually painful. There are prescription eye drops you can get to help this. I am not saying this is your dog's problem but I'd surely get the tear production test. It is just a little strip they "dip" into his lower lid.(not real expensive) I registered so I could post this so that you won't have the same outcome with your pup that I did. I am keeping the other medicated and so far so good with his vision in that one.
Good luck.
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