Dry Eye Problem
Dry Eye Can Be Successfully Treated And Not So Common In The Shih Tzu
Did you know the Shih Tzu can suffer from “dry eye” just like people can? Dry eye occurs sometimes when the glands of the eyes do not produce enough tears. The production of tears is necessary to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. Without this natural tear production, “dry eyes” can occur in the Shih Tzu very similar to people’s dry eye conditions. Dry eye problems in the Shih Tzu can be treated successfully in most cases depending upon the cause. The condition is called “keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS for short) develops from a dysfunction or an underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands. The lacrimal glands are tissue that produces the aqueous portion of tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is very common in dogs. The dry eye condition is not only seen in the Shih Tzu. In fact, it is more common in English bulldogs, Cocker spaniels and pugs. The condition is extremely rare in cats.
Due to the fact that KCS can be difficult to diagnose, you probably should see a veterinarian whenever your Shih Tzu’s eyes become reddened. Reddened eyes in your Shih Tzu do not necessarily mean he or she has keratoconjuctivitis sicca. Red eyes is usually the first noticeable symptom, however, red eyes can also be a symptom of other conditions such as ulceration or glaucoma. Another symptom characteristic to KCS is sometimes a thick, ropy, green discharge.
Vets typically perform at least three procedures to diagnose eye problems. The procedures include:
• A fluorescein: A stain applied to the surface of the eye to reveal corneal ulcers
• Measuring the pressure inside the eye is used to detect glaucoma (an increase in intraocular pressure) or inflammation (which results from decreased pressure)
• A Schirmer tear test: Helps to determine if the eye is producing enough tears
When using the Schirmer tear test, if the strip stays relatively dry, KCS is the likely diagnosis.
What are the causes of KCS?
KCS can be caused by many different factors, three of the most common include:
• Immune system destruction
• Congenital defects
• Side effects from drugs
When KCS is caused by autoimmune conditions, topically applied immune-modulating drugs can help stimulate tear production. You will need to apply tear replacement ointment several times a day to keep the Shih Tzu’s eyes lubricated.
If KCS is caused by drug side effects, such as the use of sulfa drugs, the dry eye condition may not be correctable.
If KCS is caused from a congenital defect in which the lacrimal glands do not develop fully and are smaller than normal, drugs that stimulate tear production may not help, since there is not much tissue available to stimulate. The congenital defects causing KCS is often seen in Yorkshire terriers rather than the Shih Tzu.
There is a remedy for those dogs affected by a congenital defect. In the case of the underdeveloped lacrimal glands, an effective treatment is a surgical procedure called “parotid duct transposition.” The procedure is usually quite successful.
Do not feel in despair about “dry eye” in the Shih Tzu. It actually is more common in other breeds. If you have a Shih Tzu with the problem, treatment can be successful.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
About the Author
Connie Limon Visit us at
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
and sign up for our FREE newsletters. We provide Shih Tzu puppies for pet or show at reasonable prices with health guarantee. Visit our sister site at
http://smalldogs2.com/ShihTzuCastle
BarleyGreen2u.com – For Injured Arm & Dry Eye
|
|
Ridgid 25643 SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera $244.00 The Ridgid SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera is a great tool for professionals and amateurs alike. It allows you to inspect hard to reach places pipes, behind a wall, or even down a drain to find a lost ring. It has a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and a 17 mm inspection camera. It runs about 3 hours on 4 AA batteries. A flexible 3-foot cable puts your eyes where they are needed. No more struggling wit… |
|
|
Ridgid 31123 SeeSnake Micro 9.5mm Inspection Camera $286.15 The new Ridgid SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera allows you to perform detailed visual inspection in hard to reach areas. Its comfortable pistol grip design and forward facing controls make it easy to detect and diagnose the unreachable. This inspection camera features video output via a 3ft. RCA cable. The small 9.5mm camera head is perfect for up-close visual inspections in smaller spaces, the Se… |
|
|
Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional) $18.95 The outside layer of your skin is covered in oil, and being oil soluble, the Salicylic acid is able to penetrate this outer layer. Salicylic/20 peel breaks down the protein bonds between the layers of skin, which is why a much quicker peel can be achieved. For acne, the Salicylic acid has several properties that make it a very effective treatment for acne. Salicylic/20 peel acts as an anti-inflamm… |
|
|
Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional) $16.95 Glycolic Acid is a superficial peeling agent that is made from sugar cane. It is often considered the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA). Glycolic/35 works beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Working below the surface there is generally very little visible peeling with the Glycolic/35. With repetitive and continuous… |
|
|
OCuSOFT Eyelid Cleanser, Extra Strength, Pre-Moistened Pads, Individually Wrapped, 30 Pads $11.29 INDICATIONS: Ocusoft Lid Scrub effectively removes oil, debris, and desquamated skin from the eyelids. Ocusoft Lid Scrub Plus utilizes a low-level preservative blend providing a wide range of anti bacterial activity…. |
|
|
Epson Stylus NX420 Color Ink Jet All-in-One (C11CA80201) $58.99 Smart. Simple. Amazing. Wireless printing & scanning, now with Wi-Fi n 1.5″ color LCD and card slots for PC free printing 1 touch copying; reduce/enlarge high quality scanning up to 2400 dpi Auto Photo Correction & red eye removal 4 individual ink cartridges Instant-dry inks 6.4 ISO ppm black, 3.3 ISO ppm color1 Manual 2-sided printing1 Easy set-up and use… |
|
|
Pioneer VSX-33 Elite Audio/Video Multi-Channel Receiver $1,000.00 Elite receivers have always represented the utmost commitment to the artist’s original vision. Combining audio and video processing technologies found nowhere else in their class with multiple professional-level control options, all Elite receivers possess the capability to elevate your entertainment experience beyond what you’ve ever expected. And with an eye towards total home theater integratio… |
|
|
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1xRed Dot Sight Riflescope $147.95 There’s nothing like a red dot for fast target acquisition and accuracy in dim conditions, and no one makes red dots like Bushnell. The TRS-25 1×25 red dot riflescope boasts Bushnell’s Zoom Dot feature, which gives you the ability to fine tune the size of your aiming point down to one MOA for precision shooting and all the way up to 10 MOA for close quarters. The scope is also engineered with Ambe… |
|
|
Bushnell Tactical Elite 1×32 Red/Green T-Dot Riflescope $281.95 As the number one riflescope innovator in the world, Bushnell has worked diligently with law enforcement and military experts nationwide to design, test, and produce the finest family of tactical shooting instruments in the industry. The Bushnell Tactical Elite 1×32 is the latest example, with an illuminated red/green T-dot reticle that provides fast target acquisition and accuracy in dim conditio… |
|
|
Bushnell Banner 6-24×40 Rifle Scope Mill Dot Reticle $156.77 Part of the Bushnell Banner riflescope series, this 6-24×40 scope (model 71-6244) is a great choice for hunting in the morning’s first light and late in the evening. It features Bushnell’s Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lens and a fast-focus eyepiece. It also offers a Mill Dot reticle, 100 percent waterproof/fogproof/shockproof construction, and dry nitrogen fill. Specifications: Fin… |