Epiphora (Excessive Tearing) in Dogs

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Epiphora is a medical term that describes increased lacrimation. In dogs, this can be triggered by a variety of causes, ranging from simple irritations to serious diseases.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

The lacrimal apparatus in dogs consists of the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, and the tear ducts, which drain the tears. Overproduction of tears or an obstruction in the drainage system can lead to Epiphora. Tears have the task of moistening the eye, cleaning it and protecting it from infections. However, an imbalance here can lead to an excess of lacrimal fluid.

One of the most common causes of Epiphora is a blockage or narrowing of the tear ducts. This can be congenital or caused by injuries, infections or inflammatory conditions. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to such problems, especially those with short snouts or protruding eyes, such as pugs or bulldogs.

Allergic reactions are also common triggers for Epiphora. Pollen, dust, mold or certain foods can cause allergic reactions that lead to irritation of the eyes and increased lacrimation. Environmental factors such as smoke or chemicals can also irritate the eyes.

Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, can also lead to increased lacrimation. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. In addition, a foreign body in the eye, such as small particles or grass awns, can cause irritation and increased lacrimation.

In some cases, Epiphora can also be caused by more serious problems such as glaucoma or corneal ulcers. These conditions require immediate veterinary treatment as they can endanger the dog’s eyesight.

Typical accompanying symptoms

  • Redness of the eyes: A common accompaniment of Epiphora is redness of the eyes, which is caused by irritation of the conjunctiva or by inflammatory conditions.

  • Eyelid edema: Swollen eyelids can be caused by an allergic reaction, an infection or an injury.

  • Glued eyelids: If the lacrimation is strong, the eyelids can stick together, especially after sleeping.

  • Clouding of the cornea: In severe or long-lasting cases of Epiphora, the cornea can become cloudy, which indicates possible damage.

  • Changes in behavior: Dogs that suffer from eye problems can show signs of discomfort, such as frequent blinking, rubbing their eyes with their paws, or general irritability.

When to visit the vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the lacrimation occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness or purulent discharge. This could indicate an infection or a foreign body in the eye that requires medical treatment.

If the dog shows signs of pain, such as frequent blinking, sensitivity to light or rubbing of the eyes, a veterinary visit is advisable. These symptoms may indicate more serious problems such as glaucoma or a corneal ulcer.

A chronic, persistent lacrimation that does not respond to simple measures such as keeping the eyes clean should also be examined by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

It is important for the pet owner to observe the lacrimation and any accompanying symptoms. This includes monitoring the eyes for redness, swelling or purulent discharge, as well as the dog’s behavior, such as frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes.

The veterinarian will first carry out a thorough eye examination to determine the cause of the Epiphora. This may include the use of special dyes to make corneal ulcers visible or flushing the tear ducts to identify blockages.

In addition, blood tests or allergy tests can be carried out to rule out systemic causes or allergic reactions. In some cases, an X-ray or ultrasound may be necessary to detect structural problems in the lacrimal apparatus.

The veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on the examination results and suggest a treatment plan. This may include the administration of antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, the removal of foreign bodies, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

The pet owner can help to alleviate the lacrimation by keeping the dog’s eyes clean and free of irritants. This includes regularly cleaning the eyes with a clean, damp cloth or a special eye cleaning solution for pets.

Removing allergens from the environment, such as dust, pollen or smoke, can also help to reduce the symptoms. For known allergies, the veterinarian can prescribe antihistamines or other medications to control the reaction.

It is important to check the dog’s eyes regularly and consult the veterinarian immediately if there are signs of deterioration or new symptoms. Early intervention can help to avoid serious complications and improve the dog’s quality of life.

In cases where the lacrimation is caused by a blockage of the tear ducts, gently massaging the area around the eyes can help to promote drainage. However, this should only be done after consulting a veterinarian to avoid injury.

Outlook on current research

Research into increased lacrimation, also known as Epiphora, in dogs focuses on identifying the underlying mechanisms that lead to this symptom. Scientists are investigating the anatomical features of the nasolacrimal ducts, as these have a significant impact on tear drainage. A common area of research is the genetic predisposition of certain breeds that are more likely to be affected by Epiphora due to their head shape and eye structure. Studies suggest that brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are more susceptible to tear flow problems.

Another research focus is on the development of new diagnostic methods for accurately measuring tear production and tear drainage. Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to gain detailed insights into the anatomical structure of the tear ducts. These techniques allow researchers to identify anomalies or blockages in the tear ducts that may lead to increased lacrimation.

Therapeutic research is looking for more effective treatment approaches to alleviate the symptoms of Epiphora and improve the quality of life of affected dogs. Approaches that combine anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions are promising. Newer studies are also investigating the use of minimally invasive techniques to remove blockages in the tear ducts. These interventions could represent a gentler alternative to traditional surgical methods in the future.

An emerging field of research is concerned with the influence of environmental factors on the development and worsening of Epiphora. Environmental stimuli such as allergens, dust and smoke are being investigated for their influence on tear production and the reaction of the eye. Researchers are working on the development of prevention and management strategies that aim to minimize these environmental factors in order to reduce the risk of increased lacrimation.

Long-term studies aim to understand the effects of Epiphora on the general health and well-being of dogs. Chronic tearing can lead to secondary problems such as skin irritation and infections, which underlines the need to recognize and treat the symptom effectively at an early stage. Research in this area could lead to better prevention and treatment protocols that minimize the risk of complications.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What is Epiphora (excessive tearing) in dogs? Excessive tearing or Epiphora is a condition in which too many tears are produced or the tears cannot drain properly. This causes the tears to flow over the eyelids and lead to moist spots on the dog’s face.

  2. Which breeds are most commonly affected by Epiphora? Breeds with short snouts, such as pugs, French bulldogs and Pekingese, are more likely to be affected by Epiphora due to their special head shape and eye structure. Dogs with long hair around their eyes, such as Cocker Spaniels, also often show symptoms.

  3. How can I tell if my dog has Epiphora? Signs of Epiphora include constantly moist eyes, discoloration of the fur under the eyes, and skin irritation on the face. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a veterinarian to clarify the cause.

  4. Can Epiphora lead to other health problems? Yes, untreated Epiphora can cause skin irritation, infections and discoloration of the fur. In severe cases, chronic inflammatory conditions and ulcers can develop that require veterinary treatment.

  5. What diagnostic methods are used for Epiphora? Veterinarians often use a combination of physical examination and imaging procedures such as ultrasound or CT scans to diagnose the cause of Epiphora. Sometimes tear production tests are also carried out.

  6. How is Epiphora treated in dogs? The treatment depends on the cause. It can range from simple measures such as regularly cleaning the eyes to medical treatments or surgical interventions to open blocked tear ducts.

  7. Can home remedies help against Epiphora? Some home remedies, such as gently wiping the eyes with a warm, damp cloth, can help to relieve the symptoms. However, it is important to have the underlying cause clarified by a veterinarian to ensure appropriate treatment.

  8. Are there any preventive measures against Epiphora? Regular eye care and controlling the environment for allergy-triggering substances can help to reduce the risk of Epiphora. In breeds with a genetic predisposition, regular veterinary check-ups should be carried out.

  9. Can Epiphora disappear on its own? Depending on the cause, Epiphora can be temporary, especially if it is caused by irritants or allergens. However, veterinary treatment is often necessary for anatomical or chronic causes.

  10. Is Epiphora painful in dogs? Epiphora itself is usually not painful, but can lead to secondary discomfort such as skin irritation and infections, which can be uncomfortable or painful for the dog.

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