Discharge

I was out on a vacation for a week and I left my dog in the care of a family friend.  When I returned home, I noticed that my dog is having a discharge from his eye - milky white discharge and his eye was reddish so I went ahead and clean his eye out with a warm wet cloth and then I came home a day later to find him having a greenish discharge (light greenish) from his eye and his other eye is starting to have a discharge as well so I went ahead and clean both of his eyes with wet cloth.  I was going to the drug store to get syringe so I can wash his eyes out.  I just wanted to make sure that I am doing this right.  I would have taken him to the vet but I can't afford it because my husband has been out of job for 6 months and I am supporting a family of 3 and I will not give my dog up because he is like my child and I wil not give my child up so he should be treated the same as I treat my child.

Thanks

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Hi Shani:  

This symptom can be a localized infection of the eye (now spread) or can be an indication of a more wide spread "systemic" problem.  He needs an exam.  I would think that exam and treatment would not be too expensive.  

Eye wash may help, but only to remove the discharge, and not get to or solve the underlying infection or problem.  Eye drops or ointment are not expensive and you may get him over this quickly and inexpensively.  

But I will say, the eyes are not to be neglected!  Disease or infection can hurt those delicate tissues quickly and sometimes permanently.  My suggestion is to get him in!  

[shani20]

Thanks - I am going to call the Vet and see what we can do about Hershey.  Thanks for the answer.