Eye oinment

[Maturin]

My dog has runny/sticky eye. The vet has prescribed Maxitrol drops which are impossible to administer. I might as well try giving eye drops to an eel. Vet says there is no alternative, but she might as well say there's no alternative to teaching the dog to sing Old Man River. I see online there is an Maxitrol ointment. Is is available for dogs?

[Jerry_NJ]

Our Westie suffers from dry eye and the treatment is a prescription called Optimmune.  It is an ointment, 1/4" in each eye every 12 hours.  It seems to work well as a treatment, not a cure.  I understand this is a life-long deal for our dog.  Being a Terrier he is not cooperative but seems to have adjusted to being put up on the washing machine (towel on top) and getting ointment in each eye.

I wondered why an ointment, not drops... seems an ointment is the better form.  I dissolves immediately when in his eye.

[Margot49]

I believe that is an antibiotic with steroid medication. You would have to call the Vet or pharmacy to see if there is an ointment available.  So, you must be dealing with something other than just runny eyes.  The only thing I use on any of my animal's eyes is a sterile saline eye wash.  

Eye drops can be hard to administer!!  What size dog do you have?  I have a little one here that hates it too.  Rather than fighting with her, cause they know, I get the bottle ready and then put her on my lap and act like nothing is up.  How to describe this....  I have her facing away from me and then scratch under her chin, tilt her head back, put my thumb above an eye and gently pull the lid back.  I have the bottle handy and put a couple of drops in.  I have sat on the floor, layer her on her back, let her calm down, then do the same to both eyes.  She gets praise and a treat afterwards.  Or, get someone to help you.  :-).

Yes, do be careful with advice ESP when it comes to drugs.  Always call your Vet to double-check.  

Good luck!  

[shannon781]

I would not advise trying the angel eye product recommended above...just saying...itsounds like your dog probably has dry eye (keratoconjuctivitis sicca). The solution is not to reduce tears further. It is true this is the only treatment, but I do not know if an ointment is available...be careful with advice on here..