Dry Eye or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca” or “KCS”

[Margaret1959]

I have spent over $3000 in six months with no relief of the Dry Eye in my Rat Terrier.  I have seen two regular Vets and one Opthalmology Vet.  The treatments is always the same, Fluroescien Stain, Shcirmer Test, then meds, so far - Cyclosporine 2 percent, NeoPolyDex, I-Drop/Genteal gel with or without Triemethoprim Solution and or Doxycycline Tablets and Chloramphenicol Drops, etc. etc.

My poor dog is no better than she was six months ago and I am BROKE.  Her eyes are severely itchie, the mucus is thick on them until I put in the cyclosporin and then it globs out to give her reilef for what 2 hours and then her eyes are shut again.  Saline with lubricant does not break up the mucus. When I put a cotton swab in the corner of her eye and get the stuff out she shudders because it hurts.

I need help, I cannot find any more information on line then what these Vets have done already.  I can't get in and out of the Opthalmologist for less than $300.00 and it's always the same thing "This may be as good as it gets", what the????? If she was a human that would not be a good enough answer.

HELP

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margaret, I waited to see if anyone else responded to your plea. I've already lived through the same thing for 2 years. However, I may can help you. Does your little guy have any allergies? Skin disorders, yeast infection, body odor, anything like that that he is/or has been treated for? Did this just show up with allergy season? Did they get better with the Doxy? Have you tried an antihistamine such as Benedryl? How about his age and health? Bloodwork show anything unusual? Let me know any more info. about him and I'll see if anything "rings a bell" with what I've seen and done in my guy.  Thanks,  Karla

[Margaret1959]

She is 6 years old, a Rat Terrier.  She has always loved to have her eyes rubbed softly.  About 6 months ago, the gunk started showing up in her eyes.  I just figured it was a "dog" thing.  But one day when I took a tissue to remove it from the corner she winced and I realized her eye was sore.  Took her to the Vet and they diagnosed her with Dry Eye.  She is perfect, nice teeth, skin no allergies.  Her bloodwork showed nothing unusual.  Doxy seems to have done NOTHING. The only thing I changed was from Advantage to Comfortis?  And neither Vet seems to think that could be the cause. Now on the body odor, lately she has been having a "not so fresh" smell.  One day when she was sitting on my lap I got a wet spot on my shorts and P.U.  I think it came from her vagina, but she does not have any discharge.  The Vet (ophthalmologist) called in an RX yesterday for oral Cephlexin Tablets 250 mg. twice daily.  I am on my way to pick them up now.  That does seems high, I will research it first. Thank you for taking an interest in helping me.  Margaret

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margaret, Sorry about the he thing, I see it's a she. I'm not sure where to even begin, but here goes. This one will be lengthy. * My guy came to me with bad eyes. However, I did not address them at first as there was too many other serious medical issues that had to be taken care of. When I did get around to the eyes, everything you listed is what I tried. Along with numerious "Sure cures" via the internet. I did not take this lightly though. I did everything the vet's told me to use for 1yr. I finally decided I needed a different approach. Then decided to figure it out myself as nothing they offered worked. The only difference is my guy had elevated liver enzymes that continued to rise at an alarming rate. To me, that meant too many toxins in the system and no where to go. Thus, they filter through skin and EYES. He also suffers from skin problems. I was able to get his liver healed, but will not go into that as it does not apply to your case. However, I continue to give him his Liver meds.  to help filter toxins from his system. This may be a factor!  In one desperate attempt I contacted a Holistic Vet to order a eye wash they offered. I did thorough research on not only this man, but his clinic. While I waited for the wash, I asked if I could rinse his eyes with Colloidal Silver? They said yes, and to make sure to use a lubricatng ointment at night. (I had both items on hand). OK, now I know someone is going to pipe in here and say I made a mistake doing this!  IMO, I had nothing to lose. I figured he would go blind anyway if I didn't keep trying. I wasn't taking: "This may be the best that it gets."  
To be continued.....Sorry, Margaret I gotta go for awhile.  I will continue, later.  Karla

[Misfits4Me]

P.S.  I have a 16lb. Bichon that has taken 250mg. twice a day. She did fine........

[Misfits4Me]

Part 2:  I used the eye wash for about 6 wks. and though there was improvement, not enough. BUT, the Collidal Silver (Purchase at a Health food store) worked wonders! I still use it if I see any goop forming in his eyes. Now the eye drops: The very best product I have found for Dry Eye is called I-Drop Vet Opthalmolic Solution (20 Dose Pipettes). My Vet is who orginally gave me samples of these. She does not carry it so I order online. I have only found two places that carry it in the states. The company is out of Canada and have for years made human eye care products. Just recently started making eye products for animals. They also make a wonderful eye wash. Called  I-Lid N-Lash Cleansing Gel. Both of these products are a MUST!  OK, now here is the only place to get both products: "California Veterinary Supply."  This place is great and I usually have my order in 4-5 days. I'm in OK.  Next, (This may be the most important)  Get her on a GRAIN FREE DIET. I have found about 5 different brands, but my favorite is "Innova Evo".
I buy the turkey-chicken canned and dry. The dry is called Small bites. They make other flavors, but these my dogs love. It has made an incredible difference in all of them! I have to drive 120 miles to get this. If you don't have access to this food, get back to me. I know a place online that if you spend $50 on food (Easy to do), shipping is free! (Doesn't matter if it's cases of canned or bagged, and no matter what weight).Delivery is very fast, too.  Can't beat that and it's much less money then Gas!  :)  
  Another thing:  If I were you, I would try Benedryl to see if it helps with the eye inflamation. Then you could determine if it is allergy related. The dose is 1mg. per pound and can be given 4 times a day. My "Chance" is in Heart Failure and cannot take Benedryl. Makes his heart do weird things. But, if he was young and healthy, I would not hesitate to try it.  Alright, I think that's it....His eyes have been perfect for 6mos. I suspect it's probably the first time in his life.. He's 12 yrs. old and I've had him for 2 1/2 yrs.  :)   Let me know if some of this is unclear. I'll answer any more questions you have. I'm sure I'll think of something else to add later. If so, I'll send again. Good luck to both of you and give your baby a kiss for me........Karla

[Margaret1959]

Thank you so much for your care and concern for my baby. You have shown more compassion than the Vets she has been going to.  I WILL change her diet today, we have two specialty dog food stores here in Orlando.  I was using the I-Drops, but switched to a human type, I will get more I-Drops. Also will try the Collidal Silver.  I will keep you posted. A freind of mine takes his dog to anHolistic/Accupuncture clinic and the change in diet is the first thing they recommend. Send me a real email so that we can correspond of list.  Mine is ***@****  Thank you so much.  Margaret

[Margaret1959]

hummmmm it won't let me leave a real email address???  I will try and fake it out, my email is first part: talkinghand -  then the Ampersand - then a dot - and then a net  If this doesn't work, I will see you back here on the list.

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margaret, I'm having terrible internet problems, here. Have to wait for my son to get home from vacation to resolve it. He's actually (In your neck of the woods) on Pensacola Beach for the week. I wanted to do a search on "Comfortis" side effects, complaints, problems, etc.,but my net just isn't going through quickly enough.  :(   I would highly suspect this as being the possible problem. Until you know for sure, I would not rule it out. If you need an alternative treatment for awhile, let me know. (I have one of those, too.  :)  Oh yes, my second favorite eye drop is Genteal Gel. I see you have this one. I do use this one alot, also.  Now, I hate to sound stupid, but what is a Ampersand?  OK, gotta go get medications down "Baby Chance". Talk to you soon.....Karla

[Margaret1959]

hahaha ampersand is the "at" sign in your email address, it is on the number 2 key.  

Thank you for everything.  It seems like the anitbiotic might be helping "a little". Have a great weekend.

Margaret

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Margaret...Are you still around?  It's been 2wks. and I figure your girl's antibiotic has been finished. Any luck? How are her eyes doing, now? I tried to Email you at the specified address, but it would not go through. Am I missing part of your address? (I think it's the Net part)  Anyway, I've wondered about your furbaby....Let me know.....I hope you see this.....Karla

[Ghilly]

Have you tried a product called Optimmune?  The problem with the products that are mixed up specifically for KCS is that they are stabilized with, of all things, SOAP, which is in and of itself, extremely irritating to the eye.  So even though you are treating the condition, you are still putting an irritant into the eye.  Optimmune is an ointment that contains no soap, and therefore it's much more soothing to the eye.  Sometimes, depemding on the results of the Schirmer Tear Test, it's necessary to use it twice a day until a marked difference is seen, but I have seen miraculous changes with Optimmune, so it might be worth a try.  If that's not what you've been using in your dog's eyes, ask your vet about it.  It's not terribly expensive, either, a month's supply should be under $50, if I'm not mistaken.  It's worth asking about.  My aunt's dog had THE worst case of KCS I've ever seen, and Optimmune helped her tremendously, but it took about two months to start to see a difference.

Ghilly

[Misfits4Me]

Margaret......I'm still looking for you.....How's your guy?  I know your in Florida and have been pelted with horrible weather (And more to come).  If you see this, please respond.....I'm worried about you........Karla        

[angelover02740]

I have much experience with Dry eye since my Cairn Terrier has had it for about 4 years if not more. First let me start saying that you can purchase I-Drop Vet Ophthalmic Solution - 20 dose at Vetamerica for 16.99 and 5.95 shipping. We were on Optimmune for a while with our vet until she recommended us to a specialist, we went to the specialist after he end up getting an ucler in his eye due to lack of lubricant. He would rub it off. Now the poor dog lives with a cone on his head, with the fear he will get another ulcer. He has had surgery to repair the eye.

The eye healed but we cant get him to produce enough tears. For the past 2 years we have noticed on the last week of June he starts to develop the mucus in his eye, which when winter comes its not there. so we are suspecting allergies to Ragweed. His tear production at the moment is 0 in the eye that had surgery and 20 in the other. 20 is the best we have seen in like 3 years. We did benedryl at one point because he was chewing his paws and the specialist got upset, because benderyl dries the eyes. so now years later and very much money invested we have gone no where. We had a thyroid test done called T-4 and now he will be on meds for that and maybe that might help. good luck and I hope it you find something that works for you

[alainia1]

My dog has had dry eyes for about 3 years. She recently was treated w/ round of antibiotics for infection. The vet is now recommending "denucleation" which is basically surgery removing the eyes. I don't know what to do. She says that she is in too much pain and if it were her dog this is what she would do.

[chasha33]

I really think that i would get a second opinoin.Does she still have her vision?

[maggies_mom]

Hi, I just want to say that my 9 year old shih-tzu Maggie has had some form of Conjunctivitis/dry eye for the past 5 months. I have taken her to the  vet 3 times - tried 2 different vets and lastly a pet opthamologist. This was her 4th doctor visit for the same problem. I've been prescribed eye drops, ointment and antibiotics by the different doctors. It's always the same, she gets better after the treatment of the meds is complete and then her eyes get bad again after the meds are complete. The only thing different is that the opthamologist has informed me that this is a dry eye problem that will have to be treated indefinitely. According to his treatment she will have to use the ointment (Optimmune) and the drops (Neyomycin) for ever perhaps. Well, I just don't get it! Her eyes have always been so healthy. My delicate little flower has always had one ailment or another, usually skin related but never has she ever had an issue with her eyes. Her eyes are big and beautiful and they never leaked. Now they leak all the time and even when they are doing well they are slightly pink. Sometimes they don't leak until I give her the meds which concerns me. The only thing different is that I switched her  from Frontline to Comfortis. Her eye condition started about a month after I gave her the first Comfortis pill. It didn't even dawn on me that comfortis could be the issue because her skin is all of a sudden in amazing condition because of it. We have a lot of stray cats and fleas in our neighborhood and one flea always manages to find her which usually causes a lengthy reaction and a trip to the vet if I cant get it under control. She has not had one flea bite since the Comfortis but rather now has an incurable eye condition. I've been searching the internet to see if anybody else has experienced the same thing.

[chasha33]

I use to use Optimmune,But now i have Cyclosporine compounded into eye drops.It seems to work really well for my Peke.Also it goes alot further.When i use ointments i use alot and with the drops it is so much easier.

[julie1234754]

There are few alternatives/band-aids to a lifetime of HARMFUL steroids, antibiotics and OT eye drops/ ointments.

-Human supplement such as Bio tears.(see dosing for dog tears oral gel caps link)

There used to be doggy version Dog Tears Oral Gel Caps but it's discontinued.



If it works you might not have to use tear drops at all. It takes few weeks or months to get to see great improvemnt.

Dog Tears Oral Gel Caps- discontinued same as bio tears.

http://healthierdogs.com/dog_health/dry-eye-in-dogs/

http://www.dog-health-care-information.com/dryeye

BIO TEARS supplement- check their formula

http://www.biosyntrx.com/Product.php?ItemID=1

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/showthread.php?t=981

[PixiesMom]

Hi to all. Our little girl Pixie, a 14 mo. old Japanese Chin, has dry eye. We believe it was caused by Comfortis. She came down with it about 2 weeks after we administered the Comfortis and we did not have her on any other medications. Lilly (who makes comfortis) paid for Pixie to see a K9 Opthamologist, to see if they were at fault. We went, and as expected, nothing can be determined as cause. They cannot prove it, so Lilly is off the hook. However, the op doc said he was suspicious, because, for one, Lilly offered to pay and opened a case, and also because an op doc friend of his has recently inquired of him if he'd heard of Comfortis causing dry eye. He also said he had another patient with a similarly suspicious problem after using Comfortis.  I wanted to see if any other dogs out there have had a similar problem. I sure hope not, it is horrible to watch a puppy squint and cry when all you can do is provide temporary relief. Anybody?

[lindapalm]

I've never heard of Comfortis, what is it?  Definately want to tell others of it to prevent the same thing happening that did to your baby

[Misfits4Me]

Oh Dear!!!!   I used "Comfortis"  (On all 3 of mine), last season & this season.....I'm sure disappointed to hear this, as I think it is (Or was) the best Flea control product I have ever encountered!  Thank you for the heads up.......I hope your baby Chin gets better......Karla

[PixiesMom]

To Lindapalm: Comfortis is flea prevention given oraly on a monthly schedule.

To Misfits4Me: Well, if you've used it for so long without problems (as most people have) than I would not worry. My other dogs are all fine, although I''ve switched back to drops for everyone.  Pixie had a problem within weeks, so I would think if a dog is to react, it would be sooner rather than later. I'm not trying to scare people off, since any flea medicine has potential problems, I am just trying to see if others have had this issue right after using the drug. It is possible that the dry eye is an auto immune problem, but I find that hard to believe given her young age and the suspicious timing. My regular vet told me that when this happens to dogs this young, it is usually a drug reaction. Thanks for your well wishes!

[lindapalm]

I use Advantix on our dog, applied on her back.  I've never had any problem, but I'm sure there are alot of precautions on that med too, I've been lucky so far.

[Janice198]

My sweet 2 year old miniature schnauzer was just recently diagnosed with KCS.  Through our vet we've tried the Optimmune but it did not help at all.  She's now on an antiobiotic cortisone 3 times a day with natural tear eye drops in between (per our Vet).  It's helped a wee bit, we now don't see the third eyelid appearing anymore.  But she squints all the time.  I don't like her being on cortisone for the rest of her life.  We've just changed her diet to a grain free diet to see if that helps.  I'm reading where certain people are recommending Colloidal silver.  I just bought a bottle of 250 ppm Colloidal silver from our health food store.  How do I use this?  She's 21 pounds.  How much would I use?  And how often?  Can anyone respond to these questions?  I'd be most appreciative.