Ask the Vet About Dry Eye (KCS) in Dogs and Cats
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While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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It stings. I tried in my own eye. What can I use instead that doesn’t sting or burn. I use Xiidra or Celia in my own eyes and those don’t sting. Is there a dog version of those?
Hey Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a common condition in dogs that occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes. There are several alternatives to Tacrolimus that can also be effective in treating this condition: Cyclosporine: Cyclosporine is another immunosuppressive medication that can be used to treat dry eye in dogs. Artificial tears: Artificial tears are topical eye drops that can be used to lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dry eye symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish oils and other supplements, have been shown to improve tear production and reduce inflammation in dogs with dry eye. Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms. Surgery: In severe cases of dry eye, surgery may be required to close the tear ducts and prevent tears from draining too quickly. It's important to note that each dog is unique, and the best treatment option will depend on the individual dog's symptoms, underlying condition, and overall health. A veterinarian can help determine the best course of action for your dog and prescribe the appropriate medication or treatment.

Is there something I can replace this item with, that is not as expensive?
Hey! Unfortunately there is nothing else to replace Cyclosporin eye drops. Please simply look out for Petmeds.com discounts, which they have often advertised on their website. Thank you! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

He has both eyes red, and has some discharge coming, would it be pink eye?
Hey! Dogs and Cats can both get pink eye infections. You will need to have a veterinarian asses the eyes to make sure there are no "Corneal scratches" that are painful and need different selection of eye drops. Steroid eye drops are dangerous if there is a corneal scratch. It is safe to only use an antibiotic eye drop at this point without knowing what the eye issue is. Please chat with a vet on Vetster from petmeds who can prescribe you eye drops from PetMeds to get sent to your front door! Thank you, Dr. Lindsay Butzer

My cat is somehow keeping one of their eyes shut, but off and on, has tried to open it. So far, I have tried wiping it with a warm wet cloth. What can be done to treat it?
Hey! This sounds like Feline herpes virus. Dont worry it is not transmissible to humans. You need antibiotic eye drops, oral antibiotics and a Veterinarian needs to look at your pets eye in person. Please go take your kitty to the vet soon. If it is herpes virus which I am almost sure of it.. you can order famcyclovir on petmeds for cheaper prices.

hello there. What can i do for you hehe thanks
I'm not sure what you are trying to ask, but here is a link to our article all about dry eye: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/dry-eye-dog-cat-28.html

My Daschshund had surgery and the vet prescribed a 1% solution of pilocarpine. I can't find it on your site. Is this something that you can provide.
This is the Ask the Vet section for medical questions. For products that they carry or can order for you, contact customer service. Here is their contact information: Toll Free Number (Call or Text) 1-800-PetMeds® (1-800-738-6337) Email Address customerservice@1800petmeds.com

Can I get a prescription for Optimmune without a Schirmer test? I took Charlie to the vet, we tried the prescribed Tobramycin for 10 days; seemed to help at first but now Noooo :-( I want to try something for dry eye as the vet suggested but would like to avoid further expense. Vet said we would need that test... (I have 4 rescued dogs, need to watch the budget ;-)
Optimmune requires approval from a veterinarian that has met your dog face-to-face. (A shirmer tear test really shouldn't be very expensive - it is just a strip of paper that is placed in the conjunctiva that measures tear production and takes, literally, one minute.)

can you help with insuring with pre existing condition
Sorry, no, you will have to contact a pet insurance company about that.

Our dog was diagnosed with dry eye. She is aggressive and we cannot apply safely to eye. Is there an effective alternative in pill form? Thank you
Honestly, no, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Pet has scant yellow discharge from right eye. No apparent itching, fever or loss of appetite. Treatment ?
Having your veterinarian check him/her out to determine an underlying cause and treat that directly is ideal. If that isn't immediately an option, an ointment like this may help: https://www.1800petmeds.com/optixcare+eye+lube+plus-prod12295.html

My morkie has one eye that seems to be draining a lot and has what looks to be a small star on the eyelid. Also in comparison to the size of the other eye it appears smaller in size as if to be swollen around it. Is there something you can recommend for this? Is there any non-prescription jail or ointment that would help her?
With eyes, I really try to not guess what is going on by peoples descriptions, so it is ideal to see your veterinarian for an exam if it continues. An eye wash, like this one, may help until they can see her: https://www.1800petmeds.com/ophthalmic+solution+eyewash-prod12621.html

What can i use from over the counter for my dogs eye. Looks like its irretated an red an low ?
Since there are so many potential underlying causes, it is ideal to see your veterinarian but if that isn't immediately an option, this eye gel may help: https://www.1800petmeds.com/i-drop+vet+gel-prod12622.html

Good morning, Can you please advise if there is a antibiotic or treatment for Dusty's dry eye with white discharge?
Often this is "allergic conjunctivitis" with a secondary infection, but there are other possibilities. When it is mild, just rinsing with human eye normal saline (like contact wearers use) can help. His sounds a little worse so an over-the-counter eye gel like this one is where I would start with him: https://www.1800petmeds.com/i-drop+vet+gel-prod12622.html Then if it doesn't, seeing your veterinarian for an official diagnosis and stronger prescription medications may be necessary. They will need to stain his eye to be sure that he doesn't have any corneal involvement to be able to start the stronger medication that contains a steroid, but I am hopeful that that over-the-counter eye gel may be all that he needs. There is a lot of histamine release with these inflamed eyes, so an oral antihistamine, like benadryl, may help as well. Their Benadryl (only active ingredient should be diphenhydramine) dosage is a LOT higher than ours - we dose them at 1mg per pound of body weight.

Is there a non-prescription dry eye tear drop solution safe for dogs?
Yes, but none work as well as prescription Optimmune, like this product: https://www.1800petmeds.com/optixcare+eye+lube+plus-prod12295.html

That can be applied to the eye of a baby cat as it sheds secretions. how could you help me
These eye & upper respiratory issues are common. It is almost always viral. Many cats will improve on their own with no treatment, as long as they are eating pretty well and not lethargic (mopey). If they become more lethargic and/or stop eating, seeing your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and more targeted treatment is ideal. Few easy things to do right now that will hopefully help: (1) Humidity may help, even if it's just a hot steamy bathroom multiple times a day. A humidifier works better, for longer, if you have one, use warm steam. (2) Lysine is an over-the-counter immune supplement that helps some cats - there are many brands that are formulated in chews, powders, gels, etc. that are flavored for cats like this morning: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Immune+Support+L+Lysine+Chews-prod11643.html (3) Terramycin eye ointment - https://www.1800petmeds.com/Terramycin+Ophthalmic+Ointment-prod10190.html (4) Newer studies are showing that probiotics help these kitties as well, so 2 good brands of probiotics to look for are "Proviable" (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Proviable-prod12083.html) and "Fortiflora" (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Purina+FortiFlora-prod10376.html)