Congenital/Inherited disorders: Entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, imperforate lacrimal puncta, deficiency of tear-producing tissue, hypertrophy and prolapse of nictitating membrane (“cherry eye”), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (“dry eye”), corneal dystrophy (a condition that causes recurring corneal ulcers), or uveitis.
Irritation/Inflammation: Of the eye itself and/or surrounding tissues (conjunctivitis).
Infectious diseases: Distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, secondary bacterial infections, or fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, aspergillosis).
Foreign bodies: Corneal, scleral, or conjunctival.
Trauma: Corneal ulcers and other injuries, facial trauma causing eye injury or damage to tear-producing glands, removal of or damage to tear-producing gland during surgery for “cherry eye.”
Parasites/Parasite-borne diseases: Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, borreliosis (Lyme disease).
Allergies
Drug reaction: Exposure to oral sulfa-containing antibiotics, topical atropine, or topical anesthetics, all of which can cause keratoconjunctivitis (“dry eye”).
Immune-mediated diseases: Keratoconjunctivitis (“dry eye”) or uveitis.
Endocrine disorders: Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) or hypothyroidism.
Tumors: In eye or nasal passages.
What to do: Eye discharge may or may not be an emergency, depending on severity, cause, and other signs of illness. Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately for specific advice about your dog’s situation.
Disclaimer: DogChannel.com’s Dog Medical Conditions are intended for educational purposes only. They are not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your dog’s ailment. If you notice changes in your dog’s health or behavior, please take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.