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Sycamore Veterinary Hospital

13217 Midlothian Turnpike

Midlothian, VA 23113 US

(804) 794-3778

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  • When Is a Goopy Eye a Problem?

When Is a Goopy Eye a Problem?

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Image of someone cleaning a dog's eye.

Many dogs have thick eye discharge. Sometimes it is just in the morning; sometimes it has to do with a dog’s breed. Some breeds of dogs have eyes that sit differently in their skull, causing more discharge. And, sometimes, the goopy eye is a sign of a severe, chronic and painful condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS is commonly called chronic dry eye.

KCS, or Chronic Dry Eye, Symptoms

Often, the only thing owners notice is thick white or yellow discharge from one or both eyes. In other dogs, the white part of the eye, the sclera, can also be red, and the dog may rub at their eyes. In haired breeds, the hair around the eye often becomes matted with discharge from the eyes.

The Schirmer Tear Test

This condition can be easily confused with other eye conditions, such as allergies, unless the appropriate diagnostic tests are done. KCS is easily diagnosed with a test called the Schirmer Tear Test. This test takes 1 minute per eye and uses a little piece of paper to measure how much tear the eye produces. If the eye doesn’t produce enough tears, the answer is clear!

Effects of Untreated KCS

If it goes untreated, KCS can cause permanent corneal scarring, corneal ulcers, darkening of the cornea, and chronic pain. Many dogs will lose their vision due to these severe changes, and some dogs will even become aggressive or sensitive about their heads/ faces being touched because of the pain.

Adult onset KCS (acquired KCS) is often due to an inappropriate immune response. Treatment is a lifelong regime of eye drops that allow the eye to produce tears again. Supplemental moisturizing eye drops can also be used.

With appropriate treatment, the condition is manageable, and the health of the eye can be saved. And, most important, the pet that is suffering from this disease will be comfortable, pain free, and happy.

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Take a look at Sycamore Veterinary Hospital from the our patients perspective.

If you haven't been to Sycamore Vet yet, we have an amazing new facility in the heart of Midlothian and the friendliest staff who will love your pet as
much as you do. To give you an idea of the full experience of a typical trip to Sycamore Vet, our pal Taz helped us shoot this video of his recent visit.
Check it out!


See your pet on Petly #8211; As your pet's personal health page, Petly is a special place for you and your pet. You're just one click away! #8211; GO TO PETly

Home Delivery with FREE SHIPPING, in usually 2 days, for all of your pets
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Hospital Code EJOTU to sign up.

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Monday:

8:00 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

7:00 pm

Thursday:

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6:00 pm

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2:00 pm

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