Hi All

My sister in laws Westie has just been diagnosed with Doggy Dry eye (I believe that this is the like human Glycoma), the ointment the vet prescribed is 40 pounds per tube and this only lasts for 6 weeks, so they suggested something called Lacri-lube which is the same but only 4 pounds per tube and can be bought over the counter.  The thing is it great when its first applied but then he gets this film or gunky sleep which covers his eyes about five minutes after it has been used.  I was just wondering if anyone else could offer some advise really as to some other things we could try that would stop the film forming??

The vet has said that he can a rather expensive operation to put some saliva glands in his eye to replace the tear ducts which aren;t working anymore - but this is a last resort!!!

Thanks Jackie

You can also use hypromellose drops , think you can get them over the counter too , easier  as they are drops not ointment and dont go gunky!!

My cav had an accident with one of her eyes which caused dry eye in the other, the really expensive ointment was worth it, but we got the vet to write prescription and bought it off te internet, after 3 months she no longer needs it.

Linda

Thanks guys!  We got the impression from the vet that this would not go away it was a permanent thing, he is only 7 so I hope it does go away - fingers crossed!!

I will see if I can get some the drops it may help a bit more than the  ointment, we have all said the same at home that he needs something wet not oily!!

Thanks
Jackie

> Doggy Dry eye (I believe that this is the like human Glycoma),

Dry eye can be a symptom associated with Glaucoma, but it is certainly;y not the same thing.

Glaucoma is a very serious and painful eye condition, especially in dogs as often by the time signs are noticed it is too late to save thew eye.

Treatment for Glaucoma relies on monitoring the pressures in the eye and giving expensive medication to keep it down.

I was under the impression that dry eye (KCS) was permanent but treatable? I believe its likely to need life long medication.

Yes, dry eye is a life long condition. My westie has has had it for 4 years. Optimmune is what I use (petplan pay), small tube is £40.  They only do the op when optimmune stops working, although the last dog I saw that had this done was not the best advertisment for this op, (good eyes,but leaked from its mouth all the time).

Hey Guys

Optimmune just produces the gunk in his eyes, its like excessive sleep really, they did say that if they did do the Op they would use a gland from his mouth, but everytime he has a drink it would leak!!  I know they consulted the ophthalmogists and they recommened the Optimmune as well.

Christine do you find that your westie gets gunky eyes, i am thinking it may need to be done more times a day really to keep the gunk at bay???

Lacrilube was recommened by our vet as a cheaper alternative to Optimmune, it is apparantly the same thing.