Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been a Cavalier mom for over four years and have found nothing to cure the red staining around the eyes. My boy is not s show dog, and one eye has no brown around it, so the staining is really bad. I keep the area around his eyes very clean.

I've had luck in the past with tetracycline, and have recently administered two separate 10-day doses. It's not working this time. The stuff from Drs. Foster and Smith does not remove the stains. Hydrogen peroxide mixed 1:1 with distilled water doesn't do it, either. Benadryl doesn't stop the tearing.

I've searched several sites that recommend a rather hard-dore anitibiotic/steroid combination. I doubt that my vet would prescribe it. Any suggestion would really be appreciated!

It might be wise to have your vet evaluate your Cav's eyes and see if they might recommend you seeing a canine opthalmologist. Most red tear stains are caused by iron molecules most likely in the drinking water and when water in the tears evaporate the "rust" is left behind. Other red tear staining can be from a red yeast and this usually involves some kind problem with the eye itself. It could be a result of hair around the eye irritating the eye or even some genetic problem with the eye itself.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I agree, finding the cause of the tearing and solving that might be more useful in the long run and for that an optamologist is probably best. Good luck!
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Thanks, Sh-boom. It sounds like I need to take Riley to the vet. Every time before when I've taken him for this problem, she just tells me it's cosmetic, but I think the dog is in some distress... I'll mention the things you brought up. Thanks, again...