Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Carlton Veterinary Hospital

(503) 852-7009

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Online Pharmacy
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Online Form
    • Payment Policies
  • Meet Our Team
    • CVH Veterinarians
  • Dog & Cat Services
  • Equine Services
  • Gallery
  • Pet Links
    • Veterinary Topics
  • Testimonials
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Recognizing Illness >
  • 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.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

  • Online Pharmacy

    Your pet's food and medications delivered right to your door. Support us - Support local!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Contact Us

    Call or send us an email today! Our staff will respond as soon as possible.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Closed for lunch: 12:00 PM -1:00 PM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

  • "I love taking my Furbabies here!! Best doctors and staff!!❤️"
    Jodyn H.
  • "This is the only vet i go to there more like family there awesome with my pitbulls there they always are friendly and welcoming"
    Josh W.
  • "Love the staff and how everyone cares about each animal as if it was their own."
    Nancy L.
  • "They are very good with my pets and they did not cost me a fortune."
    T S

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

    Not sure if your cat is sick? Take a look at these signs. ...

    Read More
  • Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

    Wondering if pet insurance is a good idea? ...

    Read More
  • Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More
  • Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map