German Shepherd and eye problem

[schrackman]

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about German Shepherds and related eye problems or have had a similar case with their dog.

My 1 year-old Spike has developed red bumps on the outer part of both eyes. I read about Cherry Eye but from what I could tell that affects the inner part of the eye, closer toward the nose. He doesn't act hurt, and his vision appears to be still very clear based on his being able to jump and catch a tennis ball, but you can tell from the goop that's coming out it must be irritating to his eyes.

I'm hoping its relatively a minor problem that I can take care of rather than taking him to a vet (but of course I'll go that route if I have to). Any help from you dog lovers would be appreciated! Here's a few pics of his right eye, which seems to be the worse of the two:

[mjs1973]

I don't know anything about the red bumps, but our dog (black lab) has that same kind of "goop" on her face all the time. We have never noticed any problems with it, other than it's kind of gross. The vet has never said anything about it, and the wife and I have always thought that it was just something that some breeds have.

[schrackman]

Hi Michael,

Well after doing just a bit searching on the net I found out that it most likely is not cherry eye. See this website of some gross examples: http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/ce.html

Notice how the inside part of the eye is where the problem is most apparent.

I'm thinking that it may be an infection of sorts since both eyes are affected. Or maybe he just poked both eyes on some branches outside.

[JETA]

I'll betcha it's an eye infection. Probably some anti-biotic drops from the vet. When does he go in?

Does he act like this hurts? If he does systane eye drops are wonderful. My dog gets them twice a day. She cannot blink. Her eyes looked a lot like your dogs from not being able to clear her eyes on her own. Systane for her is like water on fire.

Poor baby. Hope he's better soon.

[JSPhoto]

I'd get him checked out, it looks like he poked them but as red as they are they may need some meds.
The eye goop, or eye boogers as my vet calls it is no problem. In fact the nurse always cleans it out and lets the dog lick it off her fingers so now when I clean Cassies eyes she expects me to let her lick it off my finger. It's worse in the mornings, but part of it is due to allergies.....most likely the cat as it's better when shes outside away from the cat dander.

JS

[JETA]

IIn fact the nurse always cleans it out and lets the dog lick it off her fingers so now when I clean Cassies eyes she expects me to let her lick it off my finger.

JS

I'm gonna have nightmares tonight! :cryin:

[schrackman]

I'm gonna have nightmares tonight! :cryin:

Me too!! Ewwwww!

Thanks guys. I think I will have to take him tomorrow.

And JETA, no he's not hurting. He acts just fine. But I'm sure it irritates him a bit.

[another view]

I'd vote for taking him in too - no telling what he might have gotten into. It could just be some sort of allergy too, since he's just a year old it may be something that happens every year. For example, when the grass starts seeding I get the sneezes for a week or two. Usually around Memorial Day but early this year due to the early spring. I know it happens every year and I'm used to it by now. Could be a similar thing. But glad to hear you're getting it checked out.

[schrackman]

I forgot to let you folks know I took Spike to the vet and he told me he has a very common eye disease known as Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis). It can lead to blindness if left untreated, but I caught it early and was prescribed eye drops as a treatment (there is no cure).

The info the vet gave me says Pannus is believed to result from an allergic reaction in which the body does not recognize its own corneal cells and attacks them. Excessive sun exposure (and Spike is an outside dog) may possibly be the cause.

Just thought I should inform you Spike will be ok.

[JETA]

Ray, thank you for the update. I've been wondering how Spike was. I'm so glad they caught it in time. Sounds like a would be scary thing. ((((Spike)))))

[asad664]

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