The so-called acid tears in dogs are not acidic at all. These are actually just a term coined for the slang way of saying chromodacryorrhea. Manifesting as browning around the eyes that is more pronounced in dogs with brachycephalic features—dogs with short snouts. This ultimate guide on acid tears aims to demystify the condition, get to the root of the reasons behind it, and offer actionable treatment routes.
So What Exactly Are Acid Tears? Scientific Elucidation
Acid tears, also named chromodacryorrhea from a scientific viewpoint, would mean alterations in the nasolacrimal system, where tears are generated. Reasons for these alterations can be quite different, from hair obstruction, different kinds of physical traumas, infections, congenital diseases, or even dental problems that affect the eye channel indirectly.
The phenomenon of acid tears: The first thing to keep in mind is that acid tears do not represent a health hazard. They are an aesthetic problem. They occur mainly in breeds with light coats or flat noses, like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos.
The Brown Stain Phenomenon: Why?
The discoloration of the acid tears arises since water begins to pool beneath the eyes. This wet surface then represents an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that is responsible for the pigmentation. Besides the bacteria, the elements that the tears are made of include catecholamines and porphyrins all associated with the iron—causing an alteration in the color.
It should be noted that tears in dogs having this condition are not acidic in their pH. Research confirms that the pH level in tears from unaffected dogs measures 5 to 6, the same has been found in the case of affected dogs.
Causes for Acid Tears
Understanding the root causes of acid tears is crucial for effective treatment and management. The condition can arise from a variety of factors, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment protocols. Below, we delve into the most common causes that contribute to the development of acid tears in dogs.
Tear Duct Obstruction
An obstructed tear duct can prevent normal tear drainage, leading to fluid buildup and frequent eye infections. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and eye discharge. Treatment may involve surgical intervention, medications, and tear therapy.
Physical Trauma
Injuries can range from cuts and bruises to bone fractures and retinal injuries. Depending on the severity, treatment may include medications, surgery, and specialized eye care.
Eye Infections
Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, eye infections manifest as redness, swelling, and discharge. Treatment involves topical or systemic medications, eye washes, and tear therapy.
Excess Tear Production (Epiphora)
Factors like eye infections, allergies, and structural eye problems can lead to epiphora. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, surgical correction of tear duct issues, and tear therapy.
Excess Hair
Breeds with long or curly coats often suffer from irritation due to excess hair around the eyes. Regular trimming is the recommended solution.
Dental Issues
Tartar buildup on teeth can lead to gingivitis and other dental problems, indirectly causing acid tears. Regular dental cleaning is essential.
Congenital Eye Diseases
These are conditions present from birth, such as congenital cataracts and glaucoma. Treatment varies based on the specific condition and may include medications, surgery, or specialized eye care.
Breeds Predisposed to Acid Tears
In some breeds of dogs, an inherent defect can predispose them to developing acid tears. This is mainly due to their brachycephalic facial conformation and to a lesser extent their light coat colors. The shortened muzzles with the round face in brachycephalic dogs can actually play a part in affecting the ability of the tear duct to drain effectively. It is also more common in white-coated breeds because it can be seen as brownish stains on light-colored coats. Breeds that are predisposed to tear staining include the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, English Bulldog, and Poodle.
Owners of dogs predisposed to brachycephalic ocular syndrome are to be careful and take necessary steps towards prevention and early treatment. An early diagnosis and treatment of acid tears are possible with regular veterinary check-ups. A more detailed guide into the distinctive health challenges associated with brachycephalic breeds, you may find this guide extremely useful.
Treatment Protocols: From the Eyes of a Veterinarian
The first step in treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis from an experienced veterinarian. Depending on what is found to be the underlying cause, a variety of medications may be prescribed, ranging from antibiotics to anti-inflammatory drugs for the bacterial infections and swelling and redness, respectively.
Regular cleaning is necessary to check any bacterial or fungal build-up, especially in the area near the eyes. Specialized dog wet wipes are available in the market or using gauze soaked with a saline solution is useful. Post-cleaning, the area has to be kept dry to reduce the chances of moisture, thereby preventing bacterial growth.
Besides, massaging the sides of the eyes will unblock the clogged tear ducts, thus improving the overall state. Proper care must be taken in this regard, and obviously no pain or injury should be caused to the dog during the process.
Conclusion: Pro-activeness with Acid Tears
Understanding the nuances of acid tears in dogs is important for making proper diagnosis and treatment. Whether your dog is a breed that has a predisposition for it or has developed it due to other underlying causes, this problem needs timely intervention from a veterinarian. Multifaceted approaches such as from identifying obstructions within the tear ducts to treating bacterial infections are often needed. Classical cleaning and maintenance approaches can go a long way towards managing this primarily aesthetic issue. It may require the extra effort of staying informed and proactive, but that can be a step in ensuring that your furry companion enjoys a more comfortable and healthy life that is free from discomfort or the stigma that is often attached to acid tears.
