Eye Scratching

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Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.

Archived Message

Eye Scratching
by Debbie
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Eye Scratching I have a 7-yr. old Maltese who continually scratches her eyes until they are bleeding around the rims. The vet said she needed surgery to remove the hair growing inside the rims. He said this would have to be done several times during her life. I have tried antibiotic drops & cortisone drops. This clears it up for awhile. There's also little sty-like bumps around the rims. The second vet said he saw no hair growing inside. Now the tearing has turned green & am afraid the eye is infected somewhere. Has anyone heard of this? Vet #1 said hair growing inside is common to the small dogs. Has anyone else had this problem? Am desperate for feedback...He said the surgery was real gross & her eyes would look like hamburger when he's done. It is not due to long hair...she has a puppy cut and the hair is kept short around her eyes. Please help...

DISCUSSION:

This sounds like an infection or allergic reaction. Surgery is risky and the fact that the condition clears partially with drops may indicate that this can be controlled. I would suggest another expert diagnosis ASAP; if your within reasonable distance of a State University with a good Vet clinic, I have found these institutions to be literal lifesavers. Act soon.
John1

Debbie, dump vet#1 - any vet that performs surgery with the outcome of hamburger isn't really a vet! He needs to change his job title to BUTCHER!!! I would get a 3rd opinion ASAP!!! Any problems with the eyes is serious business and from what you describe the symptoms are beyond serious. Shelley just went through with hair removal from the eyes with her little Shayna. She informed us that the hairs were invisible to the naked eye and that they had to be viewed with a microscope. Good luck and keep us informed!
Carrie

Debbie: I go out of town for 6 days and you all need me. I am Shayna's Mom. #1 Find a vet that has done this many times before, Shayna's eyes were sensitive, but not like hamburgers. #2 I have been told by 2 other vets, if it is hairs growning inward & it can cause dry eye and blindness. #3 It is very painful for them to have these hairs poking them in the eye. Shayna's first surgery was March 5th and I have seen much improvement since than. They removed 48 hairs and most could not be seen with a maginfy glass he had to use the Microscope. Some hair folicles had 4 and 5 hairs growing in each. Your baby is suffering please help her ASAP. The first time my vet saw the condition he said it was a mild case, during surgery is when he discovered how bad it really was. Shayna's second surgery is next Thursday and I am so optimistic it even surprises me. Please get my "E" from Jay and contact me. I live in Central FL perhaps my Vet knows of someone where you live that can help you.
Shelley

Shelley, I've been thinking of you and Shayna lately knowing her surgery will be soon. I'll be thinking of you Thursday (and Wednesday and Friday and Saturday...). Let us know how she does, okay? Good luck.
Marie