TL;DR: Excessive clear tearing, or epiphora, is usually a low-urgency condition caused by minor irritants or blocked tear ducts, but it still requires a veterinary check-up to rule out underlying issues. Providing a clear photo during triage helps professionals assess inflammation and determine if home care is appropriate or if an in-person exam is needed.
What is excessive clear tearing, or epiphora, in dogs?
Epiphora is the clinical term for an overflow of tears from the eyes. In many dogs, this appears as a constant watery discharge that may dampen the fur around the face. Unlike thick yellow or green discharge, clear tearing usually indicates that the tear drainage system (nasolacrimal ducts) is blocked or that the eye is producing extra fluid to flush out a mild irritant like dust, wind, or allergens.
Is my dog’s excessive clear tearing a medical emergency?
The urgency level for clear tearing is generally Low. If your dog is acting normally, the eye is not red, and they are not squinting or pawing at the area, it is usually not an immediate emergency. However, it still warrants a veterinary check-up to rule out underlying issues like ingrown eyelashes or eyelid abnormalities that could eventually lead to discomfort or infection.
How does providing a photo of my dog's eye help with veterinary triage?
Capturing a high-quality, well-lit photo of your dog’s eye is an essential step in the triage process. A clear image allows a veterinary professional to:
- Assess the level of inflammation around the eye
- Look for foreign bodies or debris
- Check the clarity of the cornea
- Determine if the issue can be managed at home with simple cleaning or if an in-person diagnostic exam is necessary to prevent further irritation
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Excessive tearing (epiphora) in dogs can be caused by various factors, including imperforate lacrimal puncta in young dogs, or obstructions within the tear drainage system. Diagnostic radiographs of the skull with contrast material injected into the nasolacrimal duct (dacryocystorhinography) may be necessary to determine the site, cause, and prognosis of chronic obstructions. Hypertrophy, inflammation, and prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane ("cherry eye") is common in young dogs, leading to mucopurulent discharge. Treatment aims to maintain patency of the nasolacrimal duct through topical antibiotics and temporary catheterization with polyethylene or silicone tubing. In cases of irreversible damage to the nasolacrimal apparatus, surgical intervention such as conjunctivorhinostomy or conjunctivoralostomy can create a new drainage pathway.
Chapter: Ophthalmology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 490)