My 2 yr. old large poodle has mucus in both eyes. Has had antibiotic
drops and upon examination, his eyes are healthy.  Is this condition a
symptom of a greater health problem and is there any other practical
treatment?

---

Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 06 Feb 2006 09:41 PST

Hi sparkle,

It might be a serious condition such as blocked tear ducts.   Or, it
could be a less serious condition called eye goobers.  In either case,
your dog should be seen by a veterinarian who can diagnose and treat
the problem.

Please let me know if the information I've provided is satisfactory. 
If it is I'll be happy to repost this information as your official
answer.


Dog Daft - For Dog Lovers Only!
http://www.dog-daft.co.uk/category/dog-health/page/2/

CLEAR DISCHARGE

"Tears, or clear discharge, are usually produced to wash away
irritants. If the tear duct is blocked by mucus or an infection, tears
can overflow and run down the face, which, if prolonged, can stain the
fur. Light coloured dogs, such as poodles, often display brown fur
around their eyes, the result of (poodle eye),or blocked tear ducts.
If left untreated, surgical intervention may be necessary to clear the
blocked duct. Excessive tears may also be a symptom of another
problem, so always consult your vet."

=========

Poodle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle

"Some Poodles have hyperactive tear ducts that do not drain very well.
It is quite common to see Poodles with streaks of gooey brownish-red
secretions in the corners of their eyes. If lots of drainage needs to
occur, the tear duct may clog and a small ball of yellowish mucous may
form near the tear duct. It is advisable to gently remove this
accumulation with a lint-free and soft towel wrapped around the index
finger. Many products exist in pet stores designed to help remove this
drainage from Poodles' faces, as it can be unattractive. Often these
clear solutions are applied to a cotton ball which is then firmly
wiped over the stained fur."

=========

Best regards,
tlspiegel

---

Clarification of Question by sparkle-ga on 06 Feb 2006 11:14 PST

I'm certain it isn't clogged eye ducts - his eyes appear moist, but
muccus collects - it's cloudy and thick.  I'm just very concerned that
it may be a symtom of something wrong elsewhere.  I'll wait to see
what you can dig up and then take your research to my vet.  He was
seen by the eye specialist at the NC School of Vet Medicine, who said
"some dogs just could be" eye goobers.  Yhanks for your expertise - I
know you'll find a possible solution for me to take to the vet.
Thank you SO MUCH,
Sprkle

---

Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 06 Feb 2006 11:21 PST

Hi sparkle,

You stated in your clarification:

"I'll wait to see what you can dig up and then take your research to
my vet."  and "I know you'll find a possible solution for me to take
to the vet."

Google Answers Researchers are only able to provide general
information.  I can't diagnose your dear poodle.

Please note the following at the bottom of this page.

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers
are general information, and are not intended to substitute for
informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal,
investment, accounting, or other professional advice.


Best of luck to you,
tlspiegel

---

Clarification of Question by sparkle-ga on 06 Feb 2006 13:43 PST

Thanks so much for yur responses.  I apologize for sounding as though
I expected a diagnosis.  Actually, I thought different experiences and
your expert research would bring suggestions from poodle owners.  I
did have the vet check him this p.m. and his eyes are not injured or
in danger.  There was no evidence of blocked eye ducts, but they
certainly could develop if ignored.  I'll have the fur above his eyes
trimed, wash his eye corners with wet cloth, and put him back on
antibiotics for 2 weeks. As far as I'm concerned, you absolutely
answered my question, so please post your responses as valuable
answers.
Thank you again,
Sparkle

Hi sparkle,

Thank you for your question and for requesting I post in the answer box.

First... let me say I am the human to 2 very large miniature poodles. 
The older one had a large accumulation of mucus goober stuff at the
corner of his eyes from the time he was a puppy up until he turned 2. 
He rarely has this anymore and he's now over 7.  The other has had
this every single day and night of his life and I clean it out with a
wet cloth several times a day.  Most often I clean it before it gets
sticky and it's in a very liquid state.  He's almost 7.  Neither have
any eye problems.  So, it's just Poodle eye goober.  :)

Keeping the area clipped of extra hair is a good idea, along with
cleaning up the sticky stuff.  Gently with a clean cloth and a bit of
warm water does the job nicely.   You can even use moistened tissue.


Dog Daft - For Dog Lovers Only!
http://www.dog-daft.co.uk/category/dog-health/page/2/

CLEAR DISCHARGE

"Tears, or clear discharge, are usually produced to wash away
irritants. If the tear duct is blocked by mucus or an infection, tears
can overflow and run down the face, which, if prolonged, can stain the
fur. Light coloured dogs, such as poodles, often display brown fur
around their eyes, the result of (poodle eye),or blocked tear ducts.
If left untreated, surgical intervention may be necessary to clear the
blocked duct. Excessive tears may also be a symptom of another
problem, so always consult your vet."

=========

Poodle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle

"Some Poodles have hyperactive tear ducts that do not drain very well.
It is quite common to see Poodles with streaks of gooey brownish-red
secretions in the corners of their eyes. If lots of drainage needs to
occur, the tear duct may clog and a small ball of yellowish mucous may
form near the tear duct. It is advisable to gently remove this
accumulation with a lint-free and soft towel wrapped around the index
finger. Many products exist in pet stores designed to help remove this
drainage from Poodles' faces, as it can be unattractive. Often these
clear solutions are applied to a cotton ball which is then firmly
wiped over the stained fur."

=========

search - personal experience and the following keywords:

poodle eye mucus tear ducts

=========

Best regards,
tlspiegel

Immediate response from tlspiegel-ga.  Excellent research.  Thank you

Although I never heard the term "poodle goobers," I have owned a
poodle who had moreorless constant discharge from her eyes that
resulted in discoloration of the fur on her face. Early on a vet told
me that the problem was caused by partial occlusion of the tear
ducts...not a medical problem but a cosmetic one. Many breeds of dogs
have it, but it's much less noticeable on dark-colored coats and on
dogs with very short hair. Later on I became a professional dog
groomer, and I learned that there are products on the market that are
designed to cover up this problem. I recommend Cherrybrook.com, a
webstie that caters to the dog-showing fraternity. I haven't looked
recently, but would be surprised if Cherrybrook does not offer a
product or two to combat this cometic problem.

Hi sparkle,

Thank you for the nice comments and 5 star rating. :)

Best regards,
tlspiegel