Pet Question

Question
My roommate has a 1yr old female french bull mastiff and both of her eyes are red and puffy and their is a white discharge at the corner of her eyes. It just started this morning with one eye but now both eyes are red and puffy. Is their anything I can do for her or does he need to take her to the vet?

Answer
The eye inflammation could be caused by several different agents, so treatment at home may or may not be effective.  If she has come down with a virus it is possible that it will resolve entirely on its own in a couple of days.  You can clean her eyes with a warm damp cloth to remove the buildup.

If she has scratched her eyes (physical trauma) and damaged her corneas antibiotics may be necessary to avoid infection taking hold.  Though this would more likely occur in one eye than both it would be considered something to check for.  In general the best idea would be to have her taken in to your veterinarian to try to determine the cause of the inflammation.

If due to finances you are unable to do so, you could check with your local pharmacy to see if they have any antibacterial ointment safe for eyes.  Though this would not rid her of a virus you could help to prevent bacterial infection until her body can clear it on its own.

Best of luck to you and your roommate.