My dogs eye.

Question
My dog's name is Rocky, he is 12 and is a German Shepherd, Collie, and Irish wolfhound. His left eye is not dry, it is usually extremely red, has green mucous discharge, and has a mole in the back corner of his eye. It will take me a couple of weeks before I can take him to the vet. What should I do in the meantime? Please help us.

Answer

Hi Jessica,

Your dog probably needs an antibiotic, but until he can be seen by your vet, clean his eyes with a sterile ophthalmic eye washing solution, such as Bausch and Lomb Eye Relief Wash. Using a soft wet clean cloth or cotton ball with lukewarm water, squeeze it out and gently wipe away the discharge from around each eye that is affected, but do not wipe the eye itself. Then flush your dog's eyes with the eye washing solution, and dab them dry and with a clean with a towel or washcloth.
Do this twice a day.
If you're able to find a Terramycin Opthalmic (eye) Ointment at a pet store, you can apply that after flushing your dog's eyes with the eye wash solution. If you use an Opthalmic Ointment, and dog's eye doesn't look any better in two days, discontinue using it.

Eye infections may become chronic if not treated and can cause permanent damage if neglected. If at all possible, you shouldn't put off having your dog treated. If you are having trouble afford veterinary care, first talk to your regular vet. Ask your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front. Another option is to contact your local shelter or Humane Society. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. If you happen to live within driving distance to veterinary school, check with them to see if they offer discount services to the public. There are two special credit cards to apply for which help with medical bills (including veterinary bills) read about them here:

http://www.carecredit.com
http://www.healthcard.citicards.com

If your dog's symptoms do not clear up or if it gets get worse after two days after starting treatment with your vet, you'll need to promptly make another appointment at your vet's office.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti