My dog has nodular episcleritis. Will it clear up or need surgery?

I sympathize with you. Painful eyes are very difficult to deal with. The answer to your question depends on if the reason for the problem is that the antibiotics aren't working because of the type of bacteria or the underlying disease. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know that information. I think your best option would be to see a specialist. Veterinary ophthalmologists have 4 years of specialized training in treating only eyes, so they have a much greater knowledge of eyes than normal vets. I actually took my 15 year old dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist last month because I want to avoid removing one of his eyes. She used medication that I have never used in my practice in 15 years and my dog is doing great now. I have included a link below for you to search for a veterinary ophthalmologist near you. http://member.acvo.org/search_results Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

This could be an inflammation of the sclera (episcleritis). At this time this does not look very dramatic or like an emergency as I cannot see other swelling which would point to more serious diseases such as glaucoma or an underlying autoimmune disease, however I would make an appointment with a veterinarian for an eye exam soon. It is not possible to diagnose this from a photo, and would need a proper eye exam. The cause of episcleritis (superficial inflammation of the sclera) or scleritis (full thickness inflammation of the sclera) is unknown, however toxins, autoimmune disorders and toxoplasmosis are accepted causes, In severe cases the vet may want to take a biopsy under anesthesia to distinguish between a mass and inflammatory tissue. Treatment may be necessary and would consist of corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressants.

These are good treatments for pannus and it definitely looks like Sora is afflicted with this condition. Unfortunately, pannus is quite difficult to treat and the eyedrops and sunglasses will help to keep it from getting worse, but may not help it get much better. I have seen a few dogs that responded very well to treatment though and had significant improvement. I would not expect it to ever be completely normal again unless surgery was done to remove the black part. Below is a link to an article that has some more helpful information about this condition. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pannus-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Sora.

I am sorry to hear about Isis! Unfortunately there is not topical medication to shrink a growth like this, the only way to remove them is surgically https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952578 . If you need ideas on helping to pay for veterinary care then you can consult this link: http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html .

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Buddy he has been through a lot! A dermoid cyst is normal tissue located on an abnormal spot, on the eye is tends to be hair that grows on the surface of the eye. The dermoid cyst is removed via a keratectomy. That is usually curative. I think what your vet says Buddy has now are ectopic cilia, which are tiny hairs that have grown in an abnormal location and are irritating his eye causing pain. They can cause excessive tearing, blinking and can even scratch the cornea (surface of the eye). Another possibility is distichia. Distichia are abnormal rows of eyelashes that, due to abnormal conformation, rub against the cornea. If Buddy has symptoms the hairs should be removed. Electrolysis or cryosurgery is used to remove the offending hairs and is done at an Veterinary ophthalmologist. I hope this helps and I wish Buddy the very best! https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/distichiasis-and-ectopic-cilia https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2684

This appears to be a blocked gland and/or infection of the eyelid. I would have to examine it more in order to tell for sure and it's best to have a vet diagnose it and prescribe the necessary treatment. These usually heal well with treatment, so it will definitely worthwhile to take him to the vet. It's not an emergency, but it's best to have him seen sometime in the next week. For now, you can flush the lesion with normal saline. Saline flush can be bought at the pharmacy, or supermarket in the eye care section. Flush the eye 3-4 times daily and gently wipe away the discharge with a warm/moist cotton or cloth. After flushing, you can hold a warm/moist cloth over the eye for five minutes. Below is a link to a good video that demonstrates how to flush the eye. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lXVNMcPzhs I hope that helps and Duke gets better soon.

Hi and thanks for your request. It is very likely to be due to an impacted/obstructed meibomian gland, which could either resolve by itself or with some anti-inflammatory drops. Tumors are possible as well and only by a quick check up these could be differentiate clinically. I do not think there is any need for an earlier check. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!