Tear Staining Syndrome - Dog and Cat

Tear Staining Syndrome is a cosmetic defect seen in dogs and cats.

Aetilogy

Often uncertain, with no apparent cause. Suggested contributing factors include medial lower eyelid entropian, prominent eye leading to shallow lacrimal lake or caruncular hairs wicking tears onto the face.

Signalment

Seen in Maltese Terriers, miniature and toy poodles and Burmese cats. Signs occur from a young age.

Clinical Signs

Brown staining of fur ventral to medial canthus. Rarely progresses to a moist dermatitis.

Treatment

If an underlying cause is identified, correction often gives resolution. If no underlying cause is identified, some authors recommend giving oral Oxytetracycline or Metronidazole. Other authors do not recommend using antibiotics for a cosmetic defect. Partial removal of the nicititing gland may resolve clinical signs, but predisposes to Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.

Control

Affected animals should not be bred from.

References

Maggs, D et al (2007) Slatter's Fundamentals Of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders

Peiffer, Robert J, and Petersen-Jones, Simon M (2008) Small Animal Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders