Signs of infection vs normal tear staining

Tear staining is a common issue in pets, especially in dogs and cats, and can sometimes be confused with signs of infection. Understanding the difference between normal tear staining and signs of infection is crucial for pet owners to ensure proper care. Here are the key distinctions:

1. Appearance of Tear Stains

• Normal Tear Staining: Typically, tear stains are brownish or reddish in color. This discoloration is often caused by porphyrin, a pigment found in tears. The stains usually appear beneath the eyes, in the fur, and can form streaks or patches. It’s common in certain breeds with prominent eyes, like Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Poodles. This staining is generally harmless and a result of tears not draining properly through the tear ducts.

• Signs of Infection: When an infection is present, the tear stains may look more pronounced and discolored. The staining might be green or yellowish instead of the usual brownish tint. This could indicate an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, or a bacterial or fungal infection affecting the eyes.

2. Location of Tear Staining

• Normal Tear Staining: Tear stains usually appear symmetrically under both eyes, particularly on the lower eyelids. The fur around the eyes may appear wet, but there won’t be excessive swelling or irritation.

• Signs of Infection: Infected areas may show more concentrated staining, often on one side of the face. Additionally, the skin around the eyes may become red or inflamed. An infection may cause discharge to accumulate in a specific location, causing one side of the face to appear worse than the other.

3. Eye Discharge

• Normal Tear Staining: Tear staining doesn’t typically involve thick or mucous-like discharge. The tears are clear or slightly tinted, and they don’t produce any foul odor.

• Signs of Infection: If there’s a persistent discharge, it’s likely due to infection. The discharge might be thick, green, yellow, or even pus-like. It may also have an unpleasant odor. If the eyes are constantly watery and the discharge isn’t clear, it suggests a more serious issue, such as conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer.

4. Behavior of the Pet

• Normal Tear Staining: Pets with normal tear staining generally don’t show signs of discomfort. They go about their usual activities without pawing at their eyes or showing any signs of irritation.

• Signs of Infection: An infected eye can cause your pet to behave differently. They may frequently paw at the affected eye, squint, or blink more than usual. If the infection causes significant pain or discomfort, your pet may avoid bright lights, have trouble keeping their eyes open, or become more lethargic.

5. Swelling or Redness

• Normal Tear Staining: There should be no swelling or redness around the eyes. The fur may be damp due to the tears, but there is no irritation or inflammation on the skin around the eyes.

• Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, or puffiness around the eyes can indicate an infection. The conjunctiva (the pink part of the eye) may appear inflamed, or there might be noticeable swelling on the eyelids. These are clear signs of an eye infection.

6. Response to Cleaning

• Normal Tear Staining: If you clean the tear stains gently, they may fade over time, but they will likely return after a few days if the cause of the staining (e.g., anatomical issues or tear duct problems) persists.

• Signs of Infection: Infections often persist despite cleaning. If the discharge continues or worsens after cleaning or the area becomes more inflamed, it’s a strong indication that the issue is not just tear staining but a potential eye infection that requires veterinary attention.

7. Additional Symptoms

• Normal Tear Staining: Normal tear stains don’t come with other symptoms, such as a change in appetite, coughing, or fever. The pet remains otherwise healthy.

• Signs of Infection: An eye infection may cause other systemic symptoms like a decrease in appetite, fever, and irritability. If left untreated, the infection could lead to more severe complications, including corneal damage or spread of the infection to other areas.

8. Treatment

• Normal Tear Staining: Regular cleaning with a tear stain remover, using eye wipes, or rinsing the eyes with saline solution can help reduce the appearance of stains. In some cases, dietary changes or supplements that support tear duct health might help.

• Signs of Infection: An infection may require specific treatment, such as prescription eye drops, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. A veterinary visit is necessary to diagnose and treat infections properly.

Conclusion

While tear staining is often a cosmetic issue, it’s essential to distinguish it from signs of infection to prevent more serious health problems. If you notice unusual discharge, swelling, redness, or any changes in behavior, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out an infection or other underlying condition.