Epiphora (Overflow of Tears) Causes and Treatment

An abnormal overflow of tears down the cheek or face is called epiphora. Tears are formed by a special tear gland (lacrimal gland) and their function is to lubricate the cornea, supply nutrients and carry away wastes. The tears drain out through a tear duct form the eye to the nose (nasolacrimal duct).

Epiphora is caused by an overproduction or and inadequate removal of tears. Epiphora is a common problem in poodles. Quite frequently it is due to an inadequate removal of tears caused by blockage of the tear ducts, although often the cause is unknown. Epiphora is seen accompanying most diseases and disorders of the eye, particularly conjunctivitis and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). In these cases it is due to overproduction of tears from the eye irritation, although sometimes there is blockage of the ducts as well.

Signs of Epiphora

The overflow of tears down the face or cheek is readily visible in epiphora. In dogs with light-colored or white hair, especially poodles, there is brown staining of the hair where the tears contact the face.

Diagnosis of Epiphora

A special test, using a staining solution, can be done to determine if the tear ducts are blocked.

Unfortunately, in poodles the cause of epiphora is not always readily determined. Sometimes, a low-grade infection of the nose and throat causes partial or complete blockage of tear ducts, and this is most likely the cause if antibiotics given by mouth and applied in ointment form in the eyes helps reduce or clear up the problem. If the epiphora recurs when the antibiotics are stopped, the tonsils will need to be checked since they may be the source of the infection.

Treatment of Epiphora

If the epiphora is due to the eye diseases, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis, then treatment of these diseases will usually clear up the problem. Cases caused by blockage of the tear ducts often respond to medical treatments with antibiotic eye ointment and sometimes oral antibiotics, but many require flushing the ducts under anesthesia or surgical opening of the ducts.

In some chronic cases that do not respond to other treatments, surgical removal of the third eyelid helps reduce tear production. The disadvantage of this procedure is that the tear production may then be inadequate, and this can lead to other eye problems.

Chronic Epiphora

If the cause of epiphora cannot be determined or if it becomes chronic or recurring problem, despite treatments, the dog owner must learn to live with the problem. Although the cosmetic effect of epiphora is unattractive, the dog's eyes and health are usually not affected in such cases. Daily washing and frequent clipping of the hair in the stained area will keep the staining to a minimum.

Canine Eye Diseases and Vision Disorders