When is a wink more than a blink?

If your dog is winking or blinking often, it may not be just a cute expression of their personality, but a sign of a condition called Immune-mediated Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or more commonly known as “dry eye.” This condition is very painful, and if left untreated, could lead to irreparable damage to your dog’s eyes or possible blindness.

Signs of dry eye your dog may experience include:

• Rubbing or pawing at eyes

• Winking or blinking excessively

• Keeping eyes closed for prolonged periods of time when not asleep

• Redness in eyes

• Cloudy appearance in eyes not related to old age

• Drainage or oozing from eyes

Fortunately, for dogs with signs of dry eye in Brownstown and the surrounding area, there is help available.

Brownstown Veterinary Clinic has been selected to participate in a national clinical study to evaluate a new medication to manage the signs of dry eye. If your dog is exhibiting any of the signs of dry eye listed above, they may be eligible for a free eye screening as part of enrollment in the study. Enrolled dogs will receive complimentary study products, as well as complimentary study-related labs and exams.

“While any breed of dog can suffer from KCS, the condition is very common in breeds that have the shorter faces, such as cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, boxers and Boston terriers,” said Dr. Kristin Tormoehlen of Brownstown Veterinary Clinic. “But really, any dog can be susceptible to the condition. We are excited to participate in this study because this is a condition that really impacts the quality of life for dogs. With this study we have the ability to offer complimentary eye screenings to qualifying dogs, so we hope more dogs that are currently suffering may be discovered and be able to receive treatment.”

If your dog is exhibiting any of the signs of dry eye or has previously been diagnosed by a veterinarian for dry eye and is receiving treatment, contact Brownstown Veterinary Clinic at 812-358-2947 to see if your dog qualifies for a complimentary eye screening as part of enrollment in the study.