Gunky eyes

[Pimerz777]

Rolo is a 15-year-old Lab/Chow cross whose eyes have been producing gunk for over 6 months. We've taken him to the vet three times- two different doctors. Both say that there's nothing they can do except prescribe eye drops or ointments which have not helped at all. We have tried everything they have given us, plus every OTC eye drop and gel I think might help. We've tried oral Benedryl, too. We clean Rolo's eyes about three times a day--would do it more, but we both work the same long hours. Sometimes Rolo's eyes are so matted, I know he cannot see. He HATES us cleaning them, even though we use a soft, warm, wet cloth. It doesn't matter if he is in the house or outside with us; he eyes still gunk up. Rolo is otherwise healthy, as far as the vets say. We haven't switched any products for food or cleaning. I am at a complete loss and would appreciate any help I can get for my boy.
Thanx!

[catlover2]

Sorry I can't think of anything to recommend to clear up the gunk, but it might make it easier if you could cliip or shave the coat from around the eyes, so it doesn't get stuck together and would make cleaning easier on you and the dog?

[Pimerz777]

Thanks. Rolo has very little hair around eyes. The gunk doesn't get stuck in his hair. The crusty part gets stuck to the runny part that hasn't got crusty yet. The word "extraction" comes to mind. It's a disgusting mess- but a mess confined to his eyes.
I'm praying someone will have the magic answer.

[MyBirdIsEvil]

How are his blood tests and everything? What exactly did your vets prescribe? What reason, if any, did they give for this happening to him?

He's pretty old. It may be that his immune system is compromised and the infection won't go away or keeps recurring. Drops and ointment aren't going to help if it's an immune issue or if the infection has strongly taken hold. I'm surprised that your vets don't take this seriously and haven't prescribed any oral medication such as an antibiotic. The eye issues have to be very uncomfortable for him.

It also could be an allergic reaction to something, such as an ingredient in his food. Even if he has been on something for a long time he can develop an allergy. It's not uncommon for an older dog to develop an allergy to an ingredient after consuming it for a long time. What kind of food is he eating?

[Pimerz777]

I have asked the main vet if something like depo-medrol could be used to make Rolo more comfortable. He said no. I really haven't gotten a definitive explanation about why his eyes are so irritated except that he's old. They have done blood work; I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know what. But, I am calling the vet after work today.
I guess I could always take Rolo to a third vet-- three's the charm, right?
Thanks for the insight!

[mummummum]

Any vaccinations at the onset of the matter collecting? They can cause conjunctivitis. (sp?)

Has your Vet done a corneal stain? This is generally done to check for ulcers and scratches. How about a Schirmer tear test ?

I'm a fan of Euphrasia/ Eyebright (homeopathic). Tried it?