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Dog's red, gooey eye is crusted shut. Why aren't drops working?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 3 years old | 50 lbs

Our dogs eye is red and is discharging puss that greenish yellow, it's been happening for about 2 weeks. We got him eye drops and cream but it only seems to make the puss come out more and in the morning ings his eye is caked with it he can't open it

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

Poor Canelo! He should be rechecked by your vet to determine why the eye drops and cream are not helping. He could have a corneal ulcer/scratch, bacterial/viral infection, dry eye, uveitis, glaucoma, etc. Your vet may need to do some diagnostic testing to help determine the exact cause and then prescribe medications to help. Hope he feels better soon!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Canelo! I can see that he is squinting his eye and has a fair amount of discharge. The most common causes for these changes include a corneal ulcer or infection in the eye. I don't know which medications that you have used for him, so I can't comment as to their expected results. However, since eyes are fairly delicate structures and since this issue has been going on for 2 weeks, Canelo really needs to go to his vet for evaluation. The vet will be able to examine his eye, perform a stain to determine if a corneal ulcer/scratch is present on the eye, or if there are any other problems within the eye. From there, the vet will be able to prescribe the best medication for his current condition. Until you can get to the vet, keep an e-collar (cone) on Canelo to prevent him from scratching or rubbing his eye, as this could make matters worse. You can also use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away debris that is crusted on his eye, or use a saline eye wash to help rinse away extra debris until his vet appointment. I hope this helps and that Canelo is feeling better soon!

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