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Are sticky eyes and dry eye syndrome linked to dog vaccinations?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 years and 6 months old

My Mini Poodle/Yorkie cross had a sticky eye when I went to have his injections. The nurse checked the tear level and said it was ok. Subsequently both his eyes got sticky so we returned to the vet. That nurse recommended Isathal for a week and to bring him back. We have now been told he has dry eye syndrome and it will cost £50 for the cream. Is this sudden change anything to do with him having a Rabis injection followed after 2 weeks by his normal shots.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 4th, 2016

I am a bit confused about why your veterinarian did not examine your dog before the vaccinations and also did not examine the eyes and why it was a nurse who did this. Keratitis sicca (if it was diagnosed by your veterinarian) is a common eye disease of certain breed dogs and can occur at any time in their life. It is impossible to say whether this was a sequel to the vaccinations, but since Charlie obviously had an eye problem when he went to have his injections, it is unlikely. The eye drops for Keratitis sicca are expensive. I would get a second opinion from a veterinary ophthalmologist to verify the diagnosis, as with Keratitis sicca Charlie will need those eye drops for the rest of his life.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, it is more likely that he had this condition already. There is a breed predisposition to it unfortunately. The very expensive ointment is the only one that can restore some of the natural ability of the lacrimal glands to produce tears, apart from that medication other cheaper ointments aim at keeping the eyes moist and reduce secondary infections. Unfortunately he is going to need ongoing care, however it' s a condition that can be managed very well with owners' compliance.

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