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My dog's severe eye problem: treatments failed, vet suggests removal. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 15 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

My 16 y/o dog has severe KCS w/ocular perforation both eyes. Currently being treated w/Erythromycin eye gtts TID and Remend TID, generic artificial tears TID. Before this tx, we tried Tobramycin & Gentamicin q4hr. She had the last of 7 days of Clavamox po q12h. Nothing is working. Aside from euthanasia, the vet is suggesting removal of both eyes. Are there more hard-hitting antibiotics that we should be trying? What else can I do? My heart is breaking.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 1st, 2018

I sympathize with you. Painful eyes are very difficult to deal with. The answer to your question depends on if the reason for the problem is that the antibiotics aren't working because of the type of bacteria or the underlying disease. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know that information. I think your best option would be to see a specialist. Veterinary ophthalmologists have 4 years of specialized training in treating only eyes, so they have a much greater knowledge of eyes than normal vets. I actually took my 15 year old dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist last month because I want to avoid removing one of his eyes. She used medication that I have never used in my practice in 15 years and my dog is doing great now. I have included a link below for you to search for a veterinary ophthalmologist near you. http://member.acvo.org/search_results Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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