Flushing Tear Ducts

I have had both my boys tear ducts flushed when they went in to be neutered, they were under anesthesia anyway, and it ruled out that the ducts were plugged. No, it didn't help either one, but I thought it was the first and easiest step to rule out a physical problem (with the ducts)
Quincymom

Clogged tear ducts are not the only cause of excessive tearing, but it can't hurt to flush them and see if it helps. Mikey tends to get clogged tear ducts every few months and we just go to the ophthalmologist who can do it without anesthesia, even with such a little dog.

Other physical problems include eyelid problems like distichiasis or entropion, both common in Maltese and may be subtle so your regular vet won't see it.

If flushing the tears ducts and the end of teething don't help, a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out another pathological cause would be a good idea. If none is found, then it is usually the structure of the face that prevents the eyes from draining well and you can treat cosmetically to keep the staining minimal.

If your regular vet can do it without anesthesia, probably not much more than the office visit. If you go to an ophtho and the dog is cooperative enough to do it without anesthesia, an office visit (usually a bit more expensive than a visit with your regular vet). If they need anesthesia, $100-200.

Alex had his tear ducts flushed when he was neutered. It did not help. I also went to an ophtalmologist. Jackie he said something about changing the structure of the face but then he would not look like a Maltese anymore. Lol. He did not recommend doing this.

Originally posted by MalteseJane@Dec 13 2004, 09:51 PM
Alex had his tear ducts flushed when he was neutered. It did not help. I also went to an ophtalmologist. Jackie he said something about changing the structure of the face but then he would not look like a Maltese anymore. Lol. He did not recommend doing this.
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Janine, a number of Maltese that are shown have very correct faces and no tear staining. It all depends on what the breeder is focusing on and if they are going for an extreme face or ignoring facial bone structure for other things. Of course, even if you try, not every pup you produce will turn out as you wanted. Genetics are funny that way. Also, Maltese breeders are not doing cerf tests, so problems common to Maltese like eyelid problems, may also be causing a lot of tear staining that is seen and, since these are hereditary, they get passed on when we ignore it and bleach away until they finish.