Dog Swollen Eyelids

by Jase H.
(Draper, Utah)

Dog swollen eyelids

Our dog has swollen eyelids right around the edges, sometimes to the point of getting pink (in the picture they are not very pink). His eyes will also produce a lot of water/tearing.

He used to directly scratch them, especially in the morning. Since we’ve been on his case when he does that, he seems to refrain from directly scratching, but we let him rub his eyes either with his own paws or against something (blanket, us, etc.)

Our dog’s swollen eyelids seemed to follow 2 particular events. I don’t know which one had to do with it, or if at all.

The first event was a tick that was removed. It was still flat and on the top of the ear within the fur where it was burrowing trying to find a blood source. I may have removed it improperly.

After this event he was taken in to be neutered. Honestly I suspect he picked it up from the place he got neutered.

I’ve been to a (good) vet and we’ve treated for everything he can think of. Bacterial, fungal, mites/fleas. Tried different food for a while.

Allergy isn’t suspected, since he was fine until the 2 events described above. That was about 3 -4 months after we got him.

He’s actually been on about 4 different antibiotics, even a ‘good’ one I had to order online. The pictures above are one with our dog’s swollen eyelids (it’s been worse than this picture, especially after much scratching and rubbing). The other pic is him before he picked it up (normal).

Our vet is at a loss. So far the only thing that gives him relief is prednisone. The longest he was on it was at first, but I’ll put him on it for only like a week at a time just to get some relief, then try and keep him off for at least a few weeks. When he does take them I break 30 mlg pills in half (so 15 a day).

If I remember correctly, the pills might be only 15 whole, but I don’t think so.

I didn’t want to get him neutered but were forced to make a story short. The reason I didn’t want to get him neutered is because there is a lot more to hormones than reproduction. Places that specialize in spaying and neutering only see it differently of course.

Since it’s a steroid (prednisone) that keeps the swelling down, I suspect it may be possible he had it all along, and the removal of his testicles (testosterone) made it surface.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Comments for Dog Swollen Eyelids

Apr 04, 2014

My Online Vet Response for: Dog Swollen Eyelids
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

April 3, 2014

Hi Jase,
While you have submitted some good pictures, I will be unable to tell you the cause from just looking at a photograph. I can tell you that I would be suspicious of a possible auto-immune disease occurring, since your dog responds to treatment with Prednisone, and not to anything else.

Auto-Immune diseases can certainly arise from a stress. Such as an adverse reaction to any foreign protein or drug introduced into the body. Exposure to a tick bite, surgery/anesthetics/pain killing drugs, etc. are all possible causes.

In the meantime, it would be best to strengthen his immune system, starting with a healthy diet. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food-options.html, and consider trying a RAW diet for him.

No more VACCINATIONS. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.

Homeopathic remedies. In a quick search in the repertory under eyelid swelling, eyelid edema, watery eye discharge, and itching of eyelids, the top remedy is Rhus tox. Next is Euphrasia, and third is Apis mellifica.

To differentiate between these remedies would require a more in-depth questioning which would best be done in person with a holistic veterinarian. All of these remedies are very common, and can be purchased on-line, in health food stores, or from a holistic veterinarian.

Rhus tox-(derived from poison ivy), indicated when there is intense itching or rubbing, and redness.
Euphrasia- characterized by profuse watery eye drainage and minimal redness

Apis, indicated with severe edema and swelling and milder redness and mild watery drainage, and moderate itching.

Whichever remedy fits, I suggest 6C or 12C potency, place one pellet into a 2 oz glass eye dropper bottle, fill with Spring Water. Shake the bottle by hitting it against the palm of your hand 20 times, (called succussing the remedy), and give one dropper full of liquid by mouth three times daily for the first week. If there is improvement, decrease to two times daily for two weeks. If no improvement, then consider a different remedy choice.

A complete blood panel including a thyroid panel, might be indicated also, to rule out any other internal abnormality.

And there are numerous immune supplements available, some that I recommend are:
1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Apr 04, 2014

Forgot To Add
by: Jase

Thank you I will take all this into consideration. I forgot to add a few things. First is he has every now and then redness inside his ears with little black dots. I scraped one away once and it crumbled like a very dense spot of dried blot, yet tiny.

Second, they did give him another rabies shot despite his records showing he already had one, so he got a second dose there.

Apr 05, 2014

My Online Vet Response for: Dog Swollen Eyelids
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

April 4, 2014

Hi Jase,

You wrote,
” every now and then redness inside his ears with little black dots. I scraped one away once and it crumbled like a very dense spot of dried blot, yet tiny.”

I do not know what the redness with black dots would be in his ears. Perhaps he needs an exam with an otoscope to look into his ear canal?

“Second, they did give him another rabies shot despite his records showing he already had one, so he got a second dose there.”

Yikes, that is NOT going to help his immune system at all, and more than likely, may have been the cause of his swollen eyelids! In holistic veterinary medicine, problems that may have originated from a vaccine, are considered ‘vaccinosis’. Homeopathic remedies are useful in addressing this condition.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.