Dog with Runny Eye, Small Growth on Eyelid and Chronic Runny Nose

Hi Libby,
From the photos you submitted, it appears that the growth is attached to the underside of the upper Left eyelid. It is NOT attached to the third eyelid. The third eyelid is located in the inner corner of the eye.

Therefore, the growth is not associated with the gland of the third eyelid. This is probably a benign Meibomian cyst or tumor.

You are correct that the growth is probably irritating his cornea and causing him to have the eye drainage. Olive oil will not treat this.

His cough and runny nose that were ineffectively treated with steroids are probably due to the intra-nasal Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine. This is one of the side effects that can result.

Giving him ‘cold-medicine’ will only *suppress* the symptoms, not heal him. This is considered a ‘vaccinosis’ condition, as is the presence of the tumor on his upper eyelid.

You said you adopted him at 5 months of age, and he has allergy issues, but did not mention any of his symptoms. And that he has arthritis. Was this confirmed with x-rays? At what age?

Since he is only 9 years old, arthritis usually is not seen until over 10-12 years of age. I would suspect dysplasia is the problem. This is an inherited condition that is characterized by deformed joints causing pain. I would not consider him ‘lazy’, but his inactivity is probably due to pain.

Here are my suggestions:

1. STOP the dry dog food. See our page on 10 Best Dog food options and consider a RAW diet for him. Or at least a good quality canned food.

To improve allergies, joint conditions, upper respiratory issues, he needs to have moisture in his diet. And it will NOT help to just add water to dry dog food. Make sure he is fed 800 calories per day, or 400 calories TWO times daily. You may need to contact the company or look it up online to find the calorie content of some dogs foods.

2. NO more vaccinations. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian for an exemption to vaccinations. Conventional vaccinations will only exacerbate ALL of his problems!

And a holistic veterinarian will also be able to start treatment with homeopathic remedies to address the ‘vaccinosis’ condition.

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

3. X-RAY hips and back to diagnose if arthritis or dysplasia (or both).

4. For PAIN-this is NOT holistic, but until you can improve his diet, find a holistic veterinarian, and start immune supplements, consider giving him one baby aspirin (81 mg) with food TWO times daily for the next 3 days to see if he has a bit more energy.

3. Here is a list of immune supplements that may help him:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

And also he may benefit from Canine Whole Body Support.

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.

I already started using olive oil before I got your response stating that that wouldn’t help – but it has! The spot is almost gone. I put a drop or two of olive oil in his eye once/day. No luck with the congestion yet but I have not taken him to a natural vet yet. thank you.

August 13, 2013

Hi Libby,

That is great that the olive oil has helped the spot on his eye!

Have you been able to follow any of the other suggestions, such as improving his diet and the immune supplements?

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

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.

Related Pages:
– Dog Eye Problems,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Eye Problems Section
– Dog Symptom Checker – Photo, Question & Answer Library for Thousands of Dog Symptoms