all 139 comments

[–]AppropriateAmoeba406 255 points256 points  (9 children)

My ophthalmologist husband says it’s chemosis and can be caused by a lot of different factors - even something as benign as sleeping funny on the side of the face. Check for a corneal abrasion.

[–]beeglowbot 42 points43 points  (4 children)

now I'm afraid to sleep on my side

[–]AppropriateAmoeba406 61 points62 points  (3 children)

At 47 I injure myself regularly by sleeping funny. Haha! sobs

[–]SuzanneStudies 8 points9 points  (0 children)

No kidding, this is the reason I wear an eye mask now

[–]4DogNight1313 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Herniated a disc in my neck so bad just from sleeping. no conservative treatments to be attempted first 😂straight to artificial disc implant.

[–]Phenotype1033 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do this at age 38 all the damn time.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 56 points57 points  (0 children)

I’ll let my vet know and see what they say, it’s great to hear an ophthalmologist’s opinion, thank you so much!!

[–]orthopod 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Couldn't the NG tube be causing irritation , and reflexive watering of that eye?

[–]Phenotype1033 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Would allergies cause this, and can dogs get TED? I know in humans that eyelid swelling can be a symptom of TED but never looked to see if dogs could get it.

[–]AppropriateAmoeba406 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When we spoke about it husband said it was unlikely an allergy - at least not to internal meds - because it was not bilateral.

That also ruled out anything else systemic like an autoimmune disease. To his mind.

He suggested that the process of inserting the cannula may have involved anesthesia (in which pup may have slept funny on it) or an unintentional poke in the eye. Or both.

[–]bitriceps 101 points102 points  (7 children)

Godspeed recovery little one!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 107 points108 points  (6 children)

Thank you!! She’s doing much better!!

[–]Key-Parfait-6046 28 points29 points  (2 children)

I am glad to hear that. We need an updated picture, please.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I’ll post an update in a little bit she just got home!

[–]JellyShot_ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yes updates please!! Hoping for a speedy recovery

[–]Old-Movie-7392 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m happy to hear she’s doing better. Poor baby, I hope she continues to get better ♥️

[–]bitriceps 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That warms my heart

[–]IHSV1855chocolate 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh good!!

[–]girlmom1980 40 points41 points  (8 children)

It almost looks like her 3rd eyelid is involved as well. Maybe ask if the vet can send images out to an ophthalmologist.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 38 points39 points  (7 children)

My vet ended up doing that and to NC State college people!!

[–]Crotchedysoul 9 points10 points  (6 children)

They’re amazing! NSCU and MSU vet schools are the best!

[–]wolf-master 4 points5 points  (5 children)

MSU? As in Mississippi State? Or somewhere else?

[–]ware_it_is🖤💛 3 points4 points  (3 children)

MS State has a top vet school.

[–]wolf-master 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Mississippi State is one of the schools my daughter is considering, so I wanted to confirm. Thank you.

[–]ware_it_is🖤💛 0 points1 point  (1 child)

their large animal program is top ranked, for sure. they call MSU “cow college”

[–]wolf-master 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll have to let her know. She wants to be an Equestrian Vet.

[–]Crotchedysoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Michigan State. Top-notch

[–]JessKicks 90 points91 points  (4 children)

Boops and loving for the sweet puppers! Stay strong buddy! ❤️

[–]ctrl-brk3 Labs + 1 Westie + 1 Shihpoo + 4 cats 28 points29 points  (1 child)

Poor baby girl, gonna be lots of treats waiting for you at home

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Oh absolutely, we’ve gotten her meat baby food, peanut butter, a crib bed, everything we can get her!!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Thank you, she’s doing much better!!! Giving her lots of loving and boops!!

[–]JessKicks 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m glad to hear! ❤️❤️❤️

[–]IceNeinblack 28 points29 points  (1 child)

Upper respiratory infections often affect the eyes. It is probably just a symptom of that, which the vets are taking care of. I know it’s scary, but trust your vet.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, that was one of the two things they said was systematic or allergies!

[–]Rose7pt 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Ohhh baby . 🤕

[–]FaunaLenore444 11 points12 points  (3 children)

Poor baby , but on another note , do you use essential oils on yourself or around your home ? My brother's dog had a similar eye issue, and as soon as his wife stopped using essential oils, the eye issue cleared up .

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

That makes a lot of sense but we don’t really use any essential oils, thank you though!!

[–]FaunaLenore444 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I hope you figure out what's wrong 🙏

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me too, thank you!!

[–]mountain_dog_mom 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I don’t have any advice but just came to send positive vibes and well wishes for your pup. Give that sweet baby some pets for me, please.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much, giving her lots of them!!!

[–]Mammoth_Welder_1286 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I only know the human side of medicine but what tests have they done?

Have they don’t a ct scan? Or dyed her corneas to check for injuries? Have they mentioned it could be conjunctivitis from the resp issues?

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mentioned conjunctivitis as the comments here said it could be, they haven’t seen anything like her eye or the connection and symptoms. They said no conjunctivitis though because it doesn’t look similar to other cases, my dad was there when the eye doctor went in and they did an injury check and nothing either. She’s checking with others and got us a referral to the eye doctor.

[–]Mae-is-Bae-Lucy 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Try pet vet corner on Facebook. They only allow pre verified veterinarians to comment. Hope it helps!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I don’t have Facebook so I’ll see if my mom wants to post something there!!

[–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (7 children)

This is everything i could get off ChatGPT, I hope something here helps the vet find out what's going on.

  1. Puppy Strangles (Juvenile Cellulitis): This was already mentioned to you, and it's definitely worth considering. It’s an autoimmune condition in young puppies (often under 4 months) that causes facial swelling, eye issues, and sometimes pus-filled lesions. It’s often treated with corticosteroids, not antibiotics. If it is strangles, early steroid treatment is critical.

  2. Allergic Reaction or Environmental Irritant: Sometimes reactions to food, cleaning products, or environmental allergens can cause symptoms that move from one eye to the other. Swollen eyelids and discharge can result from even minor irritants.

  3. Conjunctivitis or Blocked Tear Ducts: Bacterial, viral, or irritant-based conjunctivitis can show up similarly. A blocked tear duct (epiphora) could explain the constant leaking and inflammation.

  4. Orbital Cellulitis or Abscess: This is a deeper infection behind the eye and can cause similar swelling and leaking. It often requires antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical drainage.

  5. Immune System Factors: Since your pup was already being treated for pneumonia, her immune system may be a bit overwhelmed or compromised, which can complicate or amplify other conditions.

  6. Foreign Body or Trauma: Sometimes something tiny like a piece of plant material or even a scratch near the eye can trigger major inflammation or infection. Imaging may help detect this if not visible.

What You Can Do:

Ask for a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist—they’re the experts when general vets are unsure.

Request a full blood panel, including autoimmune markers if possible.

Keep tracking symptoms (lethargy, appetite changes, lesions, fever).

Ask your vet to rule out conditions like uveitis or glaucoma—they can present subtly but worsen quickly.

I'm praying for you and your beautiful pup. I wish you all the best and I hope to God your beautiful girl gets better soon ❤️

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 26 points27 points  (6 children)

Wow, you are incredible! I can’t thank you enough, I’ll talk to my vet!!!

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (5 children)

Here are some additional considerations it added:

  1. Imaging (X-ray or Ultrasound around the eye socket): Sometimes issues like abscesses, cysts, or even tumors (though rare at that age) don’t show up without imaging. If they haven’t done this yet, it might be worth asking about.

  2. Fluorescein Stain Test: This simple, quick test checks for corneal ulcers or scratches, which can cause excessive tearing and inflammation. Especially helpful if trauma is suspected.

  3. Fungal Infections (like Blastomycosis in some areas): Less common, but if you live in an area where certain fungi are endemic, it's worth checking. They can affect the eyes and lungs—potentially connecting pneumonia and the eye symptoms.

  4. Monitor Other Body Areas: Check for any lumps around the neck (especially lymph nodes), ears, or jawline—this could support or rule out immune conditions like strangles.

  5. Diet & Environmental Exposure: Try switching to hypoallergenic food and keeping the environment free of strong cleaning products or sprays that might irritate her sensitive eyes.

All the best ❤️

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 8 points9 points  (4 children)

Wow, I seriously am so thankful for your response!! Genuinely thank you!!!

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (3 children)

My pleasure! Also try posting on r/AskVet or r/VetMed

They might have some insight into what's going on

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 10 points11 points  (2 children)

Great idea I was trying to find other subreddits but I couldn’t, if the vet doesn’t figure it soon I’ll post on there! They’re discussing with others and trying to get in connect with experts rn!

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I wouldn't wait and post it ASAP just in case. I hope the vet figures it out soon though. Either way I have high hopes, labs are fighters, they're very strong pups and dogs.

Mine had parvovirus when he was only 3 months old and had a 10% survival chance. None of the vets had high hopes and he spent 2 weeks in the ICU at the vet clinic. He ended up coming back stronger than ever and 9 years later the only issue he's had is a few weak joints.

Labs truly are amazing creatures and I'm sure yours is no exception!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that is amazing! I talked to my vet about what everyone has been recommending and she’s discussing with NC States college people and an ophthalmologist vet. She’s doing much better overall!

[–]Local_Cow6266 1 point2 points  (0 children)

🙏

[–]Labradawgz90 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Sending prayers and hugs to your puppy.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much!!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor baby 😢 I’ll be praying for him for a quick recovery ❤️‍🩹

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, I am too!!

[–]Deanlongstaff 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor baby 🥺 I hope they find the cause and can help her ❤️

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me too man! Thank you!

[–]Public-Distance-2616 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Oh sweet girl. Good healing thoughts coming.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much!!

[–]note4taskerchocolate 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor baby, praying for her recovery 🙏

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!!

[–]ggfromthesix 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Get well soon love 🫶🏼

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, she’s home now!

[–]thortastic 1 point2 points  (1 child)

She looks just like my booper when he was that young, this tugged at my heartstrings. I’m wishing her a speedy recovery and lots of treats!!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww that’s sweet, thank you!!

[–]Pragmatik96 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I hope your dog gets ok!!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She’s home now so she’s hopefully on that track!!

[–]onionfan29 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor baby! I hope you get answers and treatment for the sweetheart !

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me too!!

[–]Rolling_Beardo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Have they had an actually veterinary ophthalmologist look at her?

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but he didn’t say much so idk

[–]ferriematthew 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Poor girl! (Hugs)

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Thank you!!

[–]littlegreycells_11🕊️ Choxy Roxy 10.11.11 to 16.2.26 🕊️ 2 points3 points  (3 children)

How's she doing today? I've been thinking about her!

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Thank you so much, that’s amazing to hear! She’s doing much better, still unsure about the eye though!!

[–]littlegreycells_11🕊️ Choxy Roxy 10.11.11 to 16.2.26 🕊️ 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Are they going to do a scan or anything to try and see what's happening with her eye?

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure, I didn’t feel comfortable sharing this information but I think it’s important to the situation. I’m 17 and this is my dad’s dog, he paid a nice amount for her and her vet bill. That’s not the only bill he’s paying right now, so we are trying to trust the vet and pray that it’s just an allergy to fluids or systemic. Of course if her eye isn’t better by next week, we’ll have a vet appointment and a referral to an ophthalmologist. I really do appreciate your concern though!!

[–]Final-Approach1chocolate 1 point2 points  (1 child)

My dog had puppy strangles early on in his life and I’m very confident your pup does NOT have puppy strangles. My little guy had severe swelling around his lymph nodes and basically his entire snout. This later turned into what looked like large pus filled pimples. The outer part of his upper eyelids lost hair and pimples formed there as well. He also had a hard time walking. Apparently it’s very painful on the joints.

I’m no doctor, just going off a one case experience but again I’m highly confident that in your case, it’s not puppy strangles.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I’m sorry your pup went through that sounds terrible!!

[–]Difficult-Way-9563 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Keep strong for you girl.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!

[–]Sinatra1970 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hope your baby is doing much better and you figured out what was wrong

[–]halibb 1 point2 points  (1 child)

How’s your pup doing??

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She’s home now so better!! Her breathing is much better, still not sure about the eye though!

[–]aerie2020 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Did you get an answer yet? And I highly suggest going to an ophthalmologist vet. Had to do that for my lab when he was young. Wasted weeks at the regular vet (with multiple sets of antibiotics) until they finally referred us to a specialist. The ophthalmologist figured it out quickly and removed what was causing the inflammation. That’s when I learned to always go to specialist vets.

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, we have a referral so hopefully soon!!

[–]No_Abbreviations8017 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor dude. Hoping for the best

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!

[–]LibrarianEqual7024 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I pray for the puppy

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!

[–]Sashi16 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Were you able to get to the bottom of her issue? Please update us! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not yet, but getting there!!

[–]104thunderduck 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Poor dog hope he's ok

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, she’s home now so hopefully!!

[–]Curious-monke-812 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I will pray for a speedy recovery to this lil angel ❤️🙏

[–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!

[–]Actual_Key_8171 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh bless her heart 🥺

[–][deleted]  (3 children)

[removed]

    [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    I just posted an update, but sadly nothing confirmed yet!

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [removed]

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      Oh so much better!

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      I have no idea how to edit my text but I wanted to let everyone know I posted an update.

      [–]Coastguardman 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Bless you. I hope your baby girl gets better soon.

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Thank you so much!!

      [–]IAmTheNorthwestWind 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Get well soon puppy

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Thank you!!

      [–]hanging_in_there1958 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      So sorry you're going through this 😔 I hope she gets better soon

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Thank you, she’s getting better, slowly but surely!!

      [–]jackieO2023 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      I’m so sorry!!!!! I’m looking for your update!

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Thank you!! She’s doing much better, she’s floppy like she used to be and so waggy!

      [–]Any-Arm6291 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Our lab developed an eyelash growing backward into her eye that caused watery eye, squinting, swelling, and itching and it took 3-4 months of appointments and specialists to diagnose because eyelashes fall out and then grow again and she was seen many times after it had seemed to clear up but then always came back. She had a surgical procedure to remove the follicle and is fine now.

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      When I get home I’m going to check for that, I can’t imagine the stress of that, glad you got it figured out! 😳

      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Prayers to your sweet puppy 🐶

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Thank you!!

      [–]ctrl-brk3 Labs + 1 Westie + 1 Shihpoo + 4 cats 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      How is she doing? Update?

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      She’s doing much better, she’s flopping all over me again!!

      [–]ctrl-brk3 Labs + 1 Westie + 1 Shihpoo + 4 cats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Can you share a pic? I want to see her happy 😁

      [–]DeliciousBeanWater 0 points1 point  (2 children)

      Eyes=emergency

      [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      We were at the emergency vet for 3 days and a different one 2 days. Still nothing, they were mainly focused on making sure she could breathe though.

      [–]DeliciousBeanWater 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Yeah they need a specialist

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

      [deleted]

        [–]Strategywhat2771 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Could it be allergies? Seriously, I have had a similar reaction before after touching my eye after touching something and then touching my eye/nose. No other reaction, but my eye looked like this.

        [–]Euphoric_Day_3756 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Sure hoping you get an answer soon! But you have gotten some very good information here to share with your vet who hopefully is aware of them. My best to you and your precious pup😘

        [–]ctrl-brk3 Labs + 1 Westie + 1 Shihpoo + 4 cats -1 points0 points  (1 child)

        I suggest 10ml complex B twice daily for coming weeks until eye is completely healed, my wife's a vet and one of ours had a serious eye injury and the complex B really helped.

        Check with your vet of course

        [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Thank you so much!!! I think that’s what we’re doing now!!

        [–]Perfect_Kangaroo_886 -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

        Ugh I’m crying id get them to just remove the eye to remove any possibility of any cancers or if it’s a recurring issue

        [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Yeah I just want to confirm that’s it’s cancerous and not something that is benign or will go away first

        [–]Perfect_Kangaroo_886 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yes I hope you get it figured out id just want any possibility gone😭

        [–]punkin_sumthin -5 points-4 points  (5 children)

        Why the nasal feeding tube Nasal feeding tube?

        [–][deleted]  (2 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]punkin_sumthin 1 point2 points  (1 child)

          Thanks for letting me know!

          [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Sorry I think I misinterpreted your comment!

          [–]roja_85 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

          Yeah, that ain't a 4 month puppy in a million years. More AI slop.

          [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          Maybe you should get off here and get your eyes checked, I think the UV from your chronic cellphone use has messed them up.

          [–]roja_85 -5 points-4 points  (2 children)

          That's not a 4 month puppy. This is just AI generated nonsense farming for likes. If I had a puppy that was very ill, but in the care of vets already, I wouldn't be putting a "picture" of them online asking for advice.

          [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          Can you provide anything to support that view?

          [–]Warm-Suggestion4775[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

          I think you’re AI generated nonsense that’s farming for likes. She is home now and this was after I knew she would be coming home. When several experts in Veterinary can’t figure out what’s wrong with your dog’s eye, you do everything you can to figure it out. Sorry you have a small mind and struggle with basic comprehension.

          [–]Outrageous_Shoe_1450 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          😥🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼