Anyone know anything about operations to clear blocked tear ducts in dogs?

[dearjane]

My dog needs a dental so we're biting the bullet and booking it for her. It's under GA so costs £200.

She's also had blocked tear ducts since birth and the vet said when they were diagnosed that if she ever had a GA for anything else it might be worth having these operated on.

It's an extra £60 to have this done, which we're ok with. But I understand that it doesn't always work. I'm just concerned will it cause her much pain or discomfort? My understanding is that it's a cosmetic thing and I don't want her to suffer for it.

But, equally, if it's a straightforward thing while she's under GA anyway and won't cause her distress then I'm happy to pay to see if it can be sorted.

Flushing tear ducts we insert a catheter into the tear duct and flush through with sterile saline. Some dogs don't actually have tear ducts or tiny little blind ended ones, some re-block quickly after we flush. Usually completely painless.

Thanks lizcat, that's really helpful.

Do you think it's worth a shot then? Her eyes are pretty ok in summer, but in winter they run a lot. It's not something that bothers me, per se, it is purely cosmetic as she has a white coat and it's very visible.

I do this quite regularly so yes I think it is worth a try.

THanks lizcat that's really helpful.