Disorders of the Nasolacrimal Drainage Apparatus

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                      General Information



The nasolacrimal drainage apparatus is the escape route for tears

and consists of 3 parts.



1.  The puncta:  There are 4, with 1 each at the inside corner

    of each eyelid, just on the inside of the lid margins.



2.  The lacrimal sacs:  There are 2, 1 for each eye.  These are

    dilated or widened areas that connect the 2 ducts that extend

    from each punctum.  Dacryocystitis is the term used for

    inflammation of the lacrimal sacs.



3.  The nasolacrimal ducts (tear ducts):  There are 2, and each

    extends from each lacrimal sac and continues along the muzzle

    under the lining of the roof of the nose.



Disorders of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus include

congenital deformities ("birth defects"), infections, foreign

bodies such as plant awns or seeds, and tumors.  The disorders

may occur on just 1 or on both sides.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  General anesthesia may be required for effective treatment.



2.  Laboratory tests, including cultures, may be needed.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * You cannot apply the medication as directed.



    * Your pet continually rubs its eye(s).



    * The signs persist.