Buddy

Buddy requires life-long treatment for a condition called dry eye.

Buddy, a three-year-old Staffy, was diagnosed with a condition called dry eye after he developed red, weepy and inflamed eyes.

In early 2023, Buddy needed PDSA’s help after his owner, Louise Littlehales (37) from Wolverhampton, noticed he was waking up with his eyelids stuck together with yellow and green gunk.

She said: “His eyes had been a little irritated before, but it didn’t seem to bother him too much. I kept a close eye on him but over time it gradually got worse. He had gunk in his eyes, and he would rub his face along the floor to relieve the irritation.

“It broke my heart to see him so sad and uncomfortable. Seeing your pet in pain is the worst - I knew I had to get it sorted.”

Worried, Louise called her local PDSA Pet Hospital in Wolverhampton, who advised her to bring Buddy in to be seen by a vet.

PDSA Vet, Lian, said: “When we first saw Buddy, we gave him eye drops and pain relief to help him feel more comfortable, resolve the inflammation and clear up his weepy eyes. His medications helped but unfortunately once they finished, his eyes soon flared up again.

“Buddy returned to the Pet Hospital, and after further testing, we discovered that he had reduced tear production in both eyes, which was causing his eyes to become inflamed as they weren’t lubricated. We diagnosed him with dry eye which would require life-long management with a prescription eye ointment as well as daily eye lubrication drops.”

After a few weeks on the medication, Louise was pleased to see her lovable dog was becoming relieved of his symptoms.

She said: “Thanks to PDSA, there is no more redness, soreness or irritation. His eyes are free from gunk in the morning, and he is loving life again. We are over the moon he’s back to his old self, and we’re so grateful to PDSA for everything they have done for us.

“I don’t know what I would have done without PDSA. Buddy will have to have his eye ointment two times a day for the rest of his life and knowing how costly his regular treatment is, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it privately.

“Buddy is very much a part of the family and we’re so happy to finally see he’s happy, healthy and back home in time for Christmas.”

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Through our 48 Pet Hospitals and Pet Care scheme, we save the lives of poorly pets who would otherwise be left untreated.

Every year, we helped over 388,000 pets. Without us, emergency cases like Buddy's would be left untreated and many pets could lose their lives or be separated from families who love them.

We wouldn’t be here for dogs like Buddy without your support. Please consider donating today.

Where to next

Read more stories like Buddy's