What kind of discharge is epiphora typically associated with?

Epiphora refers to excessive tearing in animals, often observed as overflow of tears from the eye. The discharge associated with epiphora is typically clear and watery. This is primarily due to the body's natural response to irritation or obstruction, leading to an increase in the production of tears without the addition of pus or significant mucus.

In cases of epiphora, the tears may flow over the eyelid and onto the face, leading to wet fur and skin irritation. This clear, watery discharge is distinct from other types of ocular discharges, such as those that are green and thick, mucoid, or mucopurulent, which are often signs of underlying infections or other ocular diseases. These other types of discharges usually suggest inflammation, infection, or other pathological processes that require further investigation and treatment.

Thus, understanding that epiphora results in clear and watery discharge is crucial for distinguishing it from other conditions that present with different characteristics of ocular discharge.