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Eye Problems and Your Dog
Dogs experience many of the same kinds of eye problems that people do. Glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and retinal degeneration are just some of the common conditions that could affect your dog at some point in her life.
Many eye problems in dogs are inherited. Most breeds tend to have at least one inherited eye problem. For example, poodles and cocker spaniels are prone to developing cataracts, while shar-peis and chow chows are prone to entropion (a deformity in which the eyelid rolls under).
Eye trauma is a frequent problem in dogs as well. Scratches from other pets or underbrush as well as other kinds of accidental injuries are common. The eye is a delicate structure, and even minor problems can quickly progress into more serious ones. While few eye problems are potentially life threatening, delayed or improper care can result in vision impairment or even loss.
How Can I Tell?
If your dog has a discharge from her eyes, especially for more than a day or so, have her eyes checked by your veterinarian. In addition, if you notice your dog rubbing her eyes, bumping into things, acting confused, or displaying unusual behavior such as confusion or aggression, a veterinary vision check may be appropriate. Other signs of a potential eye problem include teary eyes, a cloudy or opaque appearance to the eyes, squinting, redness, or inactivity or unwillingness to play if she is normally quite active.
Why Do My Dog's Eyes Glow At Night?
It's because of a specialized structure called a tapetum. Most animals that are active at night have this special, additional layer underneath their retina. This reflective structure acts like a mirror and reflects light back into your pet's retina to enhance night vision.
Common Eye Problems
As she ages, your dog's eyes may take on a slightly hazy, bluish cast. While this normal phenomenon is due to a thickening of the lens fibers in the eyes and will likely not affect vision, there are some eye conditions in dogs that can become serious if not treated.
Cataracts are very common in dogs, especially as they age. Cataracts should be suspected if you notice a blue, gray, or whitish tinge to your dog's eyes. The condition is especially common in pets suffering from diabetes or in those that have had some type of eye injury in the past. While many pets will develop cataracts by the time they reach their older years, most will be able to manage well despite them. For those pets that seem particularly troubled by them, however, cataracts can be surgically removed.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your dog's eyelids and the front of the sclera (the white part of the eye). A very common condition in dogs, conjunctivitis causes the eye to become reddened and sore. A watery discharge may be present, and your dog may attempt to rub one or both of her eyes. Conjunctivitis is frequently caused by an irritant, such as a small piece of plant material, grit, or fur, becoming lodged in the conjunctival tissue of the eye.
Glaucoma is a buildup of eye fluid and pressure within the eye. It can be painful for affected pets and can lead to partial or total blindness. Just like in people, however, glaucoma can be easily treated with medication.
A corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye. Signs of an ulcer include squinting, redness, cloudiness, and tearing. Your veterinarian can use a special green eye stain to detect the presence of a suspected ulcer on your pet's cornea. Corneal ulcers can be a concern because some may be very slow to heal.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
The best way to prevent eye problems in your dog is to use common sense. Do not allow your dog to lean her head outside a moving vehicle, inspect her eyes on a regular basis, and make sure her annual veterinary visit includes a thorough eye exam. And of course, if you suspect your dog has an eye problem, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately. © Veterinary Learning Systems 2006