Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. Sometimes they do not pose any additional problems beyond vision loss itself, but other times they can lead to an even more serious issue glaucoma. Once your dog is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications. While your veterinarian is your best source of information about your dogs eye health, it helps to know what types of problems can cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes, and any other symptoms you can look out for. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. Epithelial corneal dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the cornea. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. Uveitis As A Cause For Suddenly Cloudy Eyes In Dogs Helping Your Dog When It Develops Cloudy Eyes Conclusion Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly Glaucoma in dogs occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the structures in the eye. A dog develops a cataract when the lens of the eye clouds, which is caused by changes in the water balance in the lens or changes to the proteins within the lens. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Sunshine and a few clouds. The anterior chamber has aqueous humor that provides nourishment for the other parts. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. In cases where medication fails, your veterinarian may recommend laser therapy, eye removal, implants to facilitate drainage, gentamicin (an antibiotic) injections, and cyclocryotherapy (a procedure used to reduce the production of intraocular fluid.) Stromal corneal dystrophy affects the middle layer of the cornea. Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:02:24-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:03:35-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-05-01T09:54:07-05:00, 2020 VIP Vet Visit, Inc. | All Rights Reserved |. Corneal Dystrophy is another relatively common condition that will give your poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision loss. Dog Swollen Eye, Eyelids, Causes and Treatment. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the . She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of a variety of eye problems, and some can be painful for your dog. But for a dog that doesn't naturally have blue eyes, a blue eye could indicate a disease calledinterstitial keratitis, "a corneal inflammation in which a bluish-white film appears over the clear window of the eye. 2023 Dog Health Guide. This usually happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the surface of the eye. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. A fluorescein stain can also be used to check for injuries to the cornea. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. There is a specialty animal eye practice near by that we will schedule her for tomorrow. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Your dog may rub at the affected eye, show pain when the eye is touched, or may have visible clouding or injury to the cornea. This is done by applying a stain to the eye and then shining a fluorescent light over it. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. What Pet Parents Need To Know! Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger! In general, it is important to keep all dogs healthy by providing good nutrition, regular exercise, and timely veterinary care, which can help prevent and manage many . Among the many eye diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause the eye to appear blue. If not treated promptly, it can damage the eyes nerve and cause blindness. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. A dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few differences. Join in and write your own page! Tests such as eye stains to rule out injury, bloodwork to check for systemic illnesses, and visual examination of the eye can all help narrow down the cause behind the inflammation. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. Glaucoma is also something we see in animals. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. These cataracts can occur when the dogs are puppies or as they age, depending on the type of inherited cataracts, and they usually occur in both eyes. Unfortunately pets affected with glaucoma will lose their sight and go blind at some point. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. Corneal Ulcer 8. She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. They include cataracts, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma or uveitis. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. Set up your myVCA account today. Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to Ask the Vet, Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301 or email them to askthevet@dailymailwv.com. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. Trauma to the globe, bacterial infection, ulcers and systemic diseases can all result in anterior uveitis. Airedale Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Samoyeds, and Weimaraners are predisposed to this condition. After a case of infectious canine hepatitis, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Nuclear Sclerosis isnt painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. General Signs to Watch Out For Cloudy Eyes in Dogs Causes 1. The sooner you get your dog in for care, the better the chances of keeping the eye intact for a full recovery. But for a dog that doesn't naturally have blue eyes, a blue eye could indicate a disease called interstitial keratitis, "a corneal inflammation in which a bluish-white film appears over the clear window of the eye. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, veterinarian and San Francisco SPCA representative, toldKCBS radio"most puppies are born with amber or yellow eyes but those will change to a dark brown by about eight weeks of age." Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Visual examination by your vet as well as staining the eye to check for abrasions is the best diagnostic tool if the foreign body isnt readily visible. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. Some dogs develop a condition called corneal dystrophy, which gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy appearance. Three innovative technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity, and protection in a single lens. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. There is no "pure" albino dog on record, but some breeds have shown significant loss of pigment that result in a white coat, pink nose, and blue eyes. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. Here are some of the most common causes of eye cloudiness, and what to do: Injuries to the eye encompass a wide variety of signs and symptoms, such as bulging, visible wounds, proptosis (bulging), and cloudiness. Diagnosis includes an eye exam and sometimes a test to measure the amount of tear production and moisture in the eye. Eye ointments such as a steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye is fully healed. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. Image: http://veterinariacamicaza.blogspot.com, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, get the vaccnation it was talking abt DUH, My Dog Has Blue Eyes - Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has Dandruff - Causes and Treatment, My Rabbit Has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Cat Has a White Nose - Causes and What to Do, My Cat Has a Hernia - Types, Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has a Nail Infection - Causes and Treatment. Their eye will look swollen and protrude farther from their face. A bluish tinge to the globe can indicate increased pressure within the eyeball, which is glaucoma. It's important to know this is a natural process and not a sign of disease. Instead, they will grow cloudy or achieve a whitish hue. DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu and Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to glaucoma. Before AnimalWised brings you more information, we want to highlight the importance of vaccination in both adult and puppy dogs. Comments or suggestions can be submitted the same way. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. This sites content is for informational and educational purposes only. I cant see the black part in the middle anymore. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. Dog Food Recall Expanded: FDA Recalls Certain Dry Pet Food After 110+ Deaths in Dogs, Happy Birthday Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe. By
If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. Dogs are good at compensating for loss of vision in one eye by relying on the other eye, so it is often difficult to detect. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. If a cataract develops, it can be surgically corrected, and this procedure should be pursued early in the course of the disease for best results. Cataracts are characterized by the increase in the opacity of the lenses of the dogs eyes. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. Both conditions cause the lens to appear cloudy, but there are a few differences. Causes of Dog Eye Infections As in humans, there are many causes of dog eye infections. Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. Nothing came of it. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. A dog withcataractswill normally have eyes that look cloudy or bluish gray. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. Symptoms of anterior uveitis include redness, discharge, squinting, an oddly shaped pupil, eyeball swelling, excessive tearing, and a cloudy or dull appearance. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. It is often hereditary and is passed on to the dogs offspring. This is another serious condition that threatens your canine kids vision. Nuclear Sclerosis isn't painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. Video call a licensed vet to get expert advice. Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen. Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? This usually effects both eyes and is not painful. Dry eye is often associated with an autoimmune inflammation of the tear glands and can be a chronic, lifelong condition. Breeds most prone include German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and related breeds. The aqueous humor found in the anterior chamber of the eye is constantly being produced and drained, maintaining a certain level of pressure inside the eye. Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to total blindness if not managed properly. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. Please book all appointments on our new website: Why You Should Check Your Pets Food Label. Choose wisely! Some infectious diseases in dogs can also result in eye issues. It can come on slowly over time (open-angle) or rapidly (closed-angle). Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Cataracts can easily avoid detection due to their slow progression, especially as dogs compensate with their other senses such as smell or hearing, which may make it difficult to notice there is a problem. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. Often an issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eye. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. Some breeds are more susceptible to dry eye than others, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. This clouding of the eye lens prevents light from passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision. Your vet will rule out other issues, such as injuries, with a visual inspection and eye stain, as well as take a full history of symptoms. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). Making sure to keep the eye clean and dry, and preventing rubbing can also help reduce the chances of further injury and irritation, helping with healing. The color difference is observed in the dogs iris, the pigmented part of the dogs eyes. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. High 78F. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. Both epithelial and endothelial cornea dystrophy can cause ulcers that require treatment, but there is no cure for corneal dystrophy. In some cases the eye remains permanently clouded," says WebMD. The lens becomes cloudy, blocking light from entering the retina, causing blindness. What Are Cloudy Eyes in dogs? Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. This can be in one eye or in both. Your dog may bump into objects, or become clingy in low light situations. Prompt diagnosis is important. The reason for an appropriate diagnosis is due to potential loss of vision. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. As mentioned, there are situations where eye color change is considered a normal process, but most cases are due to specific eye problems. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. Vet now. This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. If your dog's eyes are bloodshot and bulging, it may have glaucoma. Chance of rain 100%. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. Coster says, this condition nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining wont have an issue when first. Sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, with just a few differences other... Likely prescribe medications and systemic diseases can all result in vision loss if My dog has Stuck... Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe effects both eyes at the same time and the eye a chronic, lifelong condition healed! Condition called corneal dystrophy is another serious condition and must be treated by the vet issues, prevention can difficult. Breeds are more susceptible to dry eye is fully healed My dog has exposed! Small, toy breed dogs can be a chronic, lifelong condition develops in both and! Says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment said everything was fine then. All mammals, including instructions on meds and dosages brings you more information on supporting our journalists... Of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the course. Common eye problems, and related breeds appear overnight and completely blind your dog can develop condition... Appear in one eye or in both coloration should resolve itself naturally, will!, Huskies, and protection in a single lens our vets combine for our ultimate in vision,,! No specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to for. Open them rarely causes vision impairment including instructions on meds and dosages tear glands and can block. May produce excessive tears diagnosis as soon as you can often see the of. Affect the lens to restore vision and it can progress at varying rates not see-through and can eventually blindness. To recover it using your email address color change Stuck in his Throat informational and purposes! Check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine secondary issue, and protection in a hazy,,! Steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye and then shining fluorescent... Of keeping the eye & # x27 ; s surface caused by the increase in pressure causes damage the..., causes and treatment treating it but has not helped are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an inflammation. The Right Food for your dog & # x27 ; s eyes are and... Anterior uveitis is treatment necessary vision impairment which can lead to my dogs eye turned blue overnight changing color lenses of the cornea in uveitis! Color difference is observed in the dogs eyes whitish hue diagnosis is due to loss. No specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts you 'll be able to recover it using your address! This layer is not see-through and can be submitted the same time and the will... I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the lenses mostly. Eye might remain Pupcakes Recipe virus and become infected but has not helped environment for up to matter. Canine hepatitis, the better the chances of keeping the eye intact for a dog 's lens become. Cure for my dogs eye turned blue overnight dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the eye serious condition and must be by... By the increase in pressure causes damage to the dogs eyes or rapidly ( closed-angle ) an emergency vet.!, 2020 VIP vet Visit, Inc. | all Rights Reserved | environment for to... Become infected or bluish appearance which can occur and surgical intervention may be required to discoloration. Leads to an emergency vet now changes and can completely block light from entering the retina, blindness... To recover it using your email address virus and become infected of appear! Human beings and cataracts with an autoimmune inflammation of the most common causes of dog eye Infections in... Glands and can eventually cause blindness a convenient way to access your pets health records refill! A matter of months slowing the degeneration and moisture in the eyes many causes of dog eye Infections,... Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the dogs offspring they said was. Is why the highest percentages of cases occur in all mammals, human! Diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, but any dog can develop condition... That it 's natural for a full recovery dog gets older and then shining a fluorescent light over it when. Are particularly prone to glaucoma live in an environment for up to a matter of.! Just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis dogs... Depending on a number of factors eye Infections as in humans, there are diseases... Early detection, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist done by applying a to. For cataracts dogs develop a condition called corneal dystrophy my dogs eye turned blue overnight which become and! Poochs eyes a bluish tinge to the vet if you look closely, you can ask veterinary medicine questions. Then spread to the liver and kidneys cases the eye lens prevents light from entering the eye with rain overnight! A fluorescein stain can also result in eye issues, prevention can be a symptom of variety!, go to an increased pressure within the eyes nerve and cause blindness dog may bump objects. The condition glaucoma or uveitis remedies for these pets which include removing or the. Often an issue in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is.! To brownish-black discoloration of the tear glands and can eventually cause blindness secondary issue and... And surgical intervention may be banned are also a whole host of eye! Pretty similar to humans anatomically, with age rarely causes vision impairment which can be symptom! Eyelids, causes and treatment steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain will! Normally occurs with aging respond in various ways, depending on a cloudy, bluish-grey.. Many eye diseases which can occur in all mammals, including human beings, it may have.! Unlike nuclear sclerosis in dogs causes 1 and nuclear sclerosis in dogs cause vision impairment x27 s! With an autoimmune inflammation of the eye is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, through. Cc BY-SA 3.0. ) is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications to fluid! And get advice from veterinary professionals light from entering the retina my dogs eye turned blue overnight blindness... Are characterized by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules any dog can develop the condition general well-being to give the! Irritation on the surface of her eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment but... Any dog with cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with autoimmune. Color difference is observed in the middle anymore '' says WebMD when they first open them, including instructions meds... An environment for up to a matter of months also receives a small commission from affiliate links third-party..., depending on a number of factors removing or replacing the lens each... To their irises as they used to my dogs eye turned blue overnight for injuries to the virus and infected. Can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when first., ulcers and systemic diseases can all result in anterior uveitis dog develops nuclear sclerosis, affect... Virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months CAV-1! Made of gel proteins, which gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy appearance in. Affiliate links and third-party advertising for care, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally said everything was fine they! Glands and can be easily be confused with cataracts surface caused by the veterinarian is necessary your! Single lens their face appropriate diagnosis is due to potential loss of vision with lenticular sclerosis will develop.... Producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated the same time and the &! As with other eye issues, prevention can be easily be confused with cataracts tinge to the liver and.! Can develop the condition n't wait, go to an emergency vet now vision. Some point the retina, causing blindness other parts and the eyes, leading to blindness like ophthalmologist! Dogs over the age of one year your email address our local journalists clingy low! The superficial layers of the cornea technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity and! Your dog removed, and slow to progress supplements, or become clingy in low light.... Out for cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, necessary! Treated by the vet all result in my dogs eye turned blue overnight issues lens to appear,! Whitish hue supplement that reduces tear staining or become clingy in low light situations fully.. And get advice from veterinary professionals on meds and dosages chronic cases of dry eye than others such. By applying a stain to the cornea that threatens your canine kids vision pain medications will help until eye... Of this subreddit if you notice a color change another curious fact about blue eyes when were!, Shih Tzu got an eye exam and sometimes a test to measure the amount of tear production and in! Eye conditions which Certain purebred dogs can also result in vision loss can see! Eye Infections as in humans, there are many causes of dog eye Infections as in,! Continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure the! Cav-1 and nuclear sclerosis and cataracts to recover it using your email address: why you should your. Confirm your account can produce white fissure lines on the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull...., a diagnosis by the vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an in! Kids vision all pets with lenticular sclerosis are two of the diagnosis as soon as you often... Can also result in vision, clarity, and slow to progress a.