Eye Problems in Boston Terriers Cherry eye is a distinctive red bulge visible in the inside corner of a dog’s eye.
Due to their protruding eyes, Boston Terriers are at risk for developing a host of eye conditions including cataracts and glaucoma. Additionally because their eyes protrude outwards they are also more vulnerable to eye trauma, scrapes and other eye conditions.
Another eye problem that Boston Terriers are prone to is an eye condition called cherry eye. Cherry eye is a very visible eye condition in the inside corner of a dog’s eye, which is caused by a prolapsed third eyelid. Characterized by a pink bulge in the corner of the eye that can make it difficult for a dog to close their eye. The reddish pink bulge isn’t painful, but it’s usually pretty apparent. Dogs with cherry eye may also experience dry eye, cornea inflammation, and eye irritation.
Entropion and Great Danes
Great Danes are prone to an eye condition called entropion. Entropion is an eye disease that many dog owners are unaware of until their dogs are symptomatic and the eye damage has already been done. Entropion is a hereditary disorder that causes a Great Dane’s eyelids to roll inwards. Which may sound minor, but overtime the tiny hairs along the edge of the eyelid scrape and drag across the surface of the eye. Not only does the eye become irritated, it often leads to painful inflammation and the formation of scar tissue.
Signs of entropion include: squinting, excessive tears, and bloodshot eyes. The buildup of scar tissue on the cornea and risk of corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss and expensive surgery to correct.
Dog Breeds With Poor Eyesight: The Most Common Eye Problems In Dogs
To discuss the problems of eyesight and dog breeds, we must first deal with flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds as a separate issue. By far, some of our favorite companions are most likely to go blind. These are the dogs with smooshed muzzles and big eyes that we all know and love; our brachycephalic breeds.
Short-nosed dogs are extremely prone to a disorder called brachycephalic ocular syndrome (BOS). These breeds all have large, protruding eyes that come from an abnormal and unnatural skull shape and often create various vision issues.
Their popularity has led to a surge in breeding, recently, and a surge in bad breeding practices and inbreeding. This is made worse as breeders breed for more exaggerated features that also create more severe vision problems
The eye issues that these breeds face are many and varied. Let’s take a closer look at the challenges that develop for brachycephalic breeds.