Most often, dogs get glaucoma because they inherited an eye structure that leads to poor drainage. Dog breeds in which primary (inherited) glaucoma occurs include the Alaskan Malamute, American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Norwegian Elkhound, Poodle (all sizes), Samoyed, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.Related article
Small dogs may be more prone to retinal detachment. According to Dr. Vainisi, several small breeds of dogs, including Boston Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus, love to pick up toys and shake them hard. âFluid goes violently back and forth in the back of the eye, and it just rips the retina right off,â he says. âOne moment theyâre seeing, and the next moment they can be totally blind.âRelated article
Other retinal problems include detachment of the retina from the back of the eye, inflammation and abnormal development. Causes include infection and injury. Some retinal disorders have no treatment, while others can be helped by surgery or treatment of the cause.
âPuppy dog eyesâ gets dog parents every time. Itâs been proven that gazing into your petâs eyes produces oxytocin and promotes bonding. They are the epitome of the âpleading faceâ emoji. Irresistible.
Corneal Ulcer is a slow-healing sore on or in the dogâs cornea, accompanied by inflammation. Most ulcers are caused by injuries, and treatment often involves antibiotics. Small dog breeds with very short noses and big eyeballs are more prone to eye injuries, says Dr. Samuel J. Vainisi, DVM, ACVO of the Animal Eye Clinic in Denmark, Wisc. âBecause of that, we see a lot of ulcers on the eyes of breeds such as the Boston Terrier, the Pekinese, and the Shih Tzu.â
Conjunctivitis symptoms: Sticky eye discharge, pink or reddish coloring of the tissues around the eye, swelling and pain.
Treatments for glaucoma in dogs: Medications to decrease fluid production in the eye, improve drainage and manage pain; treatment of any underlying problems; possibly eye surgery or ongoing medical management.
Whether they glitter with mischief or shine with love, your dog’s eyes give a glimpse into their emotions and personality, while acting as your dog’s window onto the world. But dog eye infections and other issues can cloud that vision. Knowing what to watch for can help you keep your dog’s eyes healthy. Start with this overview of five common dog eye problems.
Treatments for conjunctivitis in dogs: Saline eyewash and/or antibiotics. There is a small chance you could catch conjunctivitis from your dog, so make sure to wash your hands after applying medications or petting your pal.
Cataract symptoms: White, bluish-gray or cloudy appearance to the eye. This can also result from aging, so consult your vet to determine the actual issue.
If you notice that your dogs eyes are getting white or cloudy, cataracts may be to blame. This condition tends to show up in dogs as they get older, much like it does for people. As cataracts progresses, they can impede your dog’s vision and eventually lead to blindness. Cataracts can also be a sign of an underlying illness, such as diabetes. Contact your veterinarian if you start to notice signs of cataracts in your dogs eyes.
Pink eye can also be brought on by an allergic reaction or if something gets in your dogs eye. If your dog is allergic to something like a particular scent or cigarette smoke, you can try to keep them away from the irritant. In the case of outdoor allergies or hay fever, you can ask your veterinarian about using a saline solution or artificial tears to flush irritants from your dogs eyes when they come back inside.
Did you know dogs have three eyelids? The third one is normally hidden away in the inner corner of the eyelid. However, if the ligaments that hold it in place weaken, it can stick out like a red cherry from the corner of your dogs eye. This condition typically requires surgery to repair. It is also more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs, like Beagles, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Bloodhounds, and Shih Tzu.
If you notice a bump on or at the edge of your dogs eyelid, you should have it checked out by your veterinarian. Fortunately, these masses are often not cancerous. They can be caused by issues including a cyst or benign tumor. Your veterinarian can help determine if the mass is cancerous and whether or not it requires treatment such as surgical removal.
There are plenty of ways your dog can injure their eyes and damage the cornea. They could scratch their eye with their nails trying to satisfy an itch. They might get poked by a branch as they are running past the bushes. Or they could get a bit of dirt or debris in them while playing outside.