Canine Ophthalmic Disease

Pay attention to even slight abnormalities in your dog's eyes or vision.

"Eye and eyelid diseases are traditionally divided into congenital-developmental and hereditary, trauma, inflammatory, immune-mediated and others, and eye and eyelid tumors," according to the Go Pets America website. The orbital anatomies of certain breeds predispose them to eye and eyelid diseases. Large and giant breeds, for example, are predisposed to chronic conjunctivitis and entropion.

Eyelids

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane lining the dog's eyelid and sclera (the white part of the eye). It's typically caused by infection, scratches or irritants. Ointments or eye drops are prescribed. Entropion is a common hereditary defect which causes dogs' eyelids to turn inwards, resulting in scratches to the cornea from eyelashes. It impairs vision and requires surgery. "Cherry eye" occurs when a dog's third eyelid, located in the corner of each eye, moves from normal position and swells. Surgery corrects the problem.

Dry Eye

Inadequate tear production causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or "dry eye." Affected eyes develop thick, yellowish discharge. Infections are common because of the lack of bactericidal tears. Untreated dogs suffer painful, chronic eye infections. Repeated irritation causes severe corneal scarring. Ulceration may develop and lead to blindness. Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment or drops are prescribed. In some instances, artificial tear solutions are recommended. Surgery that transplants a salivary duct into the upper eyelid is performed in severe cases.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common canine eye diseases. There is disruption of the normal arrangement of the lens fibers or lens capsule. It results in loss of transparency and vision reduction. Cataracts have many different forms and causes, according to PetEducation.com, and they affect all breeds and ages. Treatment consists of surgically removing the lens. Unregulated diabetic dogs, aggressive dogs that are difficult to treat daily, or dogs in poor health aren't good candidates for surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is very common in dogs. It occurs when the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball becomes higher than normal. Primary glaucoma is usually genetically predetermined. Secondary glaucoma is caused by another condition, for example, a penetrating wound to the eye. Early signs of glaucoma include pain, a dilated pupil, cloudiness or one eye larger than the other. There are medications but in most cases long-term control requires surgery. Glaucoma is a veterinary emergency. Delayed treatment can mean blindness.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy or degeneration (PRA or PRD) refers to several progressive canine eye diseases that lead to blindness. It's documented in more than 100 breeds and mixed breeds as well, according to PetEducation.com. The multiple forms differ in age of onset and rate of progression. Affected dogs initially experience night blindness. PRA is not painful and dogs' eyes appear normal. PRA has no treatment and there is no way to slow the progression of the disease. Affected animals should not be bred since PRA has been shown to have a genetic component.

Expert Insight

"It is essential to seek veterinary attention if you notice any visible changes in your dog's eyes, as well as inflammation, discomfort or notice the dog walking into objects," according to the Whistler Animal Shelter in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Even if things appear to be normal, it's important to have dogs' eyes examined during their annual vaccinations and checkups.

References

• Go Pets America: Pets and Animals: Eye Problems in Dogs
• PetEducation: Eye Disorders
• Whistler Animal Shelter: Eye Problems in Dogs

Resources

• Lowchensaustralia: The Canine Eye