There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. This condition is most common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. Comments or suggestions can be submitted the same way. If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Does she have cataracts or something? Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. Color changes can present differently depending on the cause. How? Glaucoma 6. Join in and write your own page! The last condition that I have room for is called anterior uveitis. Simply click here to return to. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Put tags or bells that jingle or make noise on other animals in the house and consider wearing one yourself so that your blind dog knows where his companion is. While the two seem related, there does not appear to be a causal relationship. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Flushing the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects may need removal with surgical tools. Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. This clouding of the eye lens prevents light from passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. Glaucoma is usually diagnosed with a tool called a tonometer. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. One of the most common blue-eyed dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. The anterior chamber has aqueous humor that provides nourishment for the other parts. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. Injury is the most common cause of abrasion and injury to the cornea, however, bacterial infections can also lead to corneal ulcers if left untreated, and may take hold as a secondary infection in traumatic injuries. More and more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens. Its also important to note that there are different types of cataracts and its possible for dogs to develop them at an early age. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. That said, prophylactic antibiotics, as well as medicated eye ointments and pain medications can help reduce the chances of a secondary infection as well as reduce rubbing and overall irritation while the eye heals. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. However, it is also possible the dog will maintain the blue color for the rest of their lives. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. Your veterinarian will lay out a plan to treat your dogs cloudy eyes if treatment is necessary. 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. This means that it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? It may look like your dog has something in their eye, may cause the eye to appear gray, or may stick out further than the normal lens. Bumping into things. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. It does progress with age, but is not a big deal. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. If your dog has an acute injury to the eye, such as bumping into a foreign object or getting bitten by another dog, it should be considered a medical emergency. All rights reserved. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can't reach the retina, causing blindness. These white, milky changes to your dogs lens are the result of abnormal lens metabolism. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Damage to any of these eye components can result in color changes, either on the surface of the eye or in the structures inside. A dog withcataractswill normally have eyes that look cloudy or bluish gray. 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. If you notice your dog has cloudy eyes, and is experiencing the symptoms of an emergency, it is best to seek out veterinary care from your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Owners report it looking like ice crystals. So there are lots of reasons for blue eyes in dogs. As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. Another condition that is seen is true cataracts. This article is purely informative. You will receive an email with your results soon. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. The only way to get them comfortable again is to remove the diseased eye. 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. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. It is possible there is a blue tinge, but it may depend on the light and original eye color. For one, dogs eyes have a third eyelid for additional protection. With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. Your veterinarian may run a series of diagnostic tests to narrow down the culprit. Press J to jump to the feed. Some of them can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. 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. Before AnimalWised brings you more information, we want to highlight the importance of vaccination in both adult and puppy dogs. No she went in for a regular check up. Some other common symptoms include: Its important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. 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. While some changes in the dogs eyes are considered normal, especially as they get older, most physical changes are indications of possible eye problems. NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the . A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. Theyre big, expressive, soulful, and just downright magical. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. This condition is very painful and usually only affects one eye at a time. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. There are two types of glaucoma: primary or inherited glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma, which is usually caused by another condition such as cataracts, a lens luxation or subluxation (where the lens shifts position in the eye), cancer, inflammation, or retinal detachment. Ulcers are usually treated with medicated drops to prevent infection and relieve pain, and in severe cases may require surgery to save your dogs eye, so it is best to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of ocular discomfort, like squinting or rubbing at the eye with a paw. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. This condition is painful, and very high intraocular (inside the eyes) pressure is considered a veterinary emergency, as it can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu and Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to glaucoma. An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. 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. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. All rights reserved. Treating any primary conditions such as bacterial or fungal infections, or underlying systemic health issues will usually help resolve the eye inflammation. Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. For nuclear sclerosis, we need to be sure of the correct diagnosis in case it is a treatable condition. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. The change in color of the eye is due to edema, i.e. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be aware of those common to your dogs breed. My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. A bluish tinge to the globe can indicate increased pressure within the eyeball, which is glaucoma. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the cause of your dogs cloudy eyes, and your general practice doctor may refer you to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology for further treatment. Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. It occurs as the lens fibers in the eye harden, compress and become more visible due to age. I think she can see because she doesnt run into things but I dont know how. This site accepts advertising and other forms of compensation for products mentioned. iy_2023; im_03; id_01; ih_08; imh_05; i_epoch:1677686728394, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_01; p_epoch:1675854094324, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:01:34 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854094324. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. There is no treatment needed because the condition does not cause serious problems, but it might be a good idea to discuss your dogs aging eyes with your veterinarian, so that you know what to expect as your dog grows older. My Dog Has Leg Cramps - Causes and Treatment, My Lovebird has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Old Cat Has Tremors - Causes and Treatment, Rectal Prolapse In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Low Platelets in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Sore Throat In Cats - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Photophobia (becomes increasingly sensitive to light). Your veterinarian will do a pressure check on the eye and if the pressure is elevated they will prescribe eye drops to help lower the pressure for a time. Nothing came of it. Puppies' eyesight matures within about 3-4 weeks so they begin . Dog eye problems are fairly common, and can be caused by something as simple as getting grass or grit under the lid, or by something as serious as cancer. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number of eye problems. What Are Cloudy Eyes in dogs? The look is quite similar to that of the beginning of a cataract, but it is imperative we distinguish between the two. And even though their vision is gone, the pain and pressure remain. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Depending on the type of foreign body, removal can vary. Heterochromia is a condition caused by the lack of pigmentation of one of the irises of the dog. Eye inflammation in dogs is one of the leading dog eye problems, and it's usually a symptom of some underlying disease. Once your dog is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. For instance, a husky generally has blue eyes. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). Stromal corneal dystrophy affects the middle layer of the cornea. Blue eyes can be a sign of Infectious canine hepatitis which is a disease of the liver and other organs caused by the adenovirus type 1. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. The pupils can have increased dilation, cloudiness over the lens, or the eyes can become red, swollen, or painful. Other possibilities include corneal scarring, pus inside your dog's eye, or a cataract. Vet now. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. 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