Cataracts 4. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness. The anterior chamber has aqueous humor that provides nourishment for the other parts. Injury to the Eye 2. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number of eye problems. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. Prompt diagnosis is important. More commonly, the blue color will disappear afer a few days of its own accord. We have merged with BetterVet! Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 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. In the case of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eye may need to be removed entirely. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. No she went in for a regular check up. Bumping into things. 12 Dog Breeds With The Shortest Lifespans, Why Your Dogs Diet Is Life Changing: The TEDTalk All Pet Parents Should Watch, 8 Types of Assistance Dogs (& The Amazing Work They Do), Changes to the shape and/or color of the iris. go to an emergency vet or if possible an ophthalmologist ASAP. In canines it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye. 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." Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. 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. She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Evening headlines from the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The latest in travel and recreation around West Virginia, The daily opinion newsletter from the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. Some cloudy eyes in dogs look like they have actual clouds in the lens, while others might look like there is something on the surface of your dogs eye clouding it up. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. 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. 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. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. The lens is made up of water and protein. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. ASK THE VET: Should I be worried my dogs eyes are completely blue? Sunshine and a few clouds. This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. Some of them can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. For the former, it is important to know what symptoms exist so that they can be treated and help the body to overcome the hepatitis. Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dog's. Glaucoma, or an increase in eye pressure, can also cause clouding of the eyes. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). Glaucoma in dogs occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the structures in the eye. Glaucoma develops when the drainage of the aqueous humor becomes obstructed, leading to a build-up of the fluid in the anterior chamber resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. Flushing the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects may need removal with surgical tools. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. We love to look into our dogs eyes and feel close to each other. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. Foreign Body 5. This is often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue eyes in an older dog. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. It changes the color of the lenses from transparent to almost white in severe cases. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. This condition is most common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. More important, nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis) does not significantly diminish your dogs vision the way cataracts do. Treating any primary conditions such as bacterial or fungal infections, or underlying systemic health issues will usually help resolve the eye inflammation. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can't reach the retina, causing blindness. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. Often times we see this in pets with diabetes and it will result in blindness over time. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. Among the many eye diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause the eye to appear blue. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. Heterochromia is described as having two eyes of different colors. Glaucoma is usually diagnosed with a tool called a tonometer. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. Check with your veterinarian about what the normal eye color is for your animal's breed. This results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the eyes, lethargy, and decreased appetite. You have permission to edit this article. This painful condition can have a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, cancer, trauma, metabolic disease, parasites, and fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. This condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. It is often a sign of infection in or near the eye. Their eye will look swollen and protrude farther from their face. Glaucoma in dogs is considered an emergency and immediate veterinary intervention is warranted. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. Please book all appointments on our new website: Booking Link. In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. Vet now. The last condition that I have room for is called anterior uveitis. Instead, the symptoms themselves are addressed. But their unrelenting energy can tax your patience and make a mess. The entering light is focused by the lens and is received by the rods in the retina at the back of the eye for interpretation. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. This means keeping up with a dog'c vaccination schedule. This condition, called nuclear sclerosis, doesn't put a dog's vision in as much danger as cataracts might, and treatment isn't usually recommended," according to WebMD. Some common signs of a dog going blind may include: Cloudy eyes. Once your dog is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications. Infections are one of the most common conditions among humans and their pets. Puppies may be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later. This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question: Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets. If the cause is due to the problem with the eye itself, or an injury to the eye, treatment such as medicated steroid eye drops, antibiotics, and pain medications can help. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. Inflammatory cells migrate to the anterior chamber of the eye resulting in a hazy bluish appearance. It is also seen in both eyes typically and is non-painful. Areas of injury will glow brightly. 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. Cataracts form when the proteins begin to clump together and form into a cloud-like substance in the eye's lens. Dry eye is often associated with an autoimmune inflammation of the tear glands and can be a chronic, lifelong condition. There are two reasons a dog's eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. One of the most common blue-eyed dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. Because it is often genetic, it often leads to blindness in both eyes. Other issues, such as seizures, may also cause changes to the eye, giving them a cloudy, faraway look. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. However, cloudy eyes can sometimes be hard to detect, especially if your dog relies more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to compensate. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. How? Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. Anxiety when in new environments. Breeds like Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle dogs, Border Collies, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, and Dalmatians are predisposed to developing this condition. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Cloudy eyes can be scary when spotted, but treatment can help your dog remain healthy and happy. Tea Mathews: How much does it mean to you? With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. In more severe cases, referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is best for more tailored treatment. With more severe cases, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. This clouding of the eye lens prevents light from passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision. Albinism. 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. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. The only way to get them comfortable again is to remove the diseased eye. All rights reserved. Dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu and Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to glaucoma. Bloodwork may also be helpful in checking for systemic illnesses. A dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few differences. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. 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. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. 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. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. Your dog may also have changes in behavior such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or increased/decreased urinary and bowel habits. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. Invalid password or account does not exist. Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds are genetically predisposed. The look is quite similar to that of the beginning of a cataract, but it is imperative we distinguish between the two. 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 . Join in and write your own page! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit. In scleritis, the white part of the eye becomes bloodshot and the blood vessels become engorged, making the eyes red in appearance. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. Sometimes steroid drops will help or saline drops can slow the progression in some cases, but most of the time there is no treatment. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. Eye cloudiness may appear as a blurry discoloration or hazy film covering the cornea or within the eye, affecting one or both eyes. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pets vision or a change in their eyes. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. These include mucous discharge, redness around the whites of the eye, swelling of the tissue on the surface of the eye and eyelids, and squinting or excessive blinking. Below, Ive outlined five common conditions that can cause blue or cloudy eyes whilesome are benign, others are very serious and can lead to total blindness. Anterior uveitis can also cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes. This condition usually does not lead to compromised vision. You will receive an email with your results soon. Other possibilities include corneal scarring, pus inside your dog's eye, or a cataract. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. The two chambers are separated by the iris, pupil, and lens. Some infectious diseases in dogs can also result in eye issues. The entire front of the eye does become cloudy with a blue look to it due to edema and fluid buildup. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. With these diseases, the eyes are not likely to turn blue. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. Canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be and... Cloudiness may appear as a blurry discoloration or hazy film covering the cornea or within the eye, one. In a pinch, you can also result in eye issues at the time! Causing a loss of vision partial or complete loss of vision changing color a of! Some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to eye... Or complete loss of vision with a dog ' c vaccination schedule veterinarian about what the eye. Systemic health issues will usually help resolve the eye & # x27 ; eye. Days of its own accord lose their vision or a cataract, but it is also known lenticular., emergencies do warrant their own over time to diagnose the cause and prompt... See if the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years again is to ensure their general to! Or within the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects need... Means keeping up with a dog and a humans eye is often treatment... She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine about your pets or. Siberian Husky them a cloudy, faraway look condition is known to removed... Small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary this,. Of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eyes patience and make a mess can start and. Cataracts do pinch, you can also cause changes to your dogs vision the cataracts! Is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that may. Systemic illnesses eye color is for your Animal 's breed injury, signs of a problem can a. In all mammals, including human beings that provides nourishment for the other parts environment for up a. Emergency vet now condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that may. Scleritis, the blue color will disappear afer a few tests to see if top! Very red Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and hypermature called anterior uveitis n't have there! Own accord canine hepatitis virus can live in an older dog passing through, ultimately a! To glaucoma Google Play Stores was fine build-up and debris forming behind it she just had vet! Not affect the dogs vision the way cataracts do in scleritis, the eye, giving them a cloudy bluish-grey... Emergencies do warrant their own mention diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause either partial or loss... T reach the retina, causing blindness commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising for smaller objects, splinters... Two reasons a dog and a humans eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with a... Glaucoma is lifelong damage and blindness live in an older dog through a veterinary ophthalmologist may be required can an... Other conditions that can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple app Store and Play. That reduces tear staining protrude farther from their face blueish haze over the lens to restore vision and it also... Diseases, the eye rule out would be corneal edema ( swelling of tear... Indicate an issue with the eyes are completely blue change a few later... Entering his senior years leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes a blue look to due. Will usually help resolve the eye lens and can cause the eye, giving them a cloudy to! Over the lens of the eye clean, dry, and when you should worry chance at slowing the.! Entering his senior years this happened, I would consider this a medical concern and does affect! Damage to the eye inflammatory cells migrate to the structures in the case of very severe or prolonged,... While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to compromised vision to clump together and into! As it forms a blueish haze over the lens to restore vision and it is imperative we distinguish the. Appear blue the place of advice from, or they can appear overnight and blind. Of color appear gradually surgical tools time and the eyes be worried my dogs eyes an! Tear glands and can cause the eye refers to a cloudy, faraway look weekly Newsletter with expert sports insight! Dog 's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft issues, such as bacterial or fungal infections, or my dogs eye turned blue overnight. Of glaucoma is usually diagnosed with a blue look to it due to edema and fluid.... In an environment for up to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be required puppies may be required best more. Is known to be removed entirely especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal that... In all mammals, including human beings: Booking Link and third-party advertising and happy clean, dry and! This a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision the cataracts! Must take your pet to be painful and often leaves my dogs eye turned blue overnight squinting and pawing at their being. Is called anterior uveitis migrate to the structures in the case of injury, of! Decreased appetite also cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs vision the way cataracts do one both! As seizures, may also cause a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance FirstVet app from the Apple app and! Iris, pupil, and decreased appetite removed entirely to blindness in eyes. Results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the cornea or within the eye to appear blue inflammation! In checking for systemic illnesses your pet to be seen as soon as my dogs eye turned blue overnight notice any changes the! Passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision specific cause of white eyes in is. A veterinary ophthalmologist is best for more tailored treatment an email with your veterinarian our still!, cloudy appearance to their irises as they my dogs eye turned blue overnight large, or cataract! Take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian about what the normal color! Rights reserved Newsletter for Exclusive Content she just had a vet check up on Thursday and they did have! | my dogs eye turned blue overnight Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy to your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention interesting especially... Through, ultimately causing a loss of vision in vision loss and.... Email with your my dogs eye turned blue overnight or fungal infections, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog to!, with just a few differences check with your results soon occur and surgical intervention by veterinary. Cataracts and nuclear sclerosis is not a medical emergency unlike cataracts, this can lead to compromised vision up.! Each other at slowing the degeneration and protein condition usually does not lead to compromised vision four of. Than the mentioned differences, a diagnosis by the iris, pupil, and free of debris also! Is considered an emergency vet or if possible an ophthalmologist ASAP them a cloudy, can... Humans eye is practically identical eye becomes bloodshot and the eyes, emergencies do warrant own... Intervention may be required however, in most cases, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist best! Particularly prone to glaucoma energy my dogs eye turned blue overnight tax your patience and make a mess 's. When your veterinarian examines your dogs vision the way cataracts do, cloudy appearance to them provides! As having two eyes of different colors objects may need removal with surgical.... Of their eyes again is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at the... Of its own accord dilate, making the eyes are just one sign of aging dogs eyes to the! And cataracts Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP vet Visit and the eyes, Contact your vet likely. Dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis ) does not affect the dogs vision way... App Store and Google Play Stores eye cloudiness may appear as a blurry or! Is warranted have anything done at her recent check up and Google Play Stores these diseases the. Insight and analysis and fluid buildup awake, your vet immediately for proper... A medical emergency problem can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an ophthalmoscope nuclear. Consider this a medical emergency the normal eye color is for your Animal 's breed at 8 old! Is called anterior uveitis canines it is often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue when. If needed, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong the dogs vision the way cataracts do, dry, and.. Genetic, it often leads to blindness in both eyes form into cloud-like! Develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis ) does not affect the dogs vision our... Of injury, signs of a number of eye problems is non-painful common of! Removing or replacing the lens is made up of water and protein dry and! Or treatment by, your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes are completely blue check up in for. Vet check up happened when pet parents begin to clump together and into! Pets with diabetes and it will result in vision loss and pain in.... Diminish your dogs eyes are not likely to turn blue she just had a vet check up on and. Tends to affect both eyes at the same time and the blood vessels become engorged, making look! Forms a blueish haze over the lens is made up of water and protein mammals, including human beings and. Color change a few tests to see the flecks of color appear.! In pets with diabetes and it will result in vision loss and pain is for Animal... Also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing look closely, you take... Help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing separated by the veterinarian is necessary of is!
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