Dog eye complaints are common place in a vets consulting room. This is largely due to the vast array of eye complaints dogs can suffer from. All breeds of dogs, and at any age, can be affected with many types of eye problems, each with differing forms of severity. Although, certain dog breeds are more prone to different eye conditions than others.

Signs that your dog may have an eye problem:

  • Avoiding bright lights or direct sunlight
  • Squinting or closing the eye
  • Excess tear production (tear staining around eyes)
  • Discharge
  • Unequal diameter of pupils
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Redness
  • Protruding third eyelid
  • Cloudiness of the eye
  • Rubbing the eye

Most Common Eye Problems:

Cataracts-

Characterised by cloudiness or whitening of the usually clear lens in the eye leading to impaired vision or blindness. There are a number of causal factors for cataracts such as genetics, age, trauma, inflammation or underlying disease. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of cataracts which is why it is important not to allow your pet to become overweight. Exercise and a correctly balanced diet can help to reduce diabetes and thus cataracts. Once cataracts have formed there is no medical treatment available. The only option is surgical removal which is often not viable.

Corneal Ulcers-

The most common causes for a corneal ulcer (damage to epithelium of the eye) are scratches or foreign bodies. However infection, disease or ingrowing eyelids can also be causal factors. Diagnosis involves applying flourescein, a flourescent green dye to the eye, which highlights the affected area.Treatment for ulcers includes anti-inflammatories, antibiotic eye drops and sometimes serum drops into the eye.

Entropion (Ingrowing eyelids/eyelashes)-

This is an inherited disease where the eyelids and eyelashes are rolled in towards the eye ball. Breeds susceptible to entropion are Labrador, Chow Chow, English Bulldog, Irish setter, St. Bernard, Great Dane and Chinese Shar-Pei. The rim of the eyelid is often not visible and the eyes tend to be red, sore and inflammed. The eyelashes rub against the eye ball often causing ulcers. Treatment for this condition is with surgical correction and usually is successful. Since this condition is hereditary it is not advisable to breed from dogs with ingrowing eyelashes.

Cherry eye-

Characterised as a protrusion of the third eyelid from the inside corner of the eye as a red, fleshy mass. Breeds most likely to be affected by this condition are Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, and the Cocker Spaniels. It is caused by a defect in the retinaculum which is responsible for anchoring the gland down. It is sometimes successfully treated with antibiotic and steroid drops however surgery is usually required. The third eyelid is retained where possible and anchored back down since it is responsible for tear production.

Conjunctivitis-
Essentially meaning inflammation of the conjunctival membranes. The inner surface of the eyelids appear red, sore and inflammed with a resulting discharge from the eyes. It is caused most commonly by infection or allergies. Treatment usually consists of flushing out the eye and giving antibiotic and/or steroid eye drops once your vet is happy that there is no ulcer or scratch on the eye.

Glaucoma-

Glaucoma is defined by high pressure in the eye. High pressure in the eye occurs when the normal outflow of fluid in the eye is impaired due to a primary eye disease such as the improper development of the eye's filtration angles, or secondary to other eye diseases such as primary lens luxation (slipping of the lens in the eye), inflammation of the tissues of the eye, eye tumour, or blood collection in the front of the eye from injury. Eventually it can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve causing blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma although medication can be given in order to control it. In some cases, surgery may be deemed necessary.

Written by: Dr. Sophie Meers BVSc MRCVS