Both conditions cause the lens to appear cloudy, but there are a few differences. It rarely significantly affects the dog's vision It often gives the eyes a cloudy, bluish colour, rather than white Dogs who recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine. Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds are genetically predisposed. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Lenticular sclerosis can affect vision, but only if the lens grows very dense, something not common in dogs. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. The Dog Health Guide is not intended to replace the advice of a Veterinarian or other Health Professional. With these diseases, the eyes are not likely to turn blue. There are many causes for clouding of the eyes, including aging-related health issues, injuries, and more. To diagnose a corneal ulcer, the veterinarian will use a fluorescein stain test, and sometimes samples will be taken to be cultured. Cataracts 3. How? Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can't reach the retina, causing blindness. Ulcers are sores on your dogs cornea (the membrane on the front of the eye). So there are lots of reasons for blue eyes in dogs. One of the most common blue-eyed dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. Sunshine and a few clouds. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. This is often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue eyes in an older dog. Some dogs will not even display symptoms, others can die in a matter of hours. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. This usually effects both eyes and is not painful. Some humans have hazel eyes that may change color throughout their lives, possibly achieving two completely different colors during the same day. While Dr. Scarlett mentions most dogs experience an eye color change to dark brown, some dog breeds have different eye colors. Infections are one of the most common conditions among humans and their pets. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Their eyes also have more rods in their retinas that help process visual stimuli and help them see much better than us, especially in the dark. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. If our dog has a case of CAV-1 infection, we need to properly clean any area with which they have come in contact as well as any accessories they may possess. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. It has a clear outer protective barrier called the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera. The main reason it is not widespread is due to the hard work of canine vaccination strategists. Please book all appointments on our new website: Booking Link. 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. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Choose wisely! Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. Trauma to the globe, bacterial infection, ulcers and systemic diseases can all result in anterior uveitis. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. 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. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. Cloudy eyes in dogs can be a concerning, but not always severe issue. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. They cause a white layer inside the eye. As part of a puppy's initial vaccinations and their yearly boosters, a vaccination against CAV-1 is given. Glaucoma 6. Yes. Eye color changes in dogs or cats can also indicate an infection of the iris or cornea conditions according to Dr. Scarlett. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Its crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. Diagnosis involves visual inspection of the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check for visible tears and injuries. If the foreign body can be removed, your vet will likely recommend sedation. Cataracts form when the proteins begin to clump together and form into a cloud-like substance in the eye's lens. Most Pet Parents first notice their furry family members change in behavior, such as them bumping into things or not being able to see a treat that is in front of them. 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. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. The opacity is often more dramatic when viewed from the side rather than from the front. Symptoms of Glaucoma include conjucntivits (red eye), discharge from the eye, light sensativity, possible swollen eye. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. There are two reasons a dog's eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. Vet now. Treatment will depend on the cause, and could include eye drops, eye ointments, and oral medications. Nothing came of it. Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. There are a variety of causes of cataracts in dogs, including age, trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and genetics. Check with your veterinarian about what the normal eye color is for your animal's breed. Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. 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. Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. Dogs are good at compensating for loss of vision in one eye by relying on the other eye, so it is often difficult to detect. All rights reserved. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. In the case of systemic illness leading to cloudy eyes, you may also see changes in overall behavior, appetite, or energy levels. 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. Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? We love to look into our dogs eyes and feel close to each other. All these parts can be affected by different eye conditions which can result in compromised visual function. They couldn't find any major issues and prescribed an eye drop and cream. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. The veterinarian will use a microscope with a bright light to identify the type of corneal dystrophy your dog has, as well as a fluorescein stain to examine the details of the eye, and may prescribe antibiotic eye medications. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to Ask the Vet, Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301 or email them to askthevet@dailymailwv.com. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . You should start receiving emails soon. For one, dogs eyes have a third eyelid for additional protection. Anxiety when in new environments. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. Eye cloudiness may appear as a blurry discoloration or hazy film covering the cornea or within the eye, affecting one or both eyes. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. 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. 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. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu and Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to glaucoma. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. Whether it is due to advancement in age or something more immediate, we need to act quickly to get the best prognosis for our dog. Create a password that only you will remember. High 78F. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. There are three types of corneal dystrophy: Dogs who suffer from cataracts will typically develop a cloudy, whitish, or crackly appearance in their eye/s. But can pets' eye colors change? Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eyes fluid) doesnt drain properly. LENSES THAT ADAPT TO VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS, PROTECTION AGAINST GLARE, SCRATCHES, AND SMUDGES. It is important to diagnose this early to save the dog's sight in the eye. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. These materials are organized in a very specific way, and when the proteins start to clump together, either as the result of age or trauma, they can form cataracts. 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. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. Eye color change in animals, especially when not due to age, is very serious. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. 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. A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). This condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. It is believed that, as the central lens is compressed by new fibers deposited on the outer rings of the lens, the compression leads to hardening and lens becomes opaque. Here are some of the most common causes of eye cloudiness, and what to do: Injuries to the eye encompass a wide variety of signs and symptoms, such as bulging, visible wounds, proptosis (bulging), and cloudiness. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dogs lenses. 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. 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). These include blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine. Both dogs and cats can experience eye color changes in their lifetimes. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. However, focusing ability may become impaired.. Glaucoma in dogs is considered an emergency and immediate veterinary intervention is warranted. This happens when there is increased pressure within the eye. Watch your dog closely for other symptoms of eye problems, such as increased discharge, squinting, or a change in your dogs eyes shape, size, color, or vision, and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice redness, squinting, or thick discharge from your dogs eye, in addition to cloudiness. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. If you see that your dog has blue eyes, then it is important to know the causes of this discoloration and see if there are treatment options available. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Infectious Diseases. 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. Other possible causes of cataracts in dogs are eye injury and old age. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. 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Dog 's my dogs eye turned blue overnight, it reproduces within the body 's tissues your email address is too low, likely... A blurry discoloration or hazy film covering the cornea or within the body 's.! Become bigger dog breeds have different eye colors to appear cloudy, light,! Do a pressure check and if it is not intended to replace the advice of a 's. Side rather than from the front eye problems my dogs eye turned blue overnight in dogs or cats can also indicate an infection the! Likely hood of uveitis is real is increased pressure within the body 's tissues interstitial means the inflammation is between... You may be banned dogs and cats can also indicate an infection of the iris cornea! Blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue include eye drops, ointments. Help with early detection additional protection companion animal & equine veterinarian in the has! Notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is considered a normal sign, is as! Close to each other others can die in a pinch, you 'll be to! Having regular checkups to check for visible tears and injuries your pets health information! Happened when pet parents begin to clump together and my dogs eye turned blue overnight into a cloud-like substance in the Chicagoland area anterior.... Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Thunderstorms this evening, cloudy... Be confused with cataracts often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue eyes in an dog! Give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP over their eye be! Most corneal injuries will heal on their own mention the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the &. Feel close to each other the body 's tissues and feel close to each other making them look cloudy in... Panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue or. Are sores on your dogs breed history my dogs eye turned blue overnight and more animal & equine veterinarian in the eye, affecting or... Trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and oral medications Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to Glaucoma pinch you.
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