Eye problems in dogs can be a real worry for owners! Dogs can suffer from many of the same eye problems that humans can. Most canine eye problems are treatable, but some can cause long-term problems and even blindness if left untreated. For eye trouble in dogs, it’s always best to visit your vet as soon as possible so they can receive prompt treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Problems in Dogs

A healthy dog’s eye should be bright, wide open, blinking normally, left and right pupils symmetrical and looking forwards. Their eyelashes shouldn’t be touching the surface of the eye (cornea) and there shouldn’t be any discharge or swelling associated with the eye. If you notice any dogs eye problems, like change to the normal appearance of the eye or any of the signs listed below, then give your vet a call as soon as you can:

• Dilated pupils.
• Cloudy eyes.
• Weeping eyes or excessive tearing.
• Changes to the white of the eye.
• Your dog’s eye is red, or your dog has a pink eye.
• Your dog’s eye is swollen.
• Discharge from the eye/conjunctivitis.
• Your dog doesn’t tolerate bright light.
• Holding one of both eyes shut.
• Bulging eyes.
• Changes to the angle of the eyelashes on one or both eyes.
• Pawing or rubbing the eyes/face.
• Unusual growth on or in the eye.

Specific Eye Diseases

The conditions below are some of the issues that your vet may diagnose, but this list isn’t exhaustive – there are lots of things that can go wrong with eyes, which is why it’s always best to check with your vet:

• Injuries: can occur easily and will need immediate veterinary attention.
• Foreign body: your dog may get grass seeds, bits of stick and all kinds of things trapped in or on the eye. These are uncomfortable and if they penetrate deep into the eye can be problematic.
• Infection: an infection with bacteria, viruses or other bugs will need veterinary treatment.
• Conjunctivitis: the conjunctiva is the pinkish tissue surrounding the eyeball. The third eyelid is an extra protective eyelid in the dog and is also covered by conjunctiva. In normal dogs the conjunctiva is not easily visible. In conjunctivitis this membrane is inflamed and becomes red and swollen. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes.
• Corneal ulcer: this is a hole in the clear covering of the front of the eyeball (the cornea). Sometimes only the top layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is affected but in some cases the damage may go deeper and become more difficult to treat. On rare occasions a corneal ulcer can become infected with bacteria that may produce toxins. These toxins can destroy the surrounding normal tissue, leading to a rapid deepening of the eye ulcer that can cause loss of the eye unless it’s treated quickly and appropriately.
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: lack of tear production leads to dry eyes which are sore and often become infected or damaged. If this condition is recognised and treated early on, it may be possible to control the condition and prevent permanent damage to the eyes.
• Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS): this is an uncommon eye condition that affects your dog's vision, causing sudden onset or rapidly progressive blindness over a period of hours or days.
• Cherry eye: a condition where part of the eye prolapses out and is seen as a pink blob in the corner of the eye. Surgery is usually needed to correct this.
• Glaucoma: this is a general term for increased pressure inside the eye. It’s a painful condition that if left untreated, can lead to the loss of vision. Although glaucoma may not be preventable in many cases, early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of permanent damage and blindness.
• Entropion: this is a condition where part, or all of the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye surface. The eyelashes may then brush against the cornea (the clear covering of the eye), causing scratches, ulcers, and pain. This condition is often inherited in flat-faced dogs or in dogs with lots of facial skin folds.
• Tumours: can also occur in the eye.

Dog Eye Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the problem diagnosed. Some dogs with eye problems will need medicated dog eye drops and artificial tears to lubricate the eye. Your vet will show you how to give eye drops to your dog, as well as give you tips to make this as stress free as possible for you and for your dog. Administering eye drops can be challenging.

Always let your vet know if you’re not managing to medicate your dog’s eyes. Your dog won’t get better if the medication doesn’t go where it should. In this case, your vet may need to look into other options, like admitting your dog to hospital for veterinary nursing staff to administer the drops.

Many conditions will need pain relief which may require you to give your dog tablets. A buster collar is also usually needed to stop your dog rubbing their eye. For some conditions, like cherry eye, surgery may be needed to repair the eye. In very serious conditions such as certain tumours and advanced glaucoma, surgical removal of the eye may even be the only option.

For some diagnostic procedures and advanced techniques, your vet may need to refer your dog to a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist.

Eye conditions in dogs can be very serious, and if left untreated can even lead to blindness. If you’re worried about a dog eye infection or any other common eye condition, or notice your dog’s eye weeping or watering, call your vet ASAP! Don’t delay, as your dog may be in a lot of discomfort and some conditions can become very serious very quickly if left untreated.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – www.vetlexicon.com/canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.