30 Sep Eye Care For Your Dog

Canine eye care is an important factor that is often overlooked when it comes to caring for your dog. Many diseases and hereditary problems affect the eyes of a canine. Sadly, the majority of eye diseases can lead to blindness if left untreated. To prevent blindness or serious vision impairment, regular cleaning of the canine’s eyes, as well as regular eye exams and visits to the veterinarian, are a necessity. It is important to remember that even by taking these precautionary measures, not all eye diseases can be prevented. Some canine eye problems are inherited through abnormalities within the genes. In these instances, a proper diagnosis and treatment when available is vital in saving the vision of a pet. Being knowledgeable on prevention, proper cleaning methods, as well as the signs of the most common diseases can ensure that a problem is recognized immediately and measures are taken to correct it as soon as possible.

Preventing Eye Problems

Though not all canine eye problems are preventable, for the majority of eye diseases, prevention is the key. Prevention can be as simple as regularly cleaning the eyes or routine check-ups with the veterinarian. Being well educated on the symptoms and signs of an eye problem can also be extremely helpful in knowing when to take a dog for an emergency visit to the veterinarian to prevent further damage. Often times even minor eye problems can lead to blindness or loss of the eye if it progresses for long periods of time without treatment.

• Preventing Canine Blindness Through Genetics: A look at how genetic eye diseases can be prevented.

• Dog Eye Problems & Care: A detailed look at the routine care and cleanings a pet owner should perform regularly to prevent eye problems in their dogs.

Cleaning the Eyes

Cleaning a dog’s eyes regularly is often the most effective preventative measure a pet owner can take to give their canine the best odds at staying free of eye diseases. Canine eye cleaning can be incorporated with regular bathing though it is important to avoid dog shampoos from coming into contact with the eyes. Dog shampoos, even gentle tear-free versions, can lead to serious eye irritation. Eye drops and eye cleansing solutions made specifically for canine use are available in most pet stores. These solutions kill bacteria found within the eye. In addition to cleansing, it is important to remember grooming and regular trimming of the canine’s fur. Hair surrounding the eyes should be kept short to avoid irritation.

• Eye Care for Dogs: The routine steps a dog owner needs to take when cleaning a dog’s eyes to maintain optimal eye health.

• Bathing and Shampooing Your Dog: A step-by-step tutorial on how to clean your dog, including a section on cleaning canine eyes.

Anatomy of the Canine Eye

The anatomy of a canine eye is slightly different from that of a human eye. The basic parts of the canine eye are similar; however, dogs have three eyelids and two tear glands within each of their eyes. The third eyelid is located within the corners of a dog’s eye and at times, can cause problems. This most common problem with this gland and third eyelid is “cherry eye” but in certain breeds, other problems are hereditary.

• Eye Anatomy: A chart and description showing the parts of a canine eye.

Eye Disease Diagnosis and Surgery

A veterinarian can diagnose eye diseases during a routine eye examination. Hereditary problems may be diagnosed through genetic testing, such as with a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye exam. Treatment can differ greatly depending on which eye disease the canine has been diagnosed with, the health and age of the dog and the severity of the condition. Cataracts and Cherry Eye are two conditions that usually require surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the Cataracts, while with Cherry Eye involves surgical procedures to replace a tear gland into its original place. Not all dogs with these eye diseases qualify for surgery so other treatments are pursued. In either case, surgery is overall a successful option but in some instances, the problems remain after surgery.

• Eye Problems: Detailed descriptions of the treatment (including surgery) of various eye problems found in canines.

Eye Examinations

Veterinarians provide eye examinations for dogs that are much like eye exams for humans. The process is painless and can help the vet get a good idea of the problems a canine is experiencing. Even if a dog’s eyes appear to be healthy to their owners, there could be problems that only a vet will recognize. If an eye problem is found to be due to a genetic trait, a foundation known as the ’Canine Eye Registration Foundation’ (CERF), can provide information on breeding to prevent these traits from spreading from generation to generation. CERF keeps a database, tracking results of eye exams for each breed of dog. This information is based on the testing of genetic material and is also a painless exam for the canine. Dogs that are found to be free of abnormalities are cleared with the foundation, which is often necessary for show dogs and especially breeding dogs.

• Examining and Medicating the Eyes of a Dog: Instructions on how to tell if your dog needs veterinary eye care.
• CERF Exam: Canine Eye Registration Foundation: An organization working to prevent hereditary eye diseases in dogs.

Blindness

There are countless eye problems that can leave a dog blind. The most common factors leading to blindness are nerve disorders and eye injury. Often times blindness, if only in one eye, can go unnoticed because of the dog‘s ability to continue to get around with the use of the other eye. It is important to consult a Veterinarian immediately if blindness or failing vision is suspected. Dogs with no sight can very easily injury themselves or cause further damage by scratching at the eye if there is discomfort. There are treatments available for blindness though about half of all dogs treated will remain blind after attempted treatment. In these cases, learning to care for a blind dog is necessary, as the needs will greatly differ from a healthy pet.

• Blindness in Dogs: A look at the symptoms and diagnosis process of blindness in the canine species.

• Day Blindness: A description of “day blindness” which causes dogs to become blinded in bright light.

Cherry Eye

Cherry Eye is an eye problem that is very common amongst small breeds of dogs, yet can affect all breeds. This eye problem occurs when a dog’s second tear gland falls out of place. This gland is responsible for most of the tear secretion within a dog’s eye. Cherry Eye can be the result of trauma or a hereditary trait of a weakened eyelid, which results in the lapse of the gland. Treatment requires either stitches to put the gland back in place or a surgical procedure in which the tear gland is replaced. Both of these procedures can repair the gland but it is not uncommon for cherry eye to reoccur even after repair.

• Cherry Eye– Prolepses of the Tear Gland of the Third Eyelid: A look at a common canine eye disease known as ‘cherry eye’.

Chronic Superficial Keratitis

Chronic Superficial Keratitus is also commonly referred to as ‘Pannus’. Pannus is a condition in which the front of a canine’s eye becomes raised, discolored (usually a pink or brown color) and the third eyelid thickens. This disease is not painful to the dog but if it is not treated, it can lead to blindness. Pannus is not curable though it can be treated with lifelong therapy. Injections or medications several times a day is currently the only ways to treat Pannus. In addition, canines may be given goggles to wear in daylight, as ultraviolet sensitivity is a common problem associated with this disease. Pannus is thought to be a disease associated with the immune system but has been found to be inherited through genetics.

• Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis): A look at the problems this disease causes to the canine eye.

Macropalpebral Fissure Syndrome

Macropalpebral Fissure Syndrome is a term referring to Corneal Ulcers. Ulcers can be common within canines and many other breeds of animals. There are many causes, including bacteria, fungus, viruses or a tear within an eyelid. Corneal Ulcers may be small and shallow, or large and deep or a variety of depths and sizes. Treatment is based upon the severity of the ulcer and can often times include surgery to repair the affected area of the Cornea.

• Macropalpebral Fissure Syndrome (Corneal Ulcers): A detailed description of what causes this disease, treatments and diagnosis in both cats and dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or PRA) is a hereditary condition that affects the retina of a canine’s eye. PRA prevents the receptors within the retina from being capable of receiving light. Certain breeds of dogs experience this condition more frequently than others, such as Miniature Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. PRA may begin within the first weeks of life or may not appear until later years. Progressive Retinal Atrophy begins with night blindness and eventually leads to complete blindness. There currently is no known cure for PRA but genetic testing has been developed in efforts to eliminate breeding between two dogs with the genes for the disease.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): The discussion of the signs of PRA, a hereditary retinal disease, found in canines.

Cataracts

Cataracts in canines appear as cloudy ‘blobs’ in the eyes. These cataracts prevent light from reaching the eye and can blur or severely impair a dog’s vision. All breeds of dogs are at risk for developing cataracts, especially elderly or diabetic dogs. If left untreated, a magnitude of problems can arise, most of them eventually leading to blindness. Generally, the only proven treatment for cataracts is to have them surgically removed. The success rate of cataract surgery is high but not all dogs are candidates for the surgery.

• ASPCA- Cataracts: A guide on what cataracts are, how to treat them and the problems they cause to a dog’s vision.

• Canine Cataract Surgery: A look at surgical treatments specifically used in cases of canine cataracts.

• What is a Cataract?: Treatment, diagnosis and a long section on cataract surgery for dogs.

Chronic Corneal Erosions

Chronic Corneal Erosions (CCE) are a form of ulcers or lesions found on the cornea of the canine eye. These lesions can be superficial or can go deep within the cornea. CCE can be caused by trauma to the cornea, or may develop due to other health problems or abnormalities within the structure of the eye. Serums, eye drops, or surgically removing the dead tissue can be used to treat this condition. Treatment depends on the severity and depth of the erosion. After these procedures, it is common for a dog to wear a soft contact lens to protect the eye from infection and promote the sections of the eye to heal together.

• Chronic Superficial Corneal Erosions in Animals: A description of the syndrome and its effects on animal vision, especially that of canines.

Eyelid Diseases

There are several eye diseases that strictly develop around the eyelids. The most common form is Cherry Eye, but others such as Blepharitis, Scleritis and Uveitis are also common eyelid conditions. Blepharitis usually develops as the result of other health conditions. This condition causes inflammation of a dog’s eyelid and may be accompanied with discharge, swelling or crusting. Cleansing solutions made for canines or antibiotics are given as treatment, depending on the type of Blepharitis. Scleritis is the result of a parasite and affects the inner layer of the eyelid. Scleritis is treated with the use of steroids but if left untreated can cause blindness in the effected eye. Uveitis is also thought to be caused by parasites and can lead to vision problems if it is not treated. Antibiotics can be given for treatment of Uveitis but the treatment method depends on the severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Each of these eyelid diseases are minor yet can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. If redness or irritation of the eyelids is shown, it is best to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the canine’s eyesight.

• Eye Problems in Dogs: A look at multiple diseases of canine eyelids.

Ocular Trauma

Ocular Trauma is a fancy term for ‘eye injury’. Eye injuries in dog’s can occur frequently through routine activities. A simple scratch or even a blunt object can cause serious damage to a canine eye. The treatment for these injuries can differ greatly based on the type of trauma that was experienced and the severity of the injury. In any case, ocular trauma is one of the leading causes of canine blindness. Swelling, redness, or bleeding from the eye can be a sign of ocular trauma and a pet with these symptoms should be taken immediately for emergency NYC puppy care to have the best odds of preventing blindness as a result of the trauma.

Dog Eye Injury: Causes and forms of Ocular Trauma to a canine’s eyes.