8 Eye Disorders To Watch Out For In Your Dog

Your pup’s eyes need to be kept healthy in order to prevent infections or vision impairment throughout their lives. As a pup parent, you should be aware of some of the most common conditions that can affect your pup’s eyes.

Here are eight of them.

1. Cataracts

Commonly affecting elderly pups, cataracts infect the lens of a pup’s eye, causing a slow progression into complete blindness. It is often a genetic condition, although disorders like diabetes can also contribute to their forming. Although surgery can be performed to correct them, they are rarely advised by vets due to the risks of vision not being fully repaired and due to their high cost.

2. Cherry eye

This is a genetic condition where a third eyelid becomes prolapsed when ligaments holding it up fail. The eyelid will then fall out in the form of pinkish tissue. It can be fixed by surgery if needed, and if not treated can lead to dry eye and therefore, eventual blindness.

3. Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, this condition involves the inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergies or irritation – whether through scratching, dust, or something similar. It can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Treatment is fairly simple and easy to get from vets.

4. Corneal ulcers

This refers to injuries on the cornea that are often caused by injuries or other health conditions. They are not too severe a condition, but if you notice that your pup is favoring an eye or closing it often, then you should visit a vet in case. Treatment is a simple process.

5. Dry eye

As mentioned prior, dry eye that is not treated will cause blindness. The condition is also called keratoconjuctivitis sicca (KCS) and occurs where a pup’s tear glands produce fewer or no tears. It may be replaced by yellow discharge, and dry eye will cause reddened eyes and the slow browning of a cornea. Medication – and, if needed, surgery – can manage the symptoms.

6. Ectropion and Entropion

Ectropion occurs where the eyelid grows outwards from the eye, and entropion is when the eyelid grows inwards. While the former can be left alone if it is not a severe case, the latter can cause corneal ulcers and even lead to blindness, so it requires surgery.

7. Glaucoma

A fluid regulation system within the eyes keeps pressure within the skull equalized, and if that system is damaged, it increases eye pressure and causes a lot of pain. This can eventually lead to blindness, so treatment is necessary as soon as this occurs. Symptoms include a swollen or enlarged eye, reddened eyes, cloudy corneas, and more tears.

8. Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This happens when retinal tissue begins to degenerate and results in eyesight slowly being lost at a very gradual pace, sometimes to the point where you and your pup will not notice it is happening until they have lost a significant amount of seeing ability. This genetic condition is not treatable, but you can learn to help your pup manage it well.

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