Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Glaucoma in dogs occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the structures in the eye. Injury to the eye, and bacterial infections can also cause inflammation as a secondary symptom to the initial cause. Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. We have merged with BetterVet! Prompt diagnosis is important. This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness. A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture. Not all dogs achieve the same eye color. Cataracts can occur for many reasons, including hereditary causes with breeds such as Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Boston Terriers. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. Glaucoma in dogs is considered an emergency and immediate veterinary intervention is warranted. Cataracts cause diminished vision. Inflammatory cells migrate to the anterior chamber of the eye resulting in a hazy bluish appearance. Puppies' eyesight matures within about 3-4 weeks so they begin . Tests such as eye stains to rule out injury, bloodwork to check for systemic illnesses, and visual examination of the eye can all help narrow down the cause behind the inflammation. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. They couldn't find any major issues and prescribed an eye drop and cream. A dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. R.A. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. Dogs who recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine. 2023 Dog Health Guide. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Inherited glaucoma affects many breeds of dogs, tear-stimulating medications and topical antibiotics, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. With these diseases, the eyes are not likely to turn blue. All rights reserved. From what i've read on the internet it could be wither nuclear sclerosis or cataracts. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. This condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. Trauma to the globe, bacterial infection, ulcers and systemic diseases can all result in anterior uveitis. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. 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). Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. If you suspect eye inflammation, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause. Nuclear Sclerosis isn't painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. It is often hereditary and is passed on to the dogs offspring. Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. Anterior uveitis is inflammation of one or all of these structures, and it is a serious condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Symptoms of Glaucoma include conjucntivits (red eye), discharge from the eye, light sensativity, possible swollen eye. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. Some common signs of a dog going blind may include: Cloudy eyes. As we have stated throughout the article, the development of blue eyes in dogs are the result of hepatitis or a degeneration which occurs due to age. Some dogs develop a condition called corneal dystrophy, which gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy appearance. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. Tears are necessary for lubrication and overall eye health, as the aqueous solution is how your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients. Eye injuries can occur for several reasons, including trauma to the eye from a bite, scratches from foreign objects, or inflammation due to underlying illness leading to swelling and bulging. Still, it can. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs. Common Eye Conditions that Cause Color Changes in Dogs. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. There are two reasons a dogs eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. Cloudy eyes in dogs can be a concerning, but not always severe issue. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. A mature cataract looks like a white disk behind . Now his eye has turned a foggy blue color. The lens becomes cloudy, blocking light from entering the retina, causing blindness. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. It is important to note that senile cataracts develop in many older pets, so the chances that your dog will develop lenticular sclerosis and/or a cataract is high. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. This clouding affects your dogs ability to see by blocking visible light to the retina. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. Some humans have hazel eyes that may change color throughout their lives, possibly achieving two completely different colors during the same day. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. If the foreign body can be removed, your vet will likely recommend sedation. Cataracts 3. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The two chambers are separated by the iris, pupil, and lens. Color changes can present differently depending on the cause. For nuclear sclerosis, we need to be sure of the correct diagnosis in case it is a treatable condition. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. There is a specialty animal eye practice near by that we will schedule her for tomorrow. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. More and more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens. Anxiety when in new environments. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. 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. In the case of systemic illness leading to cloudy eyes, you may also see changes in overall behavior, appetite, or energy levels. This means it is a normal consequence of age. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. In canines it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. But their unrelenting energy can tax your patience and make a mess. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. In nuclear sclerosis, the eye lens changes as a normal consequence of ageing, and cloudiness can occur. It can come on slowly over time (open-angle) or rapidly (closed-angle). Corneal Ulcer 8. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. This condition is very painful and usually only affects one eye at a time. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. Stromal corneal dystrophy affects the middle layer of the cornea. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens. Good luck. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. We always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences. Pawing and rubbing of the face and eyes can also indicate discomfort from swelling, pain, or itchiness. While glaucoma is relatively rare in dogs, there are some breeds more predisposed. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. Sometimes they will paw and rub their head or simply seem to feel bad. 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. Making sure to keep the eye clean and dry, and preventing rubbing can also help reduce the chances of further injury and irritation, helping with healing. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. The color difference is observed in the dogs iris, the pigmented part of the dogs eyes. Inflammation 7. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. 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