In this article on our site we will review the most common eye diseases in dogs. Although the eyes have protection mechanisms such as the third eyelid or tears, they are susceptible to alterations due to climatic factors, foreign bodies, bacteria, congenital causes, etc. Any sign of an eye problem such as discharge, pain, swelling, or redness is cause for veterinary consultation, as many of these disorders, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
Keep reading to discover the most common eye diseases in dogs and go to the vet with all the information.
List of eye diseases in dogs
The most frequent eye diseases in dogs are the following:
- Third eyelid lacrimal gland prolapse
- Conjunctivitis
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Epiphora
- Corneal ulcers
- Waterfalls
- Anterior uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Keratitis
- Eyelid tumors
Below, we will talk in detail about each of these eye conditions, explaining their main symptoms and treatments.
Third eyelid lacrimal gland prolapse
We begin this review of eye diseases in dogs with a common disorder, known as cherry eye, which is nothing more than the exposure of the lacrimal gland that is located in the third eyelid. This misplaced gland irritates the ocular surface, and may cause conjunctivitis. This problem is a congenital defect in breeds such as the cocker or beagle.
The treatment must be surgical As this gland produces good part of the tears, if it is removed we can have problems of dry eyes, so it is more advisable to replace it, although we must know that, over time, the problem could recur.
Conjunctivitis
This eye disease in dogs causes inflammation in the conjunctiva, producing redness and discharge. There are several causes behind canine conjunctivitis, such as an allergy, which would affect both eyes, or foreign bodies, where only one would be affected. Conjunctivitis can be of different types:
- Serosa: with clear, transparent and watery discharge, usually caused by wind or dust. Produces itching.
- Mucoid: with mucous secretion originating from the follicles of the third eyelid after a reaction caused by any irritant or infection.
- Purulent: with the presence of pus due to the action of bacteria. This discharge will form crusts on the eyelids.
Treatment involves finding out the cause. The affected eye(s) must be thoroughly cleaned and the antibiotic indicated by the veterinarian should be applied.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
This eye disease in dogs is also called dry eye The cause is a disorder of the tear glands that leads to ainsufficient tear production , causing the cornea to dry out. The characteristic sign of this disease is the appearance of a thick, mucous or mucopurulent secretion, because tears have a watery layer, which is what is affected in keratoconjunctivitis, and another mucous layer. If we observe this secretion in our dog, which is usually accompanied by a dull eye, we should go to the vet because, if we delay treating it, the cornea may be affected and blindness may occur.
There are different causes to explain dry eye, such as immune-mediated diseases, lesions in the lacrimal glands due to distemper, Addison's, etc. Other cases are idiopathic. The veterinarian arrives at this diagnosis by measuring the tear volume of the eye with the Schirmer test The treatment, based on immunosuppressants, will be lifelong. There is a surgical option but it is controversial.
Epiphora
We could define epiphora as an eye disease in dogs characterized by a continuous tearing That moisture on the skin can make cause it to become inflamed and infected. It is mainly an aesthetic problem, but it can be a symptom of diseases or reveal the presence of a foreign body, hence the need to consult a veterinarian.
Epiphora is common in breeds such as the Poodle, M altese or Pekingese, which will present a reddish-brown spotting under the eye The reaction of tears with light is responsible for these stains. Medication can be given that prevents this reaction, so that, although the tearing continues, the coloration disappears. Another therapeutic option is surgery, but after surgery, the opposite effect could occur, that is, a dry eye.
Corneal ulcers
The corneal ulcer is a lesion that affects the middle and inner layer of the cornea Most of the time this disease of canine eyes is caused by trauma, but other ulcers can be associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, diabetes, or Addison's syndrome.
The ulcer causes a lot of pain, tearing and photophobia. Some may be seen as blurred areas. The vet can confirm their presence by instilling fluorescein into the eye, as it stains them green. It is important to go to the vet quickly because, if the damage progresses, the dog could lose the eye. Medication is prescribed and, if this does not work, surgery is used. The indolent ulcer, typical of some breeds such as the Boxer, Poodle or Samoyed, is a specific type of ulcer that takes time to heal.
Waterfalls
Cataracts involve the loss of transparency of the lens. Some we can see as grayish films behind the pupil. This eye disease in dogs is usually of hereditary origin. Congenital or juvenile cataracts have been described in numerous breeds such as the Cocker, Westie, Schnauzer, Poodle, Golden, Labrador or Husky. They appear before the age of six and in both eyes, although not always simultaneously. Acquired cataracts, on the other hand, are caused by aging or other diseases. They are senile cataracts that begin in the center of the lens and spread. Treatment is surgical, although some juvenile cataracts spontaneously resorb within a year.
Anterior uveitis
This eye disease in dogs is also known as soft eye It causes inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, which continues to the iris and produces aqueous humour. It is a common symptom to different diseases. It produces a lot of pain, tearing, redness, photophobia and protrusion of the third eyelid. The pupil appears small and has difficulty reacting to light. You may also see a haze over the eye.
Treatment of this eye condition involves finding out the cause and starting treatment early.
Glaucoma
This eye disease in dogs is serious and can lead to blindness. It occurs when a greater amount of vitreous humor is produced than is eliminated, which increases the pressure inside the eye, which produces alterations in the optic nerve and retina. It can be primary, hereditary in breeds such as the beagle, cocker or basset, or secondary, result of the complication of another disease that will need to be treated or of trauma.
Glaucoma that occurs acutely causes pain, tearing, a hardened eye, corneal haze, and an enlarged pupil. Chronic glaucoma enlarges and bulges the eyeball of an eye that will already be blind. Precisely to prevent this blindness, acute glaucoma must be treated immediately, implanting a medication that lowers intraocular pressure. Surgery can also be used. In chronic glaucoma removal should be considered, since the eye, although blind, can continue to hurt and is prone to injury.
Keratitis
Also known as cloud in the eye, this eye disease in dogs consists of the inflammation of the the cornea, which becomes cloudy and loses transparency. Intense tearing, photophobia and protrusion of the third eyelid appear.
There are different types of keratitis in dogs, including ulcerative, infectious, interstitial, vascular and pigmentary. All must be treated to prevent blindness.
Eyelid tumors
Finally, in this review of eye diseases in dogs, we highlight eyelid tumors, being Meibomian gland adenomathe most common. They are glands that are located in the eyelids and produce a sebaceous substance. These tumors have a cauliflower-like appearance, single or multiple.
Other common eyelid tumors are Sebaceous adenomas, which are usually benign and appear in older dogs. You can also see papillomas, which look like warts, caused by the canine oral papilloma virus. In all cases it is recommended to remove them because continued rubbing with them can cause corneal injuries.
