Both epithelial and endothelial cornea dystrophy can cause ulcers that require treatment, but there is no cure for corneal dystrophy. But can pets' eye colors change? Please book all appointments on our new website: Why You Should Check Your Pets Food Label. Thank you! Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. Eye ointments such as a steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye is fully healed. Pet eye colors may have to do with age. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. A dog develops a cataract when the lens of the eye clouds, which is caused by changes in the water balance in the lens or changes to the proteins within the lens. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. Prompt diagnosis is important. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. Clumsiness. However, it is also possible the dog will maintain the blue color for the rest of their lives. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the cause of your dogs cloudy eyes, and your general practice doctor may refer you to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology for further treatment. This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. Other issues, such as seizures, may also cause changes to the eye, giving them a cloudy, faraway look. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Diagnosis involves visual inspection of the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check for visible tears and injuries. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. It changes the color of the lenses from transparent to almost white in severe cases. Does she have cataracts or something? A bluish tinge to the globe can indicate increased pressure within the eyeball, which is glaucoma. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. Choose wisely! Sometimes steroid drops will help or saline drops can slow the progression in some cases, but most of the time there is no treatment. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.. The change in color of the eye is due to edema, i.e. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. Anterior uveitis is inflammation of one or all of these structures, and it is a serious condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Are your dogs eyes turning cloudy or blue? Like other serious eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by discharge and squinting. Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eyes fluid) doesnt drain properly. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Like many changes that come with age, it can just happen naturally. The veterinarian will use a microscope with a bright light to identify the type of corneal dystrophy your dog has, as well as a fluorescein stain to examine the details of the eye, and may prescribe antibiotic eye medications. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Your dog may rub at the affected eye, show pain when the eye is touched, or may have visible clouding or injury to the cornea. It's easy to do. Theyre big, expressive, soulful, and just downright magical. It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. LENSES THAT ADAPT TO VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS, PROTECTION AGAINST GLARE, SCRATCHES, AND SMUDGES. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. Bumping into things. For the former, it is important to know what symptoms exist so that they can be treated and help the body to overcome the hepatitis. Foreign bodies, when left in the eye, cause inflammation, swelling, and abrasions on the cornea, leading to its cloudy appearance. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. There are two reasons a dogs eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Once your dog is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. This will make your dog more comfortable during the procedure. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. The appearance of cloudy eyes may continue. A dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Evening headlines from the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The latest in travel and recreation around West Virginia, The daily opinion newsletter from the Charleston Gazette-Mail. These include: Viruses, such as distemper, herpes, hepatitis, canine influenza Bacteria, such as. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Anterior uveitis can also cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes. Nuclear sclerosis usually gives your dogs eyes a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, which are white and opaque. After a case of infectious canine hepatitis, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally. Join in and write your own page! Watch your dog closely for other symptoms of eye problems, such as increased discharge, squinting, or a change in your dogs eyes shape, size, color, or vision, and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice redness, squinting, or thick discharge from your dogs eye, in addition to cloudiness. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. 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. If the cause is due to the problem with the eye itself, or an injury to the eye, treatment such as medicated steroid eye drops, antibiotics, and pain medications can help. Most dogs, with age, develop a haze within the lens similar to cataracts, called nuclear sclerosis, says veterinary ophthalmologist Martin Coster, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO). go to an emergency vet or if possible an ophthalmologist ASAP. Proper vaccinations schedules will best prevent conditions related to blue eyes in dogs. It is important to diagnose this early to save the dog's sight in the eye. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. The look is quite similar to that of the beginning of a cataract, but it is imperative we distinguish between the two. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. Uveitis As A Cause For Suddenly Cloudy Eyes In Dogs Helping Your Dog When It Develops Cloudy Eyes Conclusion Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly Symptoms are sore throat, coughing and sometimes pneumonia. These cataracts can occur when the dogs are puppies or as they age, depending on the type of inherited cataracts, and they usually occur in both eyes. This condition can be uncomfortable, and Shetland Sheepdogs appear to be the most susceptible breed. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. To diagnose a corneal ulcer, the veterinarian will use a fluorescein stain test, and sometimes samples will be taken to be cultured. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. Symptoms of anterior uveitis include redness, discharge, squinting, an oddly shaped pupil, eyeball swelling, excessive tearing, and a cloudy or dull appearance. Some cloudy eyes in dogs look like they have actual clouds in the lens, while others might look like there is something on the surface of your dogs eye clouding it up. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. Often an issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eye. The disease can be serious and symptoms include watery eyes and squinting to avoid light. Injury to the Eye 2. Another condition that is seen is true cataracts. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dog's. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 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. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. Fluorescein stains are the top diagnostic tool for corneal injuries. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. This is done by applying a stain to the eye and then shining a fluorescent light over it. If there is a foreign body present causing the ulcer, it can also be removed at this time. Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. Dry Eye Can Cause Your Dogs Eyes To Turn Cloudy 2. This condition is not the same as cataracts. Owners report it looking like ice crystals. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. This usually happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the surface of the eye. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. With nuclear sclerosis, the haze over the eye doesn't necessarily affect the dog's vision. While most dogs have an eye color which is some shade of brown, it is possible for certain breeds to have blue eyes throughout their lifetime. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others. Puppies are irresistibly cute! This can also reduce secondary infections and inflammation. Inflammatory cells migrate to the anterior chamber of the eye resulting in a hazy bluish appearance. This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. Treatment will depend on the cause, and could include eye drops, eye ointments, and oral medications. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. If you notice changes to your dogs vision, including clouding of the eyes, a visit to your vet is always best. Injury is the most common cause of abrasion and injury to the cornea, however, bacterial infections can also lead to corneal ulcers if left untreated, and may take hold as a secondary infection in traumatic injuries. This condition, called nuclear sclerosis, doesn't put a dog's vision in as much danger as cataracts might, and treatment isn't usually recommended," according to WebMD. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. Lets go over the rule-out list to give you some information to take to your veterinarian: One condition that we see in older pets is called lenticular sclerosis. Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to the Mountain States Trusted News Source. The entering light is focused by the lens and is received by the rods in the retina at the back of the eye for interpretation. Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. Eye color change in animals, especially when not due to age, is very serious. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly 1. There are two reasons a dog's eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. It occurs as the lens fibers in the eye harden, compress and become more visible due to age. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. Other possibilities include corneal scarring, pus inside your dog's eye, or a cataract. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. 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. It is recommended that at the first sign of cataracts, dogs are seen . A cloudy eye is not the only symptom of glaucoma. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. If a cataract develops, it can be surgically corrected, and this procedure should be pursued early in the course of the disease for best results. 2023 Dog Health Guide. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. Areas of injury will glow brightly. We should state that the first reason your dog has blue eyes might not be a discoloration. If diagnosed early, treated consistently, and monitored regularly by a veterinarian, dogs who have dry eye can be pain-free, reports Dr. Klein. Some of them can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. There is no "pure" albino dog on record, but some breeds have shown significant loss of pigment that result in a white coat, pink nose, and blue eyes. It can come on slowly over time (open-angle) or rapidly (closed-angle). Glaucoma is also something we see in animals. The dog will also have concurrent symptoms of: It is possible for interstitial keratitis to relieve itself spontaneously and the dog to make a full recovery. And even though their vision is gone, the pain and pressure remain. The lens in both dog eyes and human eyes acts like a camera lens, focusing light on the film at the back of the eye, called the retina, where the brain then processes the information to form a picture of the world around it. For nuclear sclerosis, we need to be sure of the correct diagnosis in case it is a treatable condition. Heterochromia is described as having two eyes of different colors. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. A fluorescein stain can also be used to check for injuries to the cornea. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! High 78F. From what i've read on the internet it could be wither nuclear sclerosis or cataracts. However, focusing ability may become impaired.. This results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the eyes, lethargy, and decreased appetite. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. Ulcers that form as a result of dry eye, trauma from rubbing the eye on a rough surface or being scratched by another animal, bacterial or viral infections, or other ophthalmic problems, like entropion (inward folding eyelids) or distichia (problematically placed hairs) can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eye. While the two seem related, there does not appear to be a causal relationship. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. 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. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. There are many causes for clouding of the eyes, including aging-related health issues, injuries, and more. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. In the case of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eye may need to be removed entirely. Eye Infections 3. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated. Below, Ive outlined five common conditions that can cause blue or cloudy eyes whilesome are benign, others are very serious and can lead to total blindness. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). However, certain breeds that have a propensity for blue eyes, such as Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds, may be prone to certain health conditions that are breed-specific. 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