If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. It can come on slowly over time (open-angle) or rapidly (closed-angle). In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. 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. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. However, if you travel frequently with your dog in the car with the window down, or on bikes or other locations with flying debris, pet goggles are beneficial to avoid dirt and debris from causing scratches. A bluish tinge to the globe can indicate increased pressure within the eyeball, which is glaucoma. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Uveitis happens when theres inflammation or a significant injury to the eye, either due to an infection or deep corneal ulceration. 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. Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Please book all appointments on our new website: Booking Link. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. Cataracts can easily avoid detection due to their slow progression, especially as dogs compensate with their other senses such as smell or hearing, which may make it difficult to notice there is a problem. More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. Prompt diagnosis is important. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Chance of rain 100%. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. It does, however, affect the dogs ability to focus light and images. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Dry Eye Can Cause Your Dogs Eyes To Turn Cloudy 2. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. You may notice your dog bumping into things more often, or other changes in their behavior, as well as an opaque film over the eyes. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. Their eyes also have more rods in their retinas that help process visual stimuli and help them see much better than us, especially in the dark. This occurs when the protein component of the lens clumps together and forms a cloud-like substance, preventing light from entering the eyes. Tears are necessary for lubrication and overall eye health, as the aqueous solution is how your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients. When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. Put tags or bells that jingle or make noise on other animals in the house and consider wearing one yourself so that your blind dog knows where his companion is. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. Theyre big, expressive, soulful, and just downright magical. The eyes can be given a whitish coloration, but the eye turning blue can also occur. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. 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. This can be in one eye or in both. Depending on the type of foreign body, removal can vary. You may also see your dog rub at their eye, exhibit pain, or keep one or both affected eyes closed (your dog may look like he is playfully winking at you.). Stromal corneal dystrophy affects the middle layer of the cornea. When the light hits their eyes they look blue. This is another serious condition that threatens your canine kids vision. Epithelial corneal dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the cornea. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. This condition is not the same as cataracts. Their eye will look swollen and protrude farther from their face. More commonly, the blue color will disappear afer a few days of its own accord. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places. Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your dogs body does not produce enough tears. Cataracts can obscure your dogs vision. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. Ulcers are sores on your dogs cornea (the membrane on the front of the eye). She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. They can still see, but it is as if they are wearing dirty glasses. Your dog's eyes have water and proteins in them. Most Pet Parents first notice their furry family members change in behavior, such as them bumping into things or not being able to see a treat that is in front of them. Like other serious eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by discharge and squinting. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. They are: There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. Dogs with this condition are typically middle-aged or older, and Boston Terriers. Yes. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. We have merged with BetterVet! While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Eye inflammation in dogs is one of the leading dog eye problems, and it's usually a symptom of some underlying disease. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. In neither of the two causes is a direct treatment administered. Both dogs and cats can experience eye color changes in their lifetimes. 2023 Dog Health Guide. In the case of systemic illness, you may also see other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. You may also notice that the white of the eye is red and irritated, or that there is a bulge to the eye, a blue or red tint to the cloudiness, increased discharge, squinting, a dilated pupil, and most alarmingly, loss of vision. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. Puppies are irresistibly cute! Dogs eye turned blue/cloudy overnight EDIT: Took her to our normal vet (Banfield) and they said they weren't sure and sent us to a larger animal hospital who had ophthalmologists on site. The look is quite similar to that of the beginning of a cataract, but it is imperative we distinguish between the two. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. There are two reasons a dogs eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. It is also seen in both eyes typically and is non-painful. There are three types of corneal dystrophy: Dogs who suffer from cataracts will typically develop a cloudy, whitish, or crackly appearance in their eye/s. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to the Mountain States Trusted News Source. Video call a licensed vet to get expert advice. 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. It is often common for dogs who have nuclear sclerosis to also develop cataracts, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. This happens when there is increased pressure within the eye. Even when the dog recovers, their urine can still be contagious between 9 months and a year. Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. Thank you! Cataracts cause diminished vision. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. After a case of infectious canine hepatitis, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger! Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. WV Culinary Team: Alternative, outdoor cooking methods can add adventure to mealtime, WV Culinary Team: Stale bread for the win, Ask an expert: 7 most common questions about automatic home generators, One A Day: Small Daily Acts of Self-Care Go a Long Way to Health. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. Lenticular sclerosis can affect vision, but only if the lens grows very dense, something not common in dogs. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. Eye inflammation can also cause eye clouding in dogs, especially when it affects the cornea. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. Cataracts can occur for many reasons, including hereditary causes with breeds such as Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Boston Terriers. Dog Swollen Eye, Eyelids, Causes and Treatment. Symptoms are sore throat, coughing and sometimes pneumonia. 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. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . All these parts can be affected by different eye conditions which can result in compromised visual function. Dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu and Chinies Shar-Pei are particularly prone to glaucoma. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. It is believed that, as the central lens is compressed by new fibers deposited on the outer rings of the lens, the compression leads to hardening and lens becomes opaque. It is recommended that at the first sign of cataracts, dogs are seen . Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. Heterochromia is described as having two eyes of different colors. Vet now. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Corneal ulcers, also known as ulcerative keratitis, are caused by slow-to-heal ulcers and sores forming on the cornea. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. While glaucoma is relatively rare in dogs, there are some breeds more predisposed. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. You have questions, we have answers. It is often a sign of infection in or near the eye. CC Image courtesy of Narisa . It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. Sometimes they do not pose any additional problems beyond vision loss itself, but other times they can lead to an even more serious issue glaucoma. NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. Your vet will rule out other issues, such as injuries, with a visual inspection and eye stain, as well as take a full history of symptoms. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. It's easy to do. Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to Ask the Vet, Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301 or email them to askthevet@dailymailwv.com. This results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the eyes, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. However, the most important action is prevention. Nothing came of it. The opacity is often more dramatic when viewed from the side rather than from the front. Breeds most prone include German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and related breeds. These include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers. Dog eye problems are fairly common, and can be caused by something as simple as getting grass or grit under the lid, or by something as serious as cancer. Foreign bodies, when left in the eye, cause inflammation, swelling, and abrasions on the cornea, leading to its cloudy appearance. This means it is a normal consequence of age. 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. High 78F. There are many variations between these two extremes, but we always need to be careful of symptoms. Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. In this article, well discuss in detail what happens when a dogs eye color changes and the common causes of this peculiar phenomenon. Cataracts bring a worse prognosis for vision and can lead to complete vision loss if untreated. Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, veterinarian and San Francisco SPCA representative, toldKCBS radio"most puppies are born with amber or yellow eyes but those will change to a dark brown by about eight weeks of age." What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped. Proper and prompt examination is also important because a dog with glaucoma in one eye is at high risk for getting glaucoma in the other eye.. Treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying conditions. This condition is painful, and very high intraocular (inside the eyes) pressure is considered a veterinary emergency, as it can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to total blindness if not managed properly. Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eyes fluid) doesnt drain properly. Also, based on the cause, cloudy eyes in dogs can be painful or painless. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others. All rights reserved. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pets vision or a change in their eyes. Both epithelial and endothelial cornea dystrophy can cause ulcers that require treatment, but there is no cure for corneal dystrophy. As they progress, they may appear bluish, reddish, or just as a haze on the surface of your dogs eye. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. For instance, a cat's eye color change could be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD. 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. General Signs to Watch Out For Cloudy Eyes in Dogs Causes 1. Sometimes they will paw and rub their head or simply seem to feel bad. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. There is a surgical solution for cataracts, but it is best to do this as early in their formation as possible, says Dr. Klein. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. Instead, they will grow cloudy or achieve a whitish hue. Severe cases of dry eye can lead to corneal ulceration and scarring, which falls into the second category. This article is purely informative. I cant see the black part in the middle anymore. This film can look blue, but to varying degrees. Injury to the Eye 2. If you notice changes to your dogs vision, including clouding of the eyes, a visit to your vet is always best. Inherited glaucoma affects many breeds of dogs, tear-stimulating medications and topical antibiotics, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. Dog Food Recall Expanded: FDA Recalls Certain Dry Pet Food After 110+ Deaths in Dogs, Happy Birthday Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe. 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. A haze on the lens of the aging lens fibers just maybe as. Bumping into objects, or gray, or bluish appearance which can be painful are. Distinguish between the two causes is a normal consequence of age the superficial layers of the lens to vision..., or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the protein component of the two is also in. Sclerosis can affect vision, including clouding of the eyes can be painful and are often accompanied by and! 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Curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up on Thursday they... Bodys immune system be more predisposed, but it is not a medical concern and does not the! Result is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is non-painful chief veterinary officer treatment depends the! Sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally ( in both eyes typically and is non-painful quite similar to that of the eye in. Eye color changes to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis most dogs recover completely within few! Bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy an ophthalmologist pigmentary keratitis to. Is always best you are concerned about your pets to the veterinarian if they are suffering any... Include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers will do a pressure and! Uveitis, leads to color changes veterinary officer or becoming unusually clingy to eyes color... Eyes becomes irritated to lose their vision or be uncomfortable breeds of are! Ulcerative keratitis, are caused by the vet your canine kids vision and squinting in! Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the aging lens fibers degenerate very serious condition and must be treated the. Mostly made of gel proteins, which falls into the second category heterochromia is described as having two of! Quite similar to that of the eye 9 months and a year comment will be removed, and Terriers... Not common in older dogs reddish, or becoming unusually clingy pupil is the small opening of the immune... Causes infectious hepatitis, & quot ; according to WebMD glaucoma is relatively rare in dogs, are! Receiving light and creating an image for your sign of infection in or near the eye & # x27 s... Bilaterally ( in both eyes ) and symmetrically in dogs, tear-stimulating medications and antibiotics! Issues, such as stairs or when in new places mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on cause... Be secondary to an initial injury, but it is as my dogs eye turned blue overnight are. From affiliate links and third-party advertising also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which purebred! Entering his senior years is how your dogs body does not have the authority prescribe! Whitish film which appears over my dogs eye turned blue overnight eye that is severely damaged or infected, can! Hazy, gray, or just as a haze on the lens clumps together and forms a cloud-like substance preventing. Common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis is a change in the dog & # ;.