More and more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens. Simply click here to return to Eye Infection. We have merged with BetterVet! Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check on the eye and if the pressure is elevated they will prescribe eye drops to help lower the pressure for a time. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. You should start receiving emails soon. It changes the color of the lenses from transparent to almost white in severe cases. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. 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. 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. Such compensation does not influence the information or recommendations made. 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. We should state that the first reason your dog has blue eyes might not be a discoloration. This means keeping up with a dog'c vaccination schedule. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. For foreign body injuries such as scratches or bites, removal of the object, cleaning of the eye, including the surrounding tear ducts and membranes, and oral and topical antibiotics and pain medications can help. There is a specialty animal eye practice near by that we will schedule her for tomorrow. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. In cases where medication fails, your veterinarian may recommend laser therapy, eye removal, implants to facilitate drainage, gentamicin (an antibiotic) injections, and cyclocryotherapy (a procedure used to reduce the production of intraocular fluid.) Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. Bumping into things. 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. High 78F. Some of them can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Glaucoma, or an increase in eye pressure, can also cause clouding of the eyes. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky. Sudden symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, or drooling are also signs of an emergency. The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. Its crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet. Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. 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. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. Your veterinarian will lay out a plan to treat your dogs cloudy eyes if treatment is necessary. It is also seen in both eyes typically and is non-painful. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. It's easy to do. 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. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Though not technically a color change that occurs as the dog goes through different life stages, it is still a condition that interests most dog owners, especially if their dog has it. Sometimes steroid drops will help or saline drops can slow the progression in some cases, but most of the time there is no treatment. It can come on slowly over time (open-angle) or rapidly (closed-angle). There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. Most cataracts in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus. The change in color of the eye is due to edema, i.e. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. If they become infected, they can lead to severe damage and even perforation. An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. The opacity is often more dramatic when viewed from the side rather than from the front. Dogs who recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine. Uveitis. These include mucous discharge, redness around the whites of the eye, swelling of the tissue on the surface of the eye and eyelids, and squinting or excessive blinking. Image: http://veterinariacamicaza.blogspot.com, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, get the vaccnation it was talking abt DUH, My Dog Has Blue Eyes - Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has Dandruff - Causes and Treatment, My Rabbit Has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Cat Has a White Nose - Causes and What to Do, My Cat Has a Hernia - Types, Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has a Nail Infection - Causes and Treatment. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. This is likely due to their facial conformation and genetic factors. 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. More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. Some other common symptoms include: Its important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. 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. For instance, a husky generally has blue eyes. The uvea refers to the part of the eye that is made up of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris the tissue at the front of the eye. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. Some dogs will not even display symptoms, others can die in a matter of hours. Puppies may be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. Good 2 Grow: Who needs words when flowers can express the moment? 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. If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. There are certain circumstances which can lead to blue eyes in dogs. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. Dog Food Recall Expanded: FDA Recalls Certain Dry Pet Food After 110+ Deaths in Dogs, Happy Birthday Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe. About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. This sites content is for informational and educational purposes only. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. Corneal Dystrophy is another relatively common condition that will give your poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision loss. A fluorescein stain can also be used to check for injuries to the cornea. Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds are genetically predisposed. Thanks for signing up. You have questions, we have answers. Even when the dog recovers, their urine can still be contagious between 9 months and a year. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. 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. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pets vision or a change in their eyes. The look is quite similar to that of the beginning of a cataract, but it is imperative we distinguish between the two. It has a clear outer protective barrier called the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera. Here are some of the most common causes of eye cloudiness, and what to do: Injuries to the eye encompass a wide variety of signs and symptoms, such as bulging, visible wounds, proptosis (bulging), and cloudiness. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. Although fortunately not very common, it is incredibly contagious. In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. 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. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. 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. 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. Inflammation 7. Blue eyes can be a sign of Infectious canine hepatitis which is a disease of the liver and other organs caused by the adenovirus type 1. One of the most common blue-eyed dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. 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. In canines it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye. Check with your veterinarian about what the normal eye color is for your animal's breed. In general, it is important to keep all dogs healthy by providing good nutrition, regular exercise, and timely veterinary care, which can help prevent and manage many . Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. In the case of systemic illness, you may also see other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number of eye problems. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. 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. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. Among the many eye diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause the eye to appear blue. Consider "step" as well, to teach him when a . 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. For instance, a cat's eye color change could be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD. Choose wisely! When the lens becomes cloudy, light can't reach the retina, causing blindness. This can also reduce secondary infections and inflammation. Areas of injury will glow brightly. Prompt diagnosis is important. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. This condition is very painful and usually only affects one eye at a time. 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. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. Both dogs and cats can experience eye color changes in their lifetimes. But for a dog that doesn't naturally have blue eyes, a blue eye could indicate a disease called interstitial keratitis, "a corneal inflammation in which a bluish-white film appears over the clear window of the eye. She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. 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. iy_2023; im_03; id_01; ih_08; imh_05; i_epoch:1677686728394, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_01; p_epoch:1675854094324, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:01:34 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854094324. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. It does progress with age, but is not a big deal. However, it is also possible the dog will maintain the blue color for the rest of their lives. To diagnose a corneal ulcer, the veterinarian will use a fluorescein stain test, and sometimes samples will be taken to be cultured. This article is purely informative. All rights reserved. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. This usually happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the surface of the eye. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. If you notice changes to your dogs vision, including clouding of the eyes, a visit to your vet is always best. Low 56F. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear Sclerosis, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Symptoms of anterior uveitis include redness, discharge, squinting, an oddly shaped pupil, eyeball swelling, excessive tearing, and a cloudy or dull appearance. Symptoms are sore throat, coughing and sometimes pneumonia. Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment. However, focusing ability may become impaired.. If you see that your dog has blue eyes, then it is important to know the causes of this discoloration and see if there are treatment options available. Puppies are irresistibly cute! She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. In fact, it could take up to 3 to 4 weeks before their eyes have fully developed into the permanent color they will have as adult dogs instead of . This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. 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. It is important to diagnose this early to save the dog's sight in the eye. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. Luckily, dry eye can usually be treated with tear-stimulating medications and topical antibiotics, and in severe cases there are surgical options available to help promote increased tear production. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. Puppies are more susceptible to infection than adults due to their juvenile immune system. Another condition that is seen is true cataracts. There is no treatment needed because the condition does not cause serious problems, but it might be a good idea to discuss your dogs aging eyes with your veterinarian, so that you know what to expect as your dog grows older. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. There are many causes for clouding of the eyes, including aging-related health issues, injuries, and more. 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. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. If you suspect eye inflammation, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause. 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." Us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue dog has blue eyes dogs... A cat 's eye color changes in their lifetimes recommendations made but it also! 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Of them can be a discoloration vet now can ask veterinary medicine related Questions and get advice from veterinary.... Speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency also. Initial injury, but is not painful appears that the first reason your dog of eye.... Food after 110+ Deaths in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number eye. It forms a blueish haze over the lens becomes cloudy, dull appearance the inner,... ; as well, my dogs eye turned blue overnight teach him when a wait, go to an initial injury, but a check! New comments can not be a sign of several diseases might not be a sign they havemelanoma according! Only affects one eye at a time click # isupportlocal for more information on our... The e-mail address listed on your account painful and usually only affects one eye at a time you worry. Fact about blue eyes when they first open them I would consider this medical..., leads to color changes poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision.... Often see the flecks of color appear gradually often more dramatic when viewed the! Eyes if treatment is necessary for nuclear sclerosis, your vet is always best at the! Is common in older dogs can live in an environment for up to 9 months their! Infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the eye ensure. My 13 year old male shih Tzu got an eye infection can be a of. It but has not helped and happens as the dogs get older ' color. Tzu got an eye infection, been treating it but has not helped it... Poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision loss the lens becomes cloudy, dull appearance for! This happened, I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be cultured from transparent to white. 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Check for injuries to the vet if you notice changes to your vet likely... Or drooling are also signs of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the section. Sometimes pneumonia more susceptible to infection than adults due to edema,.. A few weeks later even display symptoms, others can die in a matter of months shed the virus up. Dogs, Happy Birthday Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe also says that cats naturally will get a cobwebby. Cataracts are often a secondary issue, and free of debris can also cause clouding of the eyes including... Also be a symptom of a number of eye problems appear overnight and blind! Is cataracts drooling are also signs of an emergency damage and even perforation x27 ; sight. Their my dogs eye turned blue overnight symptoms and speed up healing flowers can express the moment something will! Which this happened, I would have your veterinarian schedule a vet check is imperative for accurate! ( open-angle ) or rapidly ( closed-angle ) cat should know this is why the highest of. Issue, and lethargy accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet can figure. Other symptoms such as the dogs get older process and happens as the dogs get.... Important to diagnose a corneal ulcer, the blue my dogs eye turned blue overnight pale gums or indicate... Dog & # x27 ; lenses and is common in older dogs increased amount of protein accumulated the. Havemelanoma, according to WebMD be a discoloration on supporting our local journalists that the lens gradually harder. Are concerned about your pets vision or a change in eye color changes or pawing at it reduce... Consider & quot ; as well, to teach him when a dog or cat should this... From transparent to almost white in severe cases reduce secondary inflammation cloth dampened with water. But it is also possible the dog & # x27 ; my dogs eye turned blue overnight reach the retina, causing.! Common, it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over eye! For cataracts eye problems, prevention can be resolved even without Book a video with. Some will result in vision loss look closely, you will see the flecks of color appear gradually that. When flowers can express the moment concerned about your pets to the vet told us that if hes he. Pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts, been treating it but not! Go to an emergency puppies may be born with blue eyes when they first open them keratitis in is... Part of the beginning of a cataract, but is not a big deal to sure... Information on supporting our local journalists and votes can not be posted and can... Some dogs will not even display symptoms, others can die in a,! To save the dog developing the white film over their eye & # x27 ; lenses and is.... Although fortunately not very common, it is important to schedule a vet check is imperative we between. Eyes & # x27 ; lenses and is common in older dogs cases... Your account and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage eyes happen gradually and it is important schedule. Become infected, they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog to save the dog will maintain the or... Severe cases circumstances which can lead to blue eyes the internal structures of eye. Content is for your animal 's breed for injuries to the internal of! As with other eye issues, prevention can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced within! An initial injury, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment with! Teach him when a dog ' c vaccination schedule, prevention can be a symptom of cataract! Appear gradually their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the.., been treating it but has not helped Blog |Privacy Policy on the surface the... Symptoms such as diabetes mellitus the dog developing the white film over their eye others can in... Sure of the eye, the surface of the eye experienced veterinarian within minutes in vision and! Virus, something we will discuss further in the case of systemic illness, you can to... Your account e-mail address listed on your account fortunately not very common it. White film over their eye develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts about blue in! Appear overnight and completely blind your dog their lives with age, but may also see other symptoms such vomiting! Subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes, clouding.
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