Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most concerning issues pet owners may face is when they suspect their pet is suffering from a disability or health issue. If you are concerned that your dog may be blind, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments available to help your pet. In this blog post, we will explore the question “Is my dog blind?” to help you determine if it may have a vision-related issue, and what you can do to help. We will look at the signs of blindness in dogs, the possible causes and treatments available, and discuss some of the steps you can take to help your pet. By understanding more about your dog’s vision, you can provide the care and support it needs to live a full and healthy life.
Glaucoma:
A buildup of fluid inside the eye is called glaucoma, and it can cause your dog significant pain. The damage that glaucoma can do to the retina can lead to blindness. Glaucoma usually has observable symptoms that develop gradually, making it simple to identify the condition in its early stages. Eye discharge that is yellow or green, dilated pupils, an eye color that is slightly blue, and bloodshot eyes are all signs of glaucoma. If you catch glaucoma early enough, you can treat it with medication eye drops. However, if the condition is left untreated for a long time, it may result in partial or total blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
A painless, inherited condition called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) damages the retina and can result in blindness. Early-onset PRA, which manifests in puppies, or late-onset PRA, which manifests in older dogs Compared to SARDS, PRA develops more slowly, and there is no known treatment. Breeds of dogs like Bedlington Terriers, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are more likely to develop PRA than other breeds.
In order to rule out underlying illnesses like diabetes and Cushing’s disease, diagnostic tests will probably be required. Blood glucose, serum chemistry analysis, complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), urinalysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum cholesterol, bilirubin, and tonometry are a few of the possible tests that may be required. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), electroretinography (ERG), an ACTH stimulation test, and ocular ultrasound are additional procedures that are frequently performed at this time. For additional testing, you might need to take your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
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Treatment depends on the cause of the blindness. There is no cure for some forms of blindness, including SARDS and PRA. It will be necessary to treat any underlying illnesses, such as diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, or hypertension, first. Unless something can be done, the only option may be to teach your pet to live with blindness. For instance, there are things to keep in mind as you consider how to take care of a blind puppy. Additionally, a senior dog who has recently lost their vision will need support and compassion as they adjust to their new life.
Many obstacles and circumstances are not dangerous if your canine companion can see them, but become dangerous if they can’t. When outside, blind dogs can unknowingly cross in front of a moving vehicle, tumble down stairs, bump into sharp objects, and get into all sorts of situations. You must schedule a visit with your veterinarian if you believe your dog is experiencing vision problems. It is a good idea to visit your veterinarian at least once a year because there are numerous causes of blindness in dogs and you might not be able to detect a loss of vision. Even during a routine examination, the vet will be able to determine if your dog is visually impaired.
My Morkie Trixie suddenly experienced her vision in a matter of 2–3 weeks. She was stumbling over things, and when we called her name, she turned completely away from where we were. Initially, her left eye became cloudy, followed by her right eye.
FAQ
Can a vet tell if my dog is going blind?
It is a good idea to visit your veterinarian at least once a year because there are numerous causes of blindness in dogs and you might not be able to detect a loss of vision. Even during a routine examination, the vet will be able to determine if your dog is visually impaired.
Can you check a dogs eye sight?
Owners of dogs who are concerned about their vision can take them in for a retinoscopy, in which the focal distance of the eye is examined with light.
What do blind dog eyes look like?
Your dog’s eyes can reveal a lot about their vision just by looking at them. Blind dog eyes tend to look cloudy, red, or swollen. Additionally, when they are exposed to light, their pupils might stop dilating.
At what age do dogs go blind?
The majority of glaucoma cases in dogs are discovered when they are three to seven years old. Dogs with untreated glaucoma will eventually become totally blind.