It is important to be aware of your pet’s physical health and well-being. One of the most important physical signs to look out for is your pet’s eyesight. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to recognize any changes in your pet’s vision, such as changes in the size, color, and shape of the eye, or any other noticeable differences. One of the most common questions that pet owners may find themselves asking is, “Why does my dog’s eye look weird?” This blog post will provide an overview of potential causes for changes in your dog’s eyesight, as well as helpful tips for how to address the issue. As always, the best way to ensure the health of your pet is to seek professional help from a veterinarian.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) “Dry Eye”
Tears lubricate the cornea and help to remove debris. However, KCS reduces tear production, increasing the risk of ocular damage and eye ulcers. Shih-Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels are frequently afflicted by this condition.
Signs often include:
The Schirmer tear test, which measures tear production, can be used to diagnose primary KCS, which is genetic. The vet will conduct this test by inserting a test strip into the lower eyelid’s inner corner, closing the dog’s eye, and holding the strip in place for one minute. A below-normal test result indicates KCS.
Treatment for dry eyes has seen significant advancements. In place of giving your dog or cat daily eye drops to treat the symptoms, there are now surgical options to address the underlying problems for a long-lasting fix.
The best way to preserve your dog’s vision is to identify eye conditions as soon as possible, when they are most manageable. A dog with vision or eye issues may paw at or scratch them, squint, stumble, become afraid of the dark, or become scared in situations they were not previously afraid of. The dog’s eye may be discharge-producing, red, cloudy, or swollen. The nictitating membrane may partially cover the eye.
When not enough tears are produced to properly lubricate the eyes, this condition is known as dry eye. Dogs can inherit this condition; the American Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier are some of the breeds with a higher risk. Sometimes the eyes of small, flat-faced dogs bulge so much that their eyelids cannot close properly, causing the surface of the eyes to dry out.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cairn Terrier, Collie, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, and Norwegian Elkhound all exhibit PRA as puppies. In contrast, some breeds usually donât develop PRA until adulthood. These include the Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. In the Siberian Husky and Samoyed, PRA is primarily found in males. Genetic tests for PRA are available for several breeds. Related article.
Dogs most frequently develop glaucoma as a result of inherited eye structure that causes poor drainage. Alaskan Malamute, American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Norwegian Elkhound, Poodle (all sizes), Samoyed, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, and Welsh Springer Spaniel are among the dog breeds that can develop primary ( Related article.
A slow-healing ulcer on or in the dog’s cornea that is accompanied by inflammation is called a corneal ulcer. Most ulcers are brought on by wounds, and antibiotics are frequently used in treatment. Small dog breeds with large eyeballs and short noses are more likely to sustain eye injuries, according to Dr. Samuel J. of the Animal Eye Clinic in Denmark, Wisconsin, Vainisi, DVM, ACVO Because of this, breeds like the Boston Terrier, Pekinese, and Shih Tzu frequently develop eye ulcers. â.
These exercises require you to hold your finger in front of your dog’s face and slowly move it in the direction of his nose. It will take time, but it can help him strengthen his weak eye’s muscles. However, when it is inherited, it is only seen as a cosmetic issue, so there are no long-term consequences to be worried about.
My dog’s left eye was dramatically moving to the left when we woke up this morning, while the right eye was facing normally. Her cornea is barely visible, and the white of her eye that I can make out is bright red. She has never had eye problems before, so will this go away on its own or do I need to take her to the vet to get it checked out?
Your dog will probably compensate for his new symptoms because the majority of vestibular diseases are not fatal to him, but this is where patience and time are needed. You must give him some time to get used to his new environment. Carrying him can make him recover from his symptoms more slowly, so it should be avoided for a while. And finally, giving him a lot of light will help him recover by giving him his own cues for distance, position, and more.
Your dog’s needs will determine the type of follow-up that is discussed with your veterinarian. She might ask you to return or check in with them after a certain amount of time if there is any kind of medication treatment in place. Your veterinarian will instruct you to keep an eye on him and be alert for any new or developing symptoms.
Visit your dog’s veterinarian if you have concerns about the possibility that your dog has strabismus. It will be crucial to note and identify any symptoms you may have noticed in the most recent days, weeks, or months that may have worried you prior to your visit. If your dog has experienced any mishaps or trauma, it will be crucial to let the vet know in order to explain his new symptoms.
FAQ
How can you tell if something is wrong with your dog’s eyes?
- Cloudy appearance of the eye.
- Your dog is bumping into objects.
- Signs of anxiety or hesitation when in new places.
- Your dog has suddenly stopped doing things they normally did, like climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture.
- Eyes are red, puffy or swollen.
- Obvious eye irritation or pawing at face.
Why is my dog’s third eyelid showing?
Horner’s syndrome can also be brought on by middle- or inner-ear conditions (otitis media or otitis interna). Tetanus, facial nerve paralysis, facial muscle atrophy, and dehydration are additional causes of an elevated or protruding third eyelid gland.
Why does my dog’s eye look crooked?
Your dog may develop strabismus for a number of reasons. They are the result of an injury, a congenital condition, an inherited condition, or issues with his vestibular system (inner ear). Certain breeds are prone to developing strabismus. These breeds may be born with the weak muscles that result in the traveling eye because they inherit the condition.
How do you tell if your dogs eyes are going blind?
- Cloudy eyes.
- White spots on the eyes.
- Bumping into things.
- hesitation when confronting challenges like stairs or in unfamiliar settings
- Anxiety when in new environments.
- Avoidance of stairs.
- No longer jumping on/off furniture.
- Redness and swelling on or around the eyes.