Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. 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. You will receive an email with your results soon. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. This is another eye condition that causes changes in the color of the dogs eye but is considered normal. I think she can see because she doesnt run into things but I dont know how. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. Albino dogs, also known as C-series, show a massive loss of pigment through their entire body, also resulting in a pink nose and blue eyes. Your veterinarian may run a series of diagnostic tests to narrow down the culprit. But can pets' eye colors change? It does, however, affect the dogs ability to focus light and images. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. It is recommended that at the first sign of cataracts, dogs are seen . These include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. It's easy to do. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of a variety of eye problems, and some can be painful for your dog. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. This means it is a normal consequence of age. Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eyes fluid) doesnt drain properly. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. Nuclear Sclerosis isnt painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly 1. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. These can cause minor problems or major ones. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. This common condition is inherited, and is broken down into three types depending on the location in the eye: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. This usually happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the surface of the eye. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. However, the most important action is prevention. Dry eye is often associated with an autoimmune inflammation of the tear glands and can be a chronic, lifelong condition. Other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, trauma, inflammation, and nutritional issues can lead to cataract formation. However, cloudy eyes can sometimes be hard to detect, especially if your dog relies more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to compensate. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. They couldn't find any major issues and prescribed an eye drop and cream. Color changes can present differently depending on the cause. If diagnosed early, treated consistently, and monitored regularly by a veterinarian, dogs who have dry eye can be pain-free, reports Dr. Klein. 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. After a case of infectious canine hepatitis, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally. The Dog Health Guide is not intended to replace the advice of a Veterinarian or other Health Professional. Whether it is due to advancement in age or something more immediate, we need to act quickly to get the best prognosis for our dog. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. High 78F. Eye color change in animals, especially when not due to age, is very serious. This condition is most common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. The appearance of cloudy eyes may continue. Causes of Dog Eye Infections As in humans, there are many causes of dog eye infections. Theyre big, expressive, soulful, and just downright magical. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. Glaucoma is also something we see in animals. You should start receiving emails soon. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. For one, dogs eyes have a third eyelid for additional protection. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. 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. Some breeds are more susceptible to dry eye than others, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. Cataracts 4. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. Instead, they will grow cloudy or achieve a whitish hue. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? Your dog may bump into objects, or become clingy in low light situations. ASK THE VET: Should I be worried my dogs eyes are completely blue? Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. If not treated promptly, it can damage the eyes nerve and cause blindness. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. 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. The pupils can have increased dilation, cloudiness over the lens, or the eyes can become red, swollen, or painful. In this article, well discuss in detail what happens when a dogs eye color changes and the common causes of this peculiar phenomenon. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number of eye problems. They can still see, but it is as if they are wearing dirty glasses. In the case of systemic illness leading to cloudy eyes, you may also see changes in overall behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. 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. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope. When the light hits their eyes they look blue. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens. Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. Vet now. Eye Infections 3. Diagnosis includes an eye exam and sometimes a test to measure the amount of tear production and moisture in the eye. Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. Anxiety when in new environments. 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. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. This film can look blue, but to varying degrees. A bluish tinge to the globe can indicate increased pressure within the eyeball, which is glaucoma. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. 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. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. This usually effects both eyes and is not painful. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. 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. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. This means keeping up with a dog'c vaccination schedule. What Are Cloudy Eyes in dogs? Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. The aqueous humor found in the anterior chamber of the eye is constantly being produced and drained, maintaining a certain level of pressure inside the eye. How? No she went in for a regular check up. 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. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. 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