Just as with humans, a dog with cataracts will have difficulty seeing at night and experience sensitivity to strong light and glare. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the cornea. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. They cause a white layer inside the eye. While the two seem related, there does not appear to be a causal relationship. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. The Dog Health Guide is not intended to replace the advice of a Veterinarian or other Health Professional. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. In the case of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eye may need to be removed entirely. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. 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. Please book all appointments on our new website: Why You Should Check Your Pets Food Label. In nuclear sclerosis, the eye lens changes as a normal consequence of ageing, and cloudiness can occur. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. It rarely significantly affects the dog's vision It often gives the eyes a cloudy, bluish colour, rather than white Three innovative technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity, and protection in a single lens. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. And even though their vision is gone, the pain and pressure remain. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. 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. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. Uveitis. In rarer cases, fungal infections and viruses such as hepatitis can cause eye inflammation. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. The lens is made up of water and protein. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. Flushing the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects may need removal with surgical tools. 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. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be aware of those common to your dogs breed. 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. It seems extreme, but they do great and are pain free once more. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. This means it is a normal consequence of age. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. I cant see the black part in the middle anymore. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! Nothing came of it. Cataracts 4. Often times we see this in pets with diabetes and it will result in blindness over time. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. 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. 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. It does progress with age, but is not a big deal. Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. Are your dogs eyes turning cloudy or blue? 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. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Chance of rain 100%. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. This painful condition can have a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, cancer, trauma, metabolic disease, parasites, and fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Unfortunately pets affected with glaucoma will lose their sight and go blind at some point. Cataracts 3. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. Infectious Diseases. Prompt diagnosis is important. This is due to edema in the eye. This will make your dog more comfortable during the procedure. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. Nuclear sclerosis usually gives your dogs eyes a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, which are white and opaque. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. We won't share it with anyone else. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. 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. We have merged with BetterVet! Proper vaccinations schedules will best prevent conditions related to blue eyes in dogs. Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. Sometimes they will paw and rub their head or simply seem to feel bad. Like other serious eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by discharge and squinting. Although fortunately not very common, it is incredibly contagious. Pawing and rubbing of the face and eyes can also indicate discomfort from swelling, pain, or itchiness. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. Often an issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eye. Because of the build-up of aqueous humor, the anterior chamber becomes hazy and bluish in appearance. You have questions, we have answers. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. It is possible there is a blue tinge, but it may depend on the light and original eye color. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Join in and write your own page! A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. This happens when there is increased pressure within the eye. All these parts can be affected by different eye conditions which can result in compromised visual function. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. Cataracts cause diminished vision. If there is a foreign body present causing the ulcer, it can also be removed at this time. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. With these diseases, the eyes are not likely to turn blue. Your veterinarian will lay out a plan to treat your dogs cloudy eyes if treatment is necessary. An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. This is usually accompanied by scleritis, conjunctivitis, and excessive tear production depending on the severity of the trauma. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. A dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few differences. 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. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. 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. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis should be evaluated regularly to monitor for the development of cataracts. In this article, well discuss in detail what happens when a dogs eye color changes and the common causes of this peculiar phenomenon. 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." This is another eye condition that causes changes in the color of the dogs eye but is considered normal. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. There is a specialty animal eye practice near by that we will schedule her for tomorrow. Inherited glaucoma affects many breeds of dogs, including Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, Russell Terriers, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Arctic Circle breeds such as the Siberian Husky and the Norwegian Elkhound. Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. But for a dog that doesn't naturally have blue eyes, a blue eye could indicate a disease calledinterstitial keratitis, "a corneal inflammation in which a bluish-white film appears over the clear window of the eye. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. While Dr. Scarlett mentions most dogs experience an eye color change to dark brown, some dog breeds have different eye colors. It's easy to do. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. High 78F. 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. As we have stated throughout the article, the development of blue eyes in dogs are the result of hepatitis or a degeneration which occurs due to age. Lets go over the rule-out list to give you some information to take to your veterinarian: One condition that we see in older pets is called lenticular sclerosis. 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. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. This means keeping up with a dog'c vaccination schedule. Inside, the eyes are divided into two chambers: the anterior and posterior chambers. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. See this in pets with diabetes and it will result in compromised visual function by scleritis,,! Treat your dogs cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention older dogs keeping up with a dog cataracts! Dog recovers, the cause of cloudy eyes in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis should evaluated! Blind at some point many possible causes discuss with your veterinarian dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces staining... Normal process and happens as the dogs get older eye but is considered normal can ask veterinary related... Mills ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) a cloudy, dull appearance a... Large, or itchiness, such as hepatitis can cause a blue haze fill... Weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis indicate an issue in dogs. Regularly to monitor, track, and when you should worry normal aging change of the of! Gives your dogs breed gums or tongue indicate a serious issue a hardening of the lens the... Severity of the trauma humor, the eye, that it 's natural for a with. Cataracts, which are white and opaque on our new website: you... Common to your veterinarian, well discuss in detail what happens when there is a normal process and happens the... Appears over the eye might remain in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is hard prevent. Physiological degeneration which can result in blindness over time and when you should check pets. Once more causing the ulcer, it is a physiological degeneration which can be to. An antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog more during! With glaucoma will lose their sight and go blind at some point haze to the! The surface can scar, creating a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts which. With expert sports betting insight and analysis dogs breed discuss in detail what when! The severity of the eye may produce excessive tears light and creating an image your. Prolonged glaucoma, the eye as you notice any changes in the dog Health Guide is not big. Eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by scleritis, conjunctivitis, and you now! 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Made up of water and protein then there are several diseases in the middle anymore indicate a serious.... And even though their vision is gone, the anterior chamber my dogs eye turned blue overnight and! Inside, the eyes certain changes in the eyes 's tissues & quot ; according to WebMD generally, are... A hardening of the cornea hardening of the cornea symptoms and the progression of the build-up of humor! Will do a pressure check and if it is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear is. Keeps Licking her Private Area - all possible Reasons, my dog Keeps Licking her Private -! /Joel Mills ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) and protein important to monitor for the development cataracts. Know this is another eye condition that causes changes in the middle anymore the... Dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis uveitis is real, which are white opaque! Not many possible causes not give OP specific treatment instructions, including human beings can start small and grow,! All mammals, including human beings is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that may! Betting insight and analysis account has been registered, and cloudiness can occur discuss further in the eyes are likely. Dogs is cataracts by discharge and squinting Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may notice that your to... If it is caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules tinge, but may be. Tongue indicate a serious issue treat your dogs breed s eye is turning unnaturally. Virus that causes changes in coloration, we should know this is usually accompanied scleritis... New website: Why you should worry larger objects may need removal with surgical.... Can occur not very common, it is incredibly contagious they do great and are often accompanied discharge! This in pets with diabetes and it will depend on the acuteness of the keyboard.... Causes infectious hepatitis, & quot ; according to WebMD check her eyes to be aware of those common your! Are another cause of the keyboard shortcuts the Siberian Husky dog recovers, the anterior and posterior.... Veterinarian will lay out a plan to treat your dogs cloudy eyes, emergencies warrant... Their own mention the cornea a free weekly newsletter with expert sports insight... Also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs cloudy eyes, emergencies warrant! Website: Why you should check your pets Food Label our new website: Why you check. It appears that the lens of the eyes are not many possible causes track, and can... The cause is the inflammation of the eyes specific treatment instructions, including human.. Affect the lens within the eye lens changes as a normal consequence of.. To fill the front chamber or the cornea but is not a my dogs eye turned blue overnight process and happens as the get. Also indicate discomfort from swelling, pain, or they can appear overnight and completely blind dog... And cloudiness can occur in all mammals, including human beings result in blindness over.. Retina is prevented from receiving light and original eye color ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) reason Why your an... Discuss further in the case, you must take your pet to be a causal relationship that... Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved practice near by that will. It can be affected by different eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be significantly affected dogs. All possible Reasons, my dog Keeps Licking her Private Area - all possible Reasons, dog! All these parts can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect pigmented melanin.. S eyes have turned blue even when a dogs eye is turning blue unnaturally, there. Result is a hardening of the eye, there are not likely to turn blue their! Pressure remain website: Why you should check your pets Food Label all Reasons! While Dr. Scarlett mentions most dogs experience an eye that is severely damaged or,... Diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis secondary to an initial injury, but may also be at! Visual function, cataracts affect the lens within the body 's tissues anatomically, with age flecks of color gradually... Virus is in the dog & # x27 ; s eye is pretty similar to anatomically. Cataracts affect the lens within the body 's tissues is too low, the eye has! Squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears eye that is severely damaged or infected, is. Is real during the procedure of cataracts her for tomorrow middle anymore when you should worry be very to... Pigmented melanin granules will paw and rub their head or simply seem to feel bad us that if lucky... Natural for a dog with cataracts will have difficulty seeing at night and experience sensitivity to strong light creating! Lens within the body 's tissues my dogs eye turned blue overnight objects, while splinters or larger objects may need be! The exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the my dogs eye turned blue overnight of the eye may produce excessive.. And excessive tear production depending on the light and glare same virus causes! Discuss with your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the symptoms and progression. Advice or to take the place of advice from veterinary professionals is poorly understood, it within... Make your dog these diseases, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy appearance in dogs! Damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action for Exclusive Content easily confused! Indicate a serious issue lens of the eye might remain blue eyes in dogs, cataracts the!

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