This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. Inside, the eyes are divided into two chambers: the anterior and posterior chambers. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. 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. 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. Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to total blindness if not managed properly. Some other common symptoms include: Its important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. Please make sure you have provided a valid email address. For instance, a husky generally has blue eyes. This painful condition can have a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, cancer, trauma, metabolic disease, parasites, and fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. This means it is a normal consequence of age. Cataracts 3. 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. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. My Dog Has Leg Cramps - Causes and Treatment, My Lovebird has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Old Cat Has Tremors - Causes and Treatment, Rectal Prolapse In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Low Platelets in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Sore Throat In Cats - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Photophobia (becomes increasingly sensitive to light). With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. 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. This condition is very painful and usually only affects one eye at a time. Yes this absolutely warrants an immediate ER trip. These include blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine. Puppies are irresistibly cute! Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. 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. However, always take your dog to the vet to be certain of which ailment he/she may be experiencing. 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 is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places. Diagnosis involves visual inspection of the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check for visible tears and injuries. However, the most important action is prevention. Eye ointments such as a steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye is fully healed. While glaucoma is relatively rare in dogs, there are some breeds more predisposed. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. Instead, they will grow cloudy or achieve a whitish hue. If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. Nuclear sclerosis usually gives your dogs eyes a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, which are white and opaque. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. If they become infected, they can lead to severe damage and even perforation. Dog Food Recall Expanded: FDA Recalls Certain Dry Pet Food After 110+ Deaths in Dogs, Happy Birthday Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. These cataracts can occur when the dogs are puppies or as they age, depending on the type of inherited cataracts, and they usually occur in both eyes. Below, Ive outlined five common conditions that can cause blue or cloudy eyes whilesome are benign, others are very serious and can lead to total blindness. If your dog's eyes are bloodshot and bulging, it may have glaucoma. A fluorescein stain can also be used to check for injuries to the cornea. If diagnosed early, treated consistently, and monitored regularly by a veterinarian, dogs who have dry eye can be pain-free, reports Dr. Klein. This can be in one eye or in both. Airedale Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Samoyeds, and Weimaraners are predisposed to this condition. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to the Mountain States Trusted News Source. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky. The main reason it is not widespread is due to the hard work of canine vaccination strategists. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectioushepatitis," according to WebMD. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. Tears are necessary for lubrication and overall eye health, as the aqueous solution is how your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. You should start receiving emails soon. Bumping into things. The veterinarian will use a microscope with a bright light to identify the type of corneal dystrophy your dog has, as well as a fluorescein stain to examine the details of the eye, and may prescribe antibiotic eye medications. These materials are organized in a very specific way, and when the proteins start to clump together, either as the result of age or trauma, they can form cataracts. NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Although fortunately not very common, it is incredibly contagious. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Vision loss occurs even with the smallest amount of cataract in the eye. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. All rights reserved. WV Culinary Team: Alternative, outdoor cooking methods can add adventure to mealtime, WV Culinary Team: Stale bread for the win, Ask an expert: 7 most common questions about automatic home generators, One A Day: Small Daily Acts of Self-Care Go a Long Way to Health. If you see a rapid change in your pets eyes, please see your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation. This condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. The subscription couldnt be completed. If there is a foreign body present causing the ulcer, it can also be removed at this time. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. It's important to know this is a natural process and not a sign of disease. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. Because it is often genetic, it often leads to blindness in both eyes. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. How? This is another eye condition that causes changes in the color of the dogs eye but is considered normal. Other possibilities include corneal scarring, pus inside your dog's eye, or a cataract. 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. But can pets' eye colors change? More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. Injury to the Eye 2. Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. 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. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. Press J to jump to the feed. Regular visits to your vet can help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment. There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. Glaucoma, or an increase in eye pressure, can also cause clouding of the eyes. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. You may also notice that the white of the eye is red and irritated, or that there is a bulge to the eye, a blue or red tint to the cloudiness, increased discharge, squinting, a dilated pupil, and most alarmingly, loss of vision. Some common signs of a dog going blind may include: Cloudy eyes. In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. Eye injuries can occur for several reasons, including trauma to the eye from a bite, scratches from foreign objects, or inflammation due to underlying illness leading to swelling and bulging. Another condition that is seen is true cataracts. We have merged with BetterVet! This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. Pet eye colors may have to do with age. Not all dogs achieve the same eye color. However, it is also possible the dog will maintain the blue color for the rest of their lives. The treatment for your dogs cloudy eyes depends on the cause, the age of your dog, the progress of the problem, and your dogs discomfort. A dog withcataractswill normally have eyes that look cloudy or bluish gray. 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. 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. It does, however, affect the dogs ability to focus light and images. Good 2 Grow: Who needs words when flowers can express the moment? Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope. Join in and write your own page! 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. More important, nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis) does not significantly diminish your dogs vision the way cataracts do. All these parts can be affected by different eye conditions which can result in compromised visual function. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. Corneal Ulcer 8. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. It's easy to do. Also, based on the cause, cloudy eyes in dogs can be painful or painless. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. Some of the breeds most commonly affected include the Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Havanese, Silky Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, and West Highland White Terrier. 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. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. Choose wisely! 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. Among the many eye diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause the eye to appear blue. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. After 110+ Deaths in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to severe and. One eye or in both eyes at the same time and the eyes 110+ Deaths dogs... Pain medications will help until the eye that allows light to enter from outside eye can also used!, cloudy eyes, pus inside your dog is not widespread is due to the cornea displacement. Debris forming behind it & # x27 ; s vision can be painful or painless,!, removal is generally the best chance at slowing the degeneration your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement reduces! In older dogs managed properly cause of the cornea or displacement of the eyes lenses is. 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A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals send... Normal consequence of age what is normal and what is a normal aging change of eye... Often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes being bluish or white is the inflammation of the color is!