Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness. General Signs to Watch Out For Cloudy Eyes in Dogs Causes 1. This variation of hepatitis strain is caused by a virus, specifically by the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). Even when the dog recovers, their urine can still be contagious between 9 months and a year. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. Injury is the most common cause of abrasion and injury to the cornea, however, bacterial infections can also lead to corneal ulcers if left untreated, and may take hold as a secondary infection in traumatic injuries. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. Puppies' eyesight matures within about 3-4 weeks so they begin . Create a password that only you will remember. The lens is made up of water and protein. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. If there is a foreign body present causing the ulcer, it can also be removed at this time. EDIT: Took her to our normal vet (Banfield) and they said they weren't sure and sent us to a larger animal hospital who had ophthalmologists on site. A fluorescein stain can also be used to check for injuries to the cornea. Eye inflammation in dogs is one of the leading dog eye problems, and it's usually a symptom of some underlying disease. Does she have cataracts or something? In more severe cases, referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is best for more tailored treatment. Cataracts can occur for many reasons, including hereditary causes with breeds such as Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Boston Terriers. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time. It's important to know this is a natural process and not a sign of disease. 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. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. If you see a rapid change in your pets eyes, please see your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation. Today i the eye that was injured turned white and cloudy. While they are typically on the corneas surface only, they can sometimes form deeper ulcers. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. These white, milky changes to your dogs lens are the result of abnormal lens metabolism. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. Dry Eye Can Cause Your Dogs Eyes To Turn Cloudy 2. Uveitis As A Cause For Suddenly Cloudy Eyes In Dogs Helping Your Dog When It Develops Cloudy Eyes Conclusion Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. It may look like your dog has something in their eye, may cause the eye to appear gray, or may stick out further than the normal lens. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. 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. We typically start to see this condition in pets over 6 years of age. This clouding affects your dogs ability to see by blocking visible light to the retina. The eyes can be given a whitish coloration, but the eye turning blue can also occur. Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. Treating any primary conditions such as bacterial or fungal infections, or underlying systemic health issues will usually help resolve the eye inflammation. The appearance of cloudy eyes may continue. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Cloudy eyes in dogs can be a concerning, but not always severe issue. It seems extreme, but they do great and are pain free once more. It is often common for dogs who have nuclear sclerosis to also develop cataracts, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. There are a variety of causes of cataracts in dogs, including age, trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and genetics. They can still see, but it is as if they are wearing dirty glasses. The disease usually enters through the mouth or nostrils. Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit. go to an emergency vet or if possible an ophthalmologist ASAP. LENSES THAT ADAPT TO VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS, PROTECTION AGAINST GLARE, SCRATCHES, AND SMUDGES. 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. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. These protein strands gradually obscure the lens, making it harder for your dog to see and in some cases causing total blindness. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. This common condition is inherited, and is broken down into three types depending on the location in the eye: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. We have merged with BetterVet! My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and it can progress at varying rates. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. But their unrelenting energy can tax your patience and make a mess. Tea Mathews: How much does it mean to you? It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. Ulcers are usually treated with medicated drops to prevent infection and relieve pain, and in severe cases may require surgery to save your dogs eye, so it is best to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of ocular discomfort, like squinting or rubbing at the eye with a paw. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Are your dogs eyes turning cloudy or blue? In the case of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eye may need to be removed entirely. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. Instead, the symptoms themselves are addressed. The two chambers are separated by the iris, pupil, and lens. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil. This happens when there is increased pressure within the eye. Clumsiness. Bumping into things. Sunshine and a few clouds. There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. Flushing the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects may need removal with surgical tools. We always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences. R.A. Their eye will look swollen and protrude farther from their face. Join in and write your own page! In addition to eye cloudiness, you may notice your dog rubbing or pawing at their face, redness of the eye or surrounding tissues, or visible swelling and discoloration. Glaucoma 6. Some common signs of a dog going blind may include: Cloudy eyes. Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. Although fortunately not very common, it is incredibly contagious. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the cause of your dogs cloudy eyes, and your general practice doctor may refer you to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology for further treatment. 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. Eye Infections 3. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. Puppies may be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later. Epithelial corneal dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the cornea. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to total blindness if not managed properly. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. 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. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. Injury to the Eye 2. Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. Severe cases of dry eye can lead to corneal ulceration and scarring, which falls into the second category. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dogs lenses. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. Thanks for signing up. Puppies are irresistibly cute! Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. Yes this absolutely warrants an immediate ER trip. They can still see, but again, not as well. We won't share it with anyone else. Owners report it looking like ice crystals. What Pet Parents Need To Know! This condition usually does not lead to compromised vision. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can't reach the retina, causing blindness. Areas of injury will glow brightly. While Dr. Scarlett mentions most dogs experience an eye color change to dark brown, some dog breeds have different eye colors. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. In the case of systemic illness leading to cloudy eyes, you may also see changes in overall behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Check with your veterinarian about what the normal eye color is for your animal's breed. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Your dog may rub at the affected eye, show pain when the eye is touched, or may have visible clouding or injury to the cornea. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. 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. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. Corneal Ulcer 8. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. Puppies' eyes are closed for up to the first two weeks of their lives. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. While some changes in the dogs eyes are considered normal, especially as they get older, most physical changes are indications of possible eye problems. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. You will receive an email with your results soon. 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. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. Dry eye is often associated with an autoimmune inflammation of the tear glands and can be a chronic, lifelong condition. With more severe cases, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. In some cases, cataracts progress slowly over a few years, while, other times, blindness can occur within just a few days or weeks. We should state that the first reason your dog has blue eyes might not be a discoloration. 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. Cataracts can obscure your dogs vision. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Symptoms of anterior uveitis include redness, discharge, squinting, an oddly shaped pupil, eyeball swelling, excessive tearing, and a cloudy or dull appearance. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. Color changes can present differently depending on the cause. There is a specialty animal eye practice near by that we will schedule her for tomorrow. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. Trauma to the globe, bacterial infection, ulcers and systemic diseases can all result in anterior uveitis. With nuclear sclerosis, the haze over the eye doesn't necessarily affect the dog's vision. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. We have merged with BetterVet! But why color is changing is what should concern pet owners. Now his eye has turned a foggy blue color. The lens becomes cloudy, blocking light from entering the retina, causing blindness. Corneal Dystrophy is another relatively common condition that will give your poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision loss. Other possible causes of cataracts in dogs are eye injury and old age. They are: There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. Please book all appointments on our new website: Why You Should Check Your Pets Food Label. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Most cataracts in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. 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. Set up your myVCA account today. Anterior uveitis can also cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes. Your vet will rule out other issues, such as injuries, with a visual inspection and eye stain, as well as take a full history of symptoms. Eye ointments such as a steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye is fully healed. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. Bloodwork may also be helpful in checking for systemic illnesses. So there are lots of reasons for blue eyes in dogs. 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. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. As glaucoma can be hard to detect by owners, it is usually caught during an annual examination by your vet. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. There are two reasons a dog's eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. They said they did blood work and other samples. The pupils can have increased dilation, cloudiness over the lens, or the eyes can become red, swollen, or painful. Airedale Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Samoyeds, and Weimaraners are predisposed to this condition. The entering light is focused by the lens and is received by the rods in the retina at the back of the eye for interpretation. Other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, trauma, inflammation, and nutritional issues can lead to cataract formation. You have permission to edit this article. Injury to the eye, and bacterial infections can also cause inflammation as a secondary symptom to the initial cause. Lenticular sclerosis can affect vision, but only if the lens grows very dense, something not common in dogs. This is often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue eyes in an older dog. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the cornea. There is no "pure" albino dog on record, but some breeds have shown significant loss of pigment that result in a white coat, pink nose, and blue eyes. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. Breeds like Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle dogs, Border Collies, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, and Dalmatians are predisposed to developing this condition. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. Already have a myVCA account? Both conditions cause the lens to appear cloudy, but there are a few differences. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Vet now. This is why it is highly contagious, especially in dogs which spend a lot of time together. Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Also, based on the cause, cloudy eyes in dogs can be painful or painless. The change in color of the eye is due to edema, i.e. Choose wisely! Prompt diagnosis is important. Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:02:24-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:03:35-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-05-01T09:54:07-05:00, 2020 VIP Vet Visit, Inc. | All Rights Reserved |. This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. This condition is most common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Proper and prompt examination is also important because a dog with glaucoma in one eye is at high risk for getting glaucoma in the other eye.. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. 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 type of foreign body, removal can vary. While your veterinarian is your best source of information about your dogs eye health, it helps to know what types of problems can cause a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes, and any other symptoms you can look out for. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. Inflammation 7. If the foreign body can be removed, your vet will likely recommend sedation. As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. It's easy to do. Uveitis happens when theres inflammation or a significant injury to the eye, either due to an infection or deep corneal ulceration. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. It is also seen in both eyes typically and is non-painful. Here are some of the most common causes of eye cloudiness, and what to do: Injuries to the eye encompass a wide variety of signs and symptoms, such as bulging, visible wounds, proptosis (bulging), and cloudiness. Join in and write your own page! One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. These include blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine. Fluorescein stains are the top diagnostic tool for corneal injuries. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. Inflammatory cells migrate to the anterior chamber of the eye resulting in a hazy bluish appearance. It is important to diagnose this early to save the dog's sight in the eye. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you notice your dog has cloudy eyes, and is experiencing the symptoms of an emergency, it is best to seek out veterinary care from your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Your dog may also have changes in behavior such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or increased/decreased urinary and bowel habits. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. Among the many eye diseases which can affect dogs, not many can cause the eye to appear blue. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. 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. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the . Consider "step" as well, to teach him when a . Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. If they become infected, they can lead to severe damage and even perforation. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. Just as with humans, a dog with cataracts will have difficulty seeing at night and experience sensitivity to strong light and glare. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. 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. 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. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky.