DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. Press J to jump to the feed. More commonly, the blue color will disappear afer a few days of its own accord. They are: Interstitial keratitis caused by infectious canine hepatitis. It changes the color of the lenses from transparent to almost white in severe cases. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. White spots on the eyes. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This variation of hepatitis strain is caused by a virus, specifically by the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). More and more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens. 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. Join in and write your own page! If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question: Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets. As glaucoma can be hard to detect by owners, it is usually caught during an annual examination by your vet. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also can be a symptom of a number of eye problems. This will make your dog more comfortable during the procedure. Emergency Causes Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. 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. Yes this absolutely warrants an immediate ER trip. Simply click here to return to Eye Infection. However, always take your dog to the vet to be certain of which ailment he/she may be experiencing. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds are genetically predisposed. Most cataracts in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. The change in color of the eye is due to edema, i.e. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. 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. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. 12 Dog Breeds With The Shortest Lifespans, Why Your Dogs Diet Is Life Changing: The TEDTalk All Pet Parents Should Watch, 8 Types of Assistance Dogs (& The Amazing Work They Do), Changes to the shape and/or color of the iris. Eye color changes in dogs or cats can also indicate an infection of the iris or cornea conditions according to Dr. Scarlett. As mentioned, there are situations where eye color change is considered a normal process, but most cases are due to specific eye problems. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. Thanks for signing up. All these parts can be affected by different eye conditions which can result in compromised visual function. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Inside, the eyes are divided into two chambers: the anterior and posterior chambers. Uveitis. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. Low 56F. 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. 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. 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. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. You will receive an email with your results soon. The entire front of the eye does become cloudy with a blue look to it due to edema and fluid buildup. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. Glaucoma in dogs occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the structures in the eye. Both epithelial and endothelial cornea dystrophy can cause ulcers that require treatment, but there is no cure for corneal dystrophy. Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of a variety of eye problems, and some can be painful for your dog. Dry Eye Can Cause Your Dogs Eyes To Turn Cloudy 2. When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. While most dogs have an eye color which is some shade of brown, it is possible for certain breeds to have blue eyes throughout their lifetime. While Dr. Scarlett mentions most dogs experience an eye color change to dark brown, some dog breeds have different eye colors. Choose wisely! Nothing came of it. Infectious Diseases. Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger! Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. Cataracts cause diminished vision. Does she have cataracts or something? Cloudy eyes can be scary when spotted, but treatment can help your dog remain healthy and happy. 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. A: I would have your veterinarian check her eyes to be sure of the diagnosis as soon as you can. Though not technically a color change that occurs as the dog goes through different life stages, it is still a condition that interests most dog owners, especially if their dog has it. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . Cataracts cloud the eye lens and can cause either partial or complete loss of vision. Eye inflammation can also cause eye clouding in dogs, especially when it affects the cornea. Heterochromia is a condition caused by the lack of pigmentation of one of the irises of the dog. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. The lens is made up of water and protein. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. Cataracts can occur for many reasons, including hereditary causes with breeds such as Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Boston Terriers. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. Lenticular sclerosis is the term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. 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. Set up your myVCA account today. We have merged with BetterVet! Vet now. Like many changes that come with age, it can just happen naturally. This type of dystrophy can lead to corneal ulcers. Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. Please make sure you have provided a valid email address. It is recommended that at the first sign of cataracts, dogs are seen . Treatment will depend on the cause, and could include eye drops, eye ointments, and oral medications. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen. 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. Some other common symptoms include: Its important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. There are a variety of causes of cataracts in dogs, including age, trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and genetics. She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectioushepatitis," according to WebMD. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. If your dog has diabetes, be on the look out for these common signs of canine cataracts: Bluish-gray, opaque, or cloudy eyes. There are more noticeable signs you can look out for. Join in and write your own page! Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. In nuclear sclerosis, the eye lens changes as a normal consequence of ageing, and cloudiness can occur. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. 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. Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your dogs body does not produce enough tears. They said they did blood work and other samples. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. In some cases, cataracts progress slowly over a few years, while, other times, blindness can occur within just a few days or weeks. It is often common for dogs who have nuclear sclerosis to also develop cataracts, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. In cases where medication fails, your veterinarian may recommend laser therapy, eye removal, implants to facilitate drainage, gentamicin (an antibiotic) injections, and cyclocryotherapy (a procedure used to reduce the production of intraocular fluid.) If diagnosed early, treated consistently, and monitored regularly by a veterinarian, dogs who have dry eye can be pain-free, reports Dr. Klein. From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. Fluorescein stains are the top diagnostic tool for corneal injuries. About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. Your veterinarian will lay out a plan to treat your dogs cloudy eyes if treatment is necessary. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. It has a variety of causes, but the eye will be painful and have a blue look to it also. Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists. Most dogs, with age, develop a haze within the lens similar to cataracts, called nuclear sclerosis, says veterinary ophthalmologist Martin Coster, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO). We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky. liquid filling up between the layers of cells. In the case of systemic illness, you may also see other symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It's easy to do. General Signs to Watch Out For Cloudy Eyes in Dogs Causes 1. Untreated, glaucoma is a very painful eye condition which can lead to blindness. Regular visits to your vet can help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment. Keeping the eye clean, dry, and free of debris can also help to reduce symptoms and speed up healing. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. 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. Sunshine and a few clouds. It is often a sign of infection in or near the eye. It can progress to very full blue eyes. In fact, it could take up to 3 to 4 weeks before their eyes have fully developed into the permanent color they will have as adult dogs instead of . Dog eye problems are fairly common, and can be caused by something as simple as getting grass or grit under the lid, or by something as serious as cancer. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. Cataracts can obscure your dogs vision. This condition is not the same as cataracts. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. Since nuclear sclerosis is a degenerative condition caused by the ageing process, there is no current treatment. Common Eye Conditions that Cause Color Changes in Dogs. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. In the case of systemic illness leading to cloudy eyes, you may also see changes in overall behavior, appetite, or energy levels. 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. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Puppies are more susceptible to infection than adults due to their juvenile immune system. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Dogs who recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. Visual examination by your vet as well as staining the eye to check for abrasions is the best diagnostic tool if the foreign body isnt readily visible. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. These include blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. Corneal Ulcer 8. Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. Chance of rain 100%. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). 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