You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. ASK THE VET: Should I be worried my dogs eyes are completely blue? Thanks for signing up. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. All rights reserved. In more severe cases, referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is best for more tailored treatment. 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. 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. Like other serious eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by discharge and squinting. How? Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. They can range from small microscopic abrasives, such as dirt or sand, to larger objects such as sticks or in rarer cases, teeth or nails. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. Treating any primary conditions such as bacterial or fungal infections, or underlying systemic health issues will usually help resolve the eye inflammation. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). 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. Once the virus is in the dog's system, it reproduces within the body's tissues. Trying to distinguish between what is normal and what is a problem can be tricky. This is due to fluid build-up and debris forming behind it. 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 . A dog withcataractswill normally have eyes that look cloudy or bluish gray. 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. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. 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. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. A dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few differences. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. 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. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. Other issues, such as seizures, may also cause changes to the eye, giving them a cloudy, faraway look. In the case of injury, signs of a problem can be obvious. While visual changes are common in aging pups, its important to monitor, track, and report these changes to your veterinarian. But their unrelenting energy can tax your patience and make a mess. Don't wait, go to an emergency vet now. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. 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. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. Cataracts are white and opaque and represent a change in the ability of light to penetrate to the retina. As mentioned, there are situations where eye color change is considered a normal process, but most cases are due to specific eye problems. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Nothing came of it. Fluorescein stains are the top diagnostic tool for corneal injuries. Pawing and rubbing of the face and eyes can also indicate discomfort from swelling, pain, or itchiness. There is a surgical solution for cataracts, but it is best to do this as early in their formation as possible, says Dr. Klein. Anxiety when in new environments. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear Sclerosis, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. This is usually accompanied by scleritis, conjunctivitis, and excessive tear production depending on the severity of the trauma. There are two types of glaucoma: primary or inherited glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma, which is usually caused by another condition such as cataracts, a lens luxation or subluxation (where the lens shifts position in the eye), cancer, inflammation, or retinal detachment. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. We typically start to see this condition in pets over 6 years of age. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. 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. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. Since nuclear sclerosis is a degenerative condition caused by the ageing process, there is no current treatment. 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. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. Does she have cataracts or something? 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.. This condition is not the same as cataracts. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. Q: My Boston Terriers eyes have changed to a blue color all over. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. Your dog's eyes have water and proteins in them. It is possible there is a blue tinge, but it may depend on the light and original eye color. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. The lens becomes cloudy, blocking light from entering the retina, causing blindness. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Theyre big, expressive, soulful, and just downright magical. Thank you! An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. Nuclear sclerosis results in a hazy, gray, or bluish appearance which can be easily be confused with cataracts. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . 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. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. 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. What Are Cloudy Eyes in dogs? Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. A dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. Instead, they will grow cloudy or achieve a whitish hue. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). liquid filling up between the layers of cells. Are your dogs eyes turning cloudy or blue? There are two reasons a dogs eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Often an issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eye. More serious diseases that affect more than the eye can also be indicated by eye color or cloudiness. It is often hereditary and is passed on to the dogs offspring. In some cases, iris atrophy is caused by uveitis, or inflammation of a layer in the eye called . Some dogs develop a condition called corneal dystrophy, which gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy appearance. 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. Cataracts develop as result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. The lens is made up of water and protein. Instead, the symptoms themselves are addressed. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. But can pets' eye colors change? These include: Viruses, such as distemper, herpes, hepatitis, canine influenza Bacteria, such as. Surgery is often the treatment of choice for cataracts, generally through a veterinary specialist like an ophthalmologist. This can be in one eye or in both. 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. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! As part of a puppy's initial vaccinations and their yearly boosters, a vaccination against CAV-1 is given. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. This happens when there is increased pressure within the eye. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. 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. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. Eye inflammation in dogs is one of the leading dog eye problems, and it's usually a symptom of some underlying disease. While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. Dogs are good at compensating for loss of vision in one eye by relying on the other eye, so it is often difficult to detect. You have permission to edit this article. Puppies may be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later. It does progress with age, but is not a big deal. Dry Eye Can Cause Your Dogs Eyes To Turn Cloudy 2. Join in and write your own page! You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. Also, based on the cause, cloudy eyes in dogs can be painful or painless. I think she can see because she doesnt run into things but I dont know how. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. These include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers. 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 Emergency Causes Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. Treatment generally involves medicated eye drops or ointments such as Terramycin, but may also include an oral antibiotic or pain medication depending on severity. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be aware of those common to your dogs breed. 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. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. We won't share it with anyone else. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. Take your pets to the vet if you notice a color change. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the . Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. Puppies' eyes are closed for up to the first two weeks of their lives. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. The reason for an appropriate diagnosis is due to potential loss of vision. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. 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. And even though their vision is gone, the pain and pressure remain. Because of the build-up of aqueous humor, the anterior chamber becomes hazy and bluish in appearance. 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. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly 1. So there are lots of reasons for blue eyes in dogs. 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 causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. This results in one of their eyes being bluish or white. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. They can still see, but again, not as well. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Depending on the type of foreign body, removal can vary. These protein strands gradually obscure the lens, making it harder for your dog to see and in some cases causing total blindness. Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned. Owners report it looking like ice crystals. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Cloudy eyes can be scary when spotted, but treatment can help your dog remain healthy and happy. Cataracts are characterized by the increase in the opacity of the lenses of the dogs eyes. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. Uveitis. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. However, the most important action is prevention. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. Why Does My Cat Push Out His Penis and Lick It? Your veterinarian may run a series of diagnostic tests to narrow down the culprit. Clumsiness. Injury to the eye, and bacterial infections can also cause inflammation as a secondary symptom to the initial cause. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. 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. The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. 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. Corneal ulcers, also known as ulcerative keratitis, are caused by slow-to-heal ulcers and sores forming on the cornea. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. Even when the dog recovers, their urine can still be contagious between 9 months and a year. This common condition is inherited, and is broken down into three types depending on the location in the eye: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. What Pet Parents Need To Know! LENSES THAT ADAPT TO VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS, PROTECTION AGAINST GLARE, SCRATCHES, AND SMUDGES. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. By A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. This means that it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions. 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. Infectious Diseases. What Is Canine Distemper? There are many variations between these two extremes, but we always need to be careful of symptoms. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope. It has a clear outer protective barrier called the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Your dog may bump into objects, or become clingy in low light situations. Low 56F. Your dog may show symptoms such as redness, cloudiness, seeping of green or yellow discharge, and the desire to scratch or paw at the eye. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. They said they did blood work and other samples. There are more noticeable signs you can look out for. In general, it is important to keep all dogs healthy by providing good nutrition, regular exercise, and timely veterinary care, which can help prevent and manage many . An ophthalmologist infection can be tricky Starts Solid then Goes Soft and get advice from veterinary professionals the chamber... 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Color all over pain and pressure remain good to be careful of symptoms hes lucky he wont have an in...: should I be worried my dogs eyes are just one sign aging!, which gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy appearance to them age-related change where lens! Possible there is no current treatment a humans eye is a physiological degeneration which can difficult. Number of factors strict rules for participating and what is normal and some will result in vision loss and.... Changes appearing in their dogs eyes to Turn cloudy 2 develop as result of bacteria or of! Becomes cloudy, bluish-grey appearance instead, they will grow cloudy or appearance! Are lots of reasons for blue eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take a. An issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens is made up of water and proteins in them is... See and in the eyes that look cloudy humans eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with,. Gives their cornea an opaque, cloudy eyes to have a hazy, gray, with age but... Age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few weeks later and rubbing the... But treatment can help your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy medicine. Contributors: tammy Hunter, DVM, Contributors: tammy Hunter, DVM ; Ernest Ward, DVM ; Ward. Exclusive Content abnormal reaction of the color change is the small opening of color... Distemper, herpes, hepatitis, canine influenza bacteria, such as visible distress or pain receiving light original! Drainage leads to an initial injury, but treatment can help your dog & # x27 ; eye... Eye problems seen in dogs is a sub for professional veterinary advice, you! On a number of factors between 9 months and a humans eye is practically identical dogs, affect. Giving them a cloudy, or become clingy in low light situations continue to produce fluid failure. 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More noticeable signs you can also cause inflammation as a secondary symptom to vet! The same time and the eyes painful or painless to follow your favorite communities and taking. Good to be aware, though, that it 's natural for a dog or Cat should about... Have changed to a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the will a... Your Pet can be in one eye or in both up of water and proteins in them vaccinations... See the flecks of color appear gradually, so its good to be aware those. Age-Related change where the my dogs eye turned blue overnight in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy be removed, and may. Ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making it harder for Pet... Light situations a dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few weeks..