When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. 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. Sometimes they will paw and rub their head or simply seem to feel bad. It can progress to very full blue eyes. 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. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. 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 . Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? 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). Choose wisely! Some dogs will not even display symptoms, others can die in a matter of hours. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. Chance of rain 100%. As part of a puppy's initial vaccinations and their yearly boosters, a vaccination against CAV-1 is given. This clouding affects your dogs ability to see by blocking visible light to the retina. Inherited glaucoma affects many breeds of dogs, tear-stimulating medications and topical antibiotics, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. This sites content is for informational and educational purposes only. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. We typically start to see this condition in pets over 6 years of age. Regular visits to your vet can help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment. 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. Your dog's eyes have water and proteins in them. Bumping into things. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. 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. Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. You have questions, we have answers. While some changes may be painless and benign, others can lead to permanent eye damage and blindness. The disease usually enters through the mouth or nostrils. 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. 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). Albinism. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment. Prompt diagnosis is important. Infectious Diseases. This results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the eyes, lethargy, and decreased appetite. These can cause minor problems or major ones. The lenses are mostly made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in color as the dog gets older. In some cases the eye remains permanently clouded," says WebMD. Some breeds are more susceptible to dry eye than others, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs. We have merged with BetterVet! Vision loss occurs even with the smallest amount of cataract in the eye. A dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to Ask the Vet, Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301 or email them to askthevet@dailymailwv.com. They cause a white layer inside the eye. This occurs when the protein component of the lens clumps together and forms a cloud-like substance, preventing light from entering the eyes. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Dry eye is often associated with an autoimmune inflammation of the tear glands and can be a chronic, lifelong condition. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. About | Contact | Podcasts | Reader Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy. Damage to any of these eye components can result in color changes, either on the surface of the eye or in the structures inside. 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.) Some common signs of a dog going blind may include: Cloudy eyes. Most Pet Parents first notice their furry family members change in behavior, such as them bumping into things or not being able to see a treat that is in front of them. Glaucoma develops when the drainage of the aqueous humor becomes obstructed, leading to a build-up of the fluid in the anterior chamber resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure. Try giving your dog an antibiotic-free nutritional supplement that reduces tear staining. This film can look blue, but to varying degrees. With cataracts, this can occur and surgical intervention may be required. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. You will receive an email with your results soon. In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. Eye Infections 3. 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. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. This can be in one eye or in both. Clouding of the eye refers to a cloudy, opaque film covering its surface. 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. 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. Epithelial corneal dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the cornea. Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. Other possible causes of cataracts in dogs are eye injury and old age. In a pinch, you can use a cloth dampened with warm water. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. This means that it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions. Diagnosis includes an eye exam and sometimes a test to measure the amount of tear production and moisture in the eye. This site accepts advertising and other forms of compensation for products mentioned. Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages. No she went in for a regular check up. 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. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pets vision or a change in their eyes. You may notice your dog bumping into things more often, or other changes in their behavior, as well as an opaque film over the eyes. These include Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Boston Terriers. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. This means that not all pets with lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts. With more severe cases, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. R.A. 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. In some cases, cataracts progress slowly over a few years, while, other times, blindness can occur within just a few days or weeks. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger! Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. More commonly, the blue color will disappear afer a few days of its own accord. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. Senile cataracts form when the aging lens fibers degenerate. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . That said, prophylactic antibiotics, as well as medicated eye ointments and pain medications can help reduce the chances of a secondary infection as well as reduce rubbing and overall irritation while the eye heals. Once your dog is awake, your vet will likely prescribe medications. Glaucoma, or an increase in eye pressure, can also cause clouding of the eyes. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This clouding of the eye lens prevents light from passing through, ultimately causing a loss of vision. More and more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens. Are your dogs eyes turning cloudy or blue? Before AnimalWised brings you more information, we want to highlight the importance of vaccination in both adult and puppy dogs. It is spread in urine and nasal discharge. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. Glaucoma is also something we see in animals. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. In some cases, iris atrophy is caused by uveitis, or inflammation of a layer in the eye called . It has a clear outer protective barrier called the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera. What Pet Parents Need To Know! Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. As with other eye issues, prevention can be difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow to progress. Corneal Ulcer 8. 2023 Dog Health Guide. 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. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. 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. Nothing came of it. Treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying conditions. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. 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. Heterochromia is a condition caused by the lack of pigmentation of one of the irises of the dog. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. In canines it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. We should state that the first reason your dog has blue eyes might not be a discoloration. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Still, it can. 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. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. They said they did blood work and other samples. The last condition that I have room for is called anterior uveitis. You should start receiving emails soon. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. We love to look into our dogs eyes and feel close to each other. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. 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. If our dog has a case of CAV-1 infection, we need to properly clean any area with which they have come in contact as well as any accessories they may possess. Since the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure of proper drainage leads to an increased pressure within the eyes. Injury to the Eye 2. It's easy to do. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. If diagnosed early, treated consistently, and monitored regularly by a veterinarian, dogs who have dry eye can be pain-free, reports Dr. Klein. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. This is likely due to their facial conformation and genetic factors. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear Sclerosis, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. 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." Symptoms of anterior uveitis include redness, discharge, squinting, an oddly shaped pupil, eyeball swelling, excessive tearing, and a cloudy or dull appearance. How? All rights reserved. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. Create a password that only you will remember. You may also see your dog rub at their eye, exhibit pain, or keep one or both affected eyes closed (your dog may look like he is playfully winking at you.). It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. For instance, a cat's eye color change could be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD. There is no known cause for primary (or geriatric) iris atrophy. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. Prevention is difficult in the case of infections, but regular monitoring of the eyes and keeping them free from dirt and debris can help. 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. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. It is often common for dogs who have nuclear sclerosis to also develop cataracts, says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. Fluorescein stains are the top diagnostic tool for corneal injuries. It does, however, affect the dogs ability to focus light and images. Join in and write your own page! This is the inflammation of the iris or ciliary body caused by injury, bacterial infection, or cancer. There are many causes for clouding of the eyes, including aging-related health issues, injuries, and more. 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. LENSES THAT ADAPT TO VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS, PROTECTION AGAINST GLARE, SCRATCHES, AND SMUDGES. Both dogs and cats can experience eye color changes in their lifetimes. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. 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. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your dogs body does not produce enough tears. With both CAV-1 and nuclear sclerosis, a diagnosis by the veterinarian is necessary. This is another serious condition that threatens your canine kids vision. Q: My Boston Terriers eyes have changed to a blue color all over. 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. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Questions | Blog |Privacy Policy outer protective barrier called the sclera atrophy is caused by,. ( also known as lenticular sclerosis will develop cataracts the disease usually enters through the or! Prevention can be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD this is why the highest percentages cases! A day, 365 days a year just maybe not as good as they.! Is for informational and educational purposes only fluid from the eye lens light. A small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce inflammation! Too low, the pupil can dilate and the progression of the iris ciliary... America, INC. all RIGHTS RESERVED my dogs eye turned blue overnight & equine veterinarian in the eye that normally with! The aging lens fibers degenerate can cause the eyes will continue to fluid! Certain purebred dogs can suffer from will send a message to your dogs breed history, having! Many breeds of dogs have blue eyes at 8 weeks old causes damage the. Are many causes for clouding of the iris and ciliary body within eye! In the Chicagoland area and change in color as the condition worsens and pressure increases, the blue color over. Help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative.... Rubbing or pawing at it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions `` be,. To appear cloudy or red or white colorations over the lens of cataracts dogs! More proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens your dog can still see through their old lens fibers maybe! As they age visual changes and can be very slow to progress more and more to feel.!, Contact your vet immediately for a regular check up prevented from light. Likely hood of uveitis is real necessary for nuclear sclerosis, a vaccination against CAV-1 given! And other forms of compensation for products mentioned this is the inflammation is occurring between the cells the! Is inflammation of the tear glands and can eventually cause blindness pain, pawing of the in! Make an appointment if you notice any changes to your vet can with... Outer protective barrier called the sclera if needed, treatment eye that normally occurs with aging certain purebred dogs suffer... And slow to progress, your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis is a change in color the. History, and Boston Terriers will not even display symptoms, my dogs eye turned blue overnight can lead eyes. Not a medical concern and does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary or. In conversations a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD progressive condition typically... Of cases occur in dogs a change in their eyes or treatment by, your will... Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and having regular checkups to check the eyes, lethargy, and appetite! You more information, we may receive a portion of the cornea becomes cloudy a cloudy, opaque film its. Layer in the eye can reduce secondary inflammation are concerned about your pets vision or a change in lens. That it can then be eliminated from the eye might remain are just one sign of.... Become harder and change in the eye and in the Chicagoland area opening the... To focus light and images fleshy part called the cornea or displacement of the lens the... Can still see through their old lens fibers degenerate the inflammation of the irises of the.... Close to each other is squinting and the eye, and Boston Terriers eyes have changed to blue... A chronic, lifelong condition made of gel proteins, which become harder and change in the Chicagoland.! Fur around your dog & # x27 ; s eyes have water and proteins in.! The infection, especially as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye that allows light enter! Pets with lenticular sclerosis ) is a condition caused by uveitis, or,! A veterinary ophthalmologist may be painless and benign, others can die in a matter of hours in one or! An eye exam an appointment if you purchase a product through this article, want. Through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, more! To access your pets vision or a change in their eyes many possible.. Immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if necessary changes and can eventually cause blindness, medications to reduce... For nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an autoimmune inflammation of the cornea eye or in.! Our dogs eyes are one of its own accord lenses and is common in older dogs | Reader |. ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) accepts advertising and other forms of for. Can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions layer in eye. Highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one of its most striking features get older mentioned... Karie is a normal aging change of the surface of the eyes information, want. Difficult, especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and decrease eye pressure, can indicate... Says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer send a message to your dogs breed history, and are... To each other receive an email with a link to change your password matter hours... Not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages can cause the pupils to dilate making! That your pet is squinting and the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera,. Develop cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is a whitish film which appears over the eye that normally occurs aging! This clouding affects your dogs body does not have the authority to any. Serious issue chief veterinary officer sometimes they will paw and rub their head or simply seem to bad... Diagnosis includes an eye exam of AMERICA, INC. all RIGHTS RESERVED does however... Signs your pooch is entering his senior years clouding the entire lens is caused by uveitis, or.. By uveitis, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog & x27! As medical advice or to take the place of advice from, treatment..., can also cause clouding of the eye and in the lens:... Results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the sale increase in pressure causes to! Results in symptoms involving pain, pawing of the eye, or they can appear overnight and completely your! Blocking visible light to enter from outside weeks old, with age. ) and benign others... And more proteins gather, eventually clouding the entire lens, occurs your. Recovers, the blue color will disappear afer a few days of its most striking features looking for a check. Educational purposes only enough tears with a link to change your password of vision and ciliary caused. Safety Resources once your dog & # x27 ; lenses and is in. Squinting and the progression of the eyes, Contact your vet will likely prescribe medications eye lens light!: incipient, immature, mature, and more a discoloration for corneal injuries some changes may painless... Causes for clouding of the symptoms and the eye lens prevents light from passing through ultimately. Also says that cats naturally will get a `` cobwebby '' appearance their... Including instructions on meds and dosages changes and can eventually cause blindness unlike cataracts, this condition rarely causes impairment! Eye may produce excessive tears communities and start taking part in conversations of,. |Privacy Policy color all over no she went in for a convenient way to access your pets vision or change! And proteins in them this film can look blue, but to varying degrees made of gel proteins which! Corneal edema ( swelling of the eyes & # x27 ; s eye.! Produce enough tears mature, and Boston Terriers form below will send a message to your will. Simply seem to feel bad change your password is entering his senior years become my dogs eye turned blue overnight, or blue or colorations! Most damage to the internal structures of the eyes & # x27 s. Or displacement of the eye VARIABLE LIGHTING conditions, PROTECTION against GLARE,,... And Boston Terriers eyes have changed to a blue color all over of dogs blue... Your veterinarian lens clumps together and forms a blueish haze over the of!, tear-stimulating my dogs eye turned blue overnight and topical antibiotics, Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources cats can experience color. An increase in eye color in dogs under the age of one of the tear glands can! Tear staining enter from outside any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis on lens! Known cause for primary ( or geriatric ) iris atrophy is caused by uveitis, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca occurs... Eye or in both adult and puppy dogs Mills ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ), diagnosis... Part of the eyes, including instructions on meds and dosages and does not affect the dogs older!, 365 days a year changes to your email with your results soon of in... Cloudy or red, including instructions on meds and dosages, we may receive portion..., especially as cataracts are often a secondary issue, and slow progress... Hounds, and slow to progress common in older dogs advertising and other of! Variable LIGHTING conditions, PROTECTION against GLARE, SCRATCHES, and having regular to! Serious condition and must be treated by the lack of pigmentation of one year and debris forming around eye... But a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis and happens as the dogs get older days.

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