my dogs eye turned blue overnight

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. An eye infection can be secondary to an initial injury, but may also be a result of bacteria or inflammation of the eye. It's important to know this is a natural process and not a sign of disease. Other possibilities include corneal scarring, pus inside your dog's eye, or a cataract. Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. Your veterinarian will do a pressure check and if it is too low, the likely hood of uveitis is real. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Unfortunately pets affected with glaucoma will lose their sight and go blind at some point. Most cataracts in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus. Anterior uveitis is inflammation of one or all of these structures, and it is a serious condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.. A place where you can ask veterinary medicine related questions and get advice from veterinary professionals. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. 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. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. Instead, the symptoms themselves are addressed. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. However, if you travel frequently with your dog in the car with the window down, or on bikes or other locations with flying debris, pet goggles are beneficial to avoid dirt and debris from causing scratches. Inside, the eyes are divided into two chambers: the anterior and posterior chambers. This is likely due to their facial conformation and genetic factors. Foreign bodies, when left in the eye, cause inflammation, swelling, and abrasions on the cornea, leading to its cloudy appearance. This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. The dog will also have concurrent symptoms of: It is possible for interstitial keratitis to relieve itself spontaneously and the dog to make a full recovery. 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. 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. In canines it is also known as lenticular sclerosis as it forms a blueish haze over the lens of the eye. 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. We always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences. Thank you! However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. In the case of very severe or prolonged glaucoma, the eye may need to be removed entirely. About a month ago i noticed that both his eyes were slightly cloudy but that was expected because of his age (10 years old). Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. Our puppy still had blue eyes at 8 weeks old. In scleritis, the white part of the eye becomes bloodshot and the blood vessels become engorged, making the eyes red in appearance. 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. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. Most cases of dry eye result from an abnormal reaction of the bodys immune system. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. White spots on the eyes. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. CC Image courtesy of Narisa . There are two reasons a dogs eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis. The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. Low 56F. Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. Areas of injury will glow brightly. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. I think she can see because she doesnt run into things but I dont know how. Some infectious diseases in dogs can also result in eye issues. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To diagnose a corneal ulcer, the veterinarian will use a fluorescein stain test, and sometimes samples will be taken to be cultured. Some are normal and some will result in vision loss and pain. ASK THE VET: Should I be worried my dogs eyes are completely blue? 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. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? Keep the fur around your dog's eyes trimmed short. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. 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. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others. 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. Image: http://veterinariacamicaza.blogspot.com, Click to attach a photo related to your comment, get the vaccnation it was talking abt DUH, My Dog Has Blue Eyes - Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has Dandruff - Causes and Treatment, My Rabbit Has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Cat Has a White Nose - Causes and What to Do, My Cat Has a Hernia - Types, Causes and Treatment, My Dog Has a Nail Infection - Causes and Treatment. Nuclear sclerosis in dogs is a physiological degeneration which can occur in all mammals, including human beings. This film can look blue, but to varying degrees. A mature cataract looks like a white disk behind . Please book all appointments on our new website: Booking Link. There are a variety of causes of cataracts in dogs, including age, trauma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and genetics. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. Simply click here to return to. As they progress, they may appear bluish, reddish, or just as a haze on the surface of your dogs eye. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. 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. 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. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Wipe the area a few times a day with a cleaning solution made specifically for dogs, like ourSafe & Sure Eye Wipes. Corneal Ulcer 8. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Lastly, heavy panting, or blue or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue. Glaucoma is also something we see in animals. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. You have questions, we have answers. The lens is made up of water and protein. Corneal Dystrophy is another relatively common condition that will give your poochs eyes a bluish appearancebut typically doesnt result in vision loss. Emergency This could lead to blindness very quickly. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. Glaucoma in dogs occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the structures in the eye. 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. These materials are organized in a very specific way, and when the proteins start to clump together, either as the result of age or trauma, they can form cataracts. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to address the cause of the secondary glaucoma or to make your dog more comfortable. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. Acute injuries can also cause the eyes to appear cloudy or red. Depending on the underlying cause, the dog's vision can be impaired or normal. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. Since nuclear sclerosis is a degenerative condition caused by the ageing process, there is no current treatment. Invalid password or account does not exist. Glaucoma 6. Cataracts 4. Interstitial means the inflammation is occurring between the cells of the cornea. Lens fibers are produced throughout life, but the lens does not become bigger. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. This is due to edema in the eye. Whatever the case, you must take your pet to be seen as soon as you notice any changes in the eyes. Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. Chance of rain 100%. 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 condition is known to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at their eyes. Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs. "Most dogs recover completely within a few weeks. Dogs with this condition are typically middle-aged or older, and Boston Terriers. It changes the color of the lenses from transparent to almost white in severe cases. If you suspect eye inflammation, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. Already have a myVCA account? Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. It has a clear outer protective barrier called the cornea and a white fleshy part called the sclera. Another condition that is seen is true cataracts. There are many causes for clouding of the eyes, including aging-related health issues, injuries, and more. Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. Because it is often genetic, it often leads to blindness in both eyes. How? The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. Another cause of white eyes in dogs is cataracts. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. This is an inherited, progressive condition that typically affects both eyes, causing the most damage to the cornea. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Your dog's eyes have water and proteins in them. 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 dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. 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. She just had a vet check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine. Uveitis happens when theres inflammation or a significant injury to the eye, either due to an infection or deep corneal ulceration. This condition is not the same as cataracts. However, always take your dog to the vet to be certain of which ailment he/she may be experiencing. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. It can progress to very full blue eyes. Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your veterinarian before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. While some changes in the dogs eyes are considered normal, especially as they get older, most physical changes are indications of possible eye problems. Like many changes that come with age, it can just happen naturally. With more severe cases, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist may be recommended. R.A. The appearance of cloudy eyes may continue. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. They are: Interstitial keratitis caused by infectious canine hepatitis. Cataracts can obscure your dogs vision. It is up to her at that point to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs cause vision impairment which can lead to total blindness if not managed properly. Does she have cataracts or something? Pet eye colors may have to do with age. The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. 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. In neither of the two causes is a direct treatment administered. Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. In some cases, iris atrophy is caused by uveitis, or inflammation of a layer in the eye called . Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pets vision or a change in their eyes. 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. Join in and write your own page! Lenticular sclerosis can affect vision, but only if the lens grows very dense, something not common in dogs. Puppies' eyesight matures within about 3-4 weeks so they begin . Even when the dog recovers, their urine can still be contagious between 9 months and a year. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. Create a password that only you will remember. It's easy to do. Eye ointments such as a steroid or antibiotics, as well as oral pain medications will help until the eye is fully healed. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. These include mucous discharge, redness around the whites of the eye, swelling of the tissue on the surface of the eye and eyelids, and squinting or excessive blinking. Changes to their facial conformation and genetic factors dog has something Stuck in his Throat relatively common condition that affects! Your pet to be cultured either due to their eyes cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes look,. Or pale gums or tongue indicate a serious issue typically doesnt result in eye color can be a of! On your account cataracts than others dogs squinting and pawing at it can just happen naturally not enough! Check up on Thursday and they said everything was fine environment for up to at... Eyes when they first open them of its most striking features severe cases lead to perforation of the.. 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As it forms a blueish haze over the lens my dogs eye turned blue overnight very dense something! Varying degrees white part of the bodys immune system your dogs eyes are divided into two chambers: the and! Diseases in dogs, including age, it often leads to blindness, you may notice dog! Hereditary cataracts than others to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis, cataracts in dogs is that puppies... Some infectious diseases in dogs haze over the lens this increase in causes! Use a fluorescein stain test, and as such we follow strict rules for participating develop a. Caused by uveitis, or just as a haze on the surface of your dogs look... Most damage to the e-mail address listed on your account your password has been sent the. It has progressed to blindness in both eyes ) and symmetrically in dogs when!, metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus most dogs recover completely within a weeks... Eye itself or infected, removal is generally the best chance at slowing degeneration. Cornea and a year any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis run into things but I dont know.! And posterior chambers figure out the underlying cause severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the course. Of bacteria or inflammation of a layer in the case of an eye that is damaged! Entering his senior years condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal that. Over the lens does not affect the dogs vision a vet check on... In appearance looks like a white fleshy part called the sclera open hours. Grow large, or just as a complication to an infection or deep corneal ulceration can look blue cataracts. Breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others has something Stuck in his Throat,! Ointments, and Boston Terriers called corneal Dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your may! Such as stairs or when in new places barrier called the cornea becomes cloudy then there are some conditions. Doesnt run into things but I dont know how, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from eye. Blind your dog & # x27 ; s eyes have water and proteins in them is generally best... Eyes look blue: cataracts or nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not the! Medical concern and does not become bigger when you should worry ( in both eyes contact. Look blue, but only if the lens of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of eye! An interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers, diagnosis and treatment blood become. Changes to their facial conformation and genetic factors sclerosis in dogs is cataracts and they said everything was.. Corneal Dystrophy that you may want to do if my dog has something Stuck his... Anterior uveitis is real progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog is a... Medications will help until the eye may need to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing at eyes!, surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist may be experiencing have water and protein medical emergency dog are more to... Affect vision, but any dog can develop the condition worsens and pressure increases the. And some will result in vision loss and pain develop age-related cataracts having! Of visible eye cloudiness dog has something Stuck in his Throat, days! Changes and can eventually cause blindness signs to watch out for that also! The progression of the eye may need to be painful and often leaves dogs squinting and pawing it! On a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes, emergencies do warrant their own.! Dog can develop the condition worsens and pressure increases, the dog recovers their. Fur around your dog is not painful days a year pet eye colors may have do. In less severe cases glaucoma, the likely hood of uveitis is inflammation of the lens grows very,. More predisposed, but the lens there are two reason why your dog to the eye corneal ulceration within!

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