Dogs and cats can have many of the same eye diseases as people such as corneal ulcers, cataract, glaucoma and conjunctivitis. Some eye conditions or diseases can develop suddenly, but many can be prevented. It is important to monitor your pet’s eyes to look for problems.
Let’s talk about some common eye diseases of dog and cats:
Corneal ulcers
Corneal ulcers develop when the cornea surface is scratched or abraded. Most common cause of corneal ulcers may be from rooting in the bushes or playing rough and being scratched by another dog or cat. Certain breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Himalayans and Persians are more prone to corneal ulcers because their eyes are very large and they have short muzzles so their eyes are more exposed and easily injured. Sporting and working breeds are at higher risk because they work outside. Corneal ulcers no matter how mild will cause discomfort. If you notice your pet’s eyes tearing, squinting or eyes are red, please make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Superficial corneal ulcers usually heal well with therapy, but deep corneal ulcers may require advanced treatment such as ocular surgery.
Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis
This is a medical condition in which the eye has a bluish, greyish transparent haze in the center of the lens as it becomes compressed by new fibers deposited on the outer lens rings. Some dogs with lenticular sclerosis may progress to cataracts, but not all. Not to worry, your pets do not have to drive or read the paper so they are ok. There is no treatment for lenticular sclerosis, but your pet should be monitored regularly by your veterinarian for the development of cataracts.
Cataracts
Cataracts is an opacity in the lens. Age related cataract usually develops around 8-10 years of age and you will notice your pet’s eyes becoming a little cloudy. Your pets can still see, but vision may not be as sharp as when they were young. There are different levels of cataract. An incipient cataract is a small opacity in the lens but does not interfere much with vision. An immature cataract involves more of the lens and can cause blurred vision. When the entire lens becomes cloudy, this is called mature cataracts and most of the functional vision is lost. Hyper-mature cataract causes the lens to become smaller because protein and water is lost. This makes the lens shrivel and wrinkle, and vision is severely distorted. Your pet may bump into walls or furniture. Just like people, cataract surgery is possible for pets. A veterinary ophthalmologist will remove the cataract and replace it with an artificial lens.
Cataracts can also develop due to medical conditions such as diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause cataracts to develop quickly often within one year of being diagnosed with diabetes. Some breeds such as Siberian Huskies may have genetic predisposition to develop juvenile cataracts. If you notice that your pet’s eyes are getting a little cloudy, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure inside the eyes rise. Ocular pressure rises when there is inadequate drainage of the aqueous fluid. Certain breeds of dog and cats are genetically prone to glaucoma such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds. Rise in ocular pressure causes pain and will eventually lead to blindness. Signs of glaucoma are: red eyes, mild bulging of the eyes, pawing at the eye/face or tearing. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your pet immediately seen by your veterinarian. Early detection of glaucoma may be controlled medically and may save your pet’s vision.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctival sac around the eyes causing it to be red and irritated. This may be caused most commonly by an infection or allergies. Common signs of conjunctivitis are: red eyes, ocular discharge (clear, yellow or green). Your veterinarian will run a few simple tests to rule out more serious ocular diseases then prescribe eye medication to treat conjunctivitis which usually responds well to treatment.
Cherry eye
Cherry eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. This is caused by a genetic weakness of the fibrous attachment of the gland to the inner eye rim. This weakness will cause the pink colored gland to bulge. Cherry eyes can rarely be medically cured and surgery will be needed. If you see a cherry eye on one or both eyes, have your pet immediately seen. Timely surgical repair will give better prognosis.
Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
KCS is dry eyes. Just like people, your pet can have dry eyes. Dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable and can cause the eyes to be irritated, inflamed and red. Untreated dry eyes can lead to pain, corneal pigmentation and corneal injury. Your veterinarian will measure tear production and if tear production is below normal, a medication will be prescribed which will help your pet make more tears naturally. Brachycephalic breads such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers are over represented, but any breed can get KCS.
The next time you look at your pet’s adoring eyes, make sure you look for any potential problems. Even if you are not a medical professional, you will know that something may not be right. If your pet has any of these symptoms: red, inflamed, cloudy, discharge, squinting, tearing, pawing at the eyes or face, bumping into objects, immediately contact your veterinarian. Early detection and treatment can save your pet’s eyes.
