Good Dog's A to Z guide to common eye diseases

by Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD and Dr. Nate Ritter, DVM

We often take for granted the amazing things eyes can do, until there is a problem with them! Eye issues can affect any dog ranging from a minor, easily treated irritation to a serious problem that can lead to vision loss. Many eye disorders are genetic and can be passed from parent to offspring, and some breeds of dogs are especially prone to inherited eye problems.

Here are some of the signs, treatments and affected breeds for several of the more common eye disorders in dogs.

Cataracts

• The lens of the eye becomes clouded
• Can eventually lead to blindness
• Some dogs need surgery - which is the only treatment
• Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Siberian Huskies, and Miniature Poodles are at increased risk

Cherry Eye

• Cherry eye is a prolapse of tissue in the eye known as the “third eyelid”
• Swelling of the lower eyelid (near the nose)
• Most common in brachycephalic (“flat faced”) breeds 
• Requires surgery but cherry eye commonly reoccurs

Collie Eye Anomaly

• An inherited condition caused by a mutation of a gene (NHEJ1) related to eye development
• Some affected dogs have eyes that are underdeveloped, small or sunken
• Retinal detachment is also common
• Mild cases may show no signs, but severe cases lead to blindness
• Sometimes surgery can reduce the effects
• Carrier dogs should not be bred with other carriers
• Commonly affected breeds include Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds

Conjunctivitis

• An inflammation of the inner lining of the eyelid (the conjunctiva)
• Common symptoms include eye discharge, squinting, redness and swelling in one or both eyes
• Conjunctivitis can be caused by many things including viruses, allergies, tumors, eye abnormalities or trauma
• Treatment may include topical medication
• Most dogs with conjunctivitis have a good prognosis

Corneal damage

• Corneal damage is often caused by trauma, such as from a scratch, rough play, or running through heavy vegetation
• The severity of corneal damage is dependent on the depth of the injury
• You may notice your dog squinting or rubbing at their eye
• Treatment includes antibiotic eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, and in more severe cases, surgery

Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)

• An inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva
• Related to a deficiency in tear quantity and/or quality
• Tears lubricate the cornea and wash away debris. When there are insufficient tears, dry eye can result
• Breeds at risk include some of the Spaniel and Terrier breeds, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzus and Pekingese
• Dogs with dry eye will often squint or blink excessively. The eyes may look red and irritated, and there may be thick, yellowish discharge
• Dry eye is treated with medication that stimulates tear production
• Dry eye requires life long care

Ectopic Cilia

• An inherited condition where eyelashes grow in the wrong place (often inside the eyelid) and in the wrong direction (facing the eye)
• Eyelashes rub against the cornea, causing pain and corneal ulcers
• The eye may appear red and watery
• Treatment includes surgery and cryotherapy to prevent regrowth of hairs
• Affected breeds include English Bulldogs, Shih tzus, and Boston Terriers
• Younger dogs may be more susceptible 

Entropion

• A painful condition where the eyelid turns inward
• Eyelashes rub against and irritate the cornea
• Common in breeds with skin folds and prominent eyes, such as Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs
• Signs include squinting and tearing 
• Treatment requires surgery

Glaucoma

• Increased pressure in the eye when fluids do not drain properly
• Can lead to bulging, irritation/redness, dilated pupils
• Glaucoma is painful and requires medication and/or surgery
• Higher risk of glaucoma is found in Beagles, Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Shar-Peis

Meibomian Gland Adenoma (MGA) and other eyelid tumors

• Small eyelid tumors can happen to any dog, but are seen more frequently in older dogs
• Many of these tumors are not malignant, but can be irritating to the eye
• The most common treatment is surgical removal of the tumors

Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)

• An autoimmune disease of the cornea
• Signs include discoloration on the cornea and an inflamed third eyelid
• Common treatments include steroids and immune modulating drugs, and sunglasses (Doggles)
• There is no cure for Pannus, but treatment can sometimes stop progression and even reverse some changes 
• If untreated, Pannus can lead to blindness 
• More likely to occur in middle-aged German Shepherds, Greyhounds, and Belgian Tervurens

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

• A disorder where the lens of the eye is dislocated
• PLL causes inflammation, glaucoma and blindness
• PLL often appears when dogs are 3-8 years of age, and early signs include watery, red eyes
• Treatment may include surgery
• PLL is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the gen ADAMST17
• A DNA test can tell you whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected
• Commonly affected breeds include terriers, Border Collies and German Shepherds

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• The retina of the eye degrades over time
• May be early or late onset disease
• Will ultimately lead to irreversible blindness
• There is no treatment for PRA
• This is an inherited condition, genetic tests are available for many breeds
• Identified in many breeds; commonly seen in Miniature and Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers
• Not painful

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

• A condition that causes sudden blindness, onset can be rapid (<30 days)
• Most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs
• You may observe your dog looking disoriented or bumping into furniture, or your dog may seem anxious
• There is no treatment for SARDS, but it is not painful and many dogs will adjust to losing their vision
• Any dog can be affected by SARDS, but Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and Pugs may be at increased risk

Traumatic injuries (i.e. Proptosis)

• Proptosis is an emergency condition where the globe of the eye is displaced out of its orbit (the eye “pops out”)
• Proptosis can be caused by dog fights, a blunt force injury, or other trauma
• The dog may not be able to close the eyelid
• Surgery, including enucleation (removal of the eye), is typically required
• Post-operative care includes antibiotics, pain control and anti-inflammatory medication

Screening for eye disease in your breeding dogs

Good Dog recommends screening for eye conditions through genetic testing and/or examination by a board-certified ophthalmologist for all breeding dogs and it is required in some breeds for particularly debilitating or common conditions. More information about Good Dog’s approach to breed-specific health testing can be found in our Guide to Health Testing Levels.

More about eye screening and certification can be found in the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) database and Examination and Registration of Eye Certification through OFA. 

Looking to get a dog?

If you are looking to buy a dog, be sure to talk to prospective breeders to find out if your puppy’s parents were screened for hereditary eye disease. Our breed explorer can tell you whether eye screening is required or recommended for dog breeds you are interested in. And if you already have a dog, talk to your veterinarian about whether they need testing or treatment for eye disease.

References

ACVO Genetics Committee. (2015). Ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in purebred dogs. InAmerican College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. aka "The Blue Book" which can be accessed at:https://www.ofa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Blue-Book-2015-8th-Edition.pdf

Petrick, S. W. (1996). The incidence of eye disease in dogs in a veterinary academic hospital: 1772 cases.Journal of the South African Veterinary Association,67(3), 108-110.