Beagle Eye Disorders

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), beagles are generally a very healthy breed, but they do tend to have problems with their eyes. Eight eye disorders are categorized as "prevalent" in beagles by the AKC.

  1. Eyelash Disorders

    • Distichiasis and ectopic cilia (aberrantcilia) are two disorders dealing with improper growth of the eyelashes. These conditions develop at birth or within the first year of a puppy's life and will cause irritation, but no vision loss.

    Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)

    • CPRA refers to a disorder in which the rods and cones gradually become less effective. Over time a dog affected with this disorder will lose its central vision, but peripheral vision is not lost.

    Glaucoma

    • Just like in humans, canine glaucoma causes excessive pressure on the eyeball and requires treatment. Without treatment it is very painful and can cause total blindness.

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

    • PRA will gradually cause total blindness in an affected dog due to loss of retina function over time.

    Other Minor Conditions

    • Dry eye, cherry eye, and imperforate lacrimal punctum (epiphoral) are minor conditions prevalent in beagles dealing with the tear ducts and production of tears. These are treatable and cause discomfort, but no loss of vision.