Eye Diseases of Blind Dogs

Blindness, defined as the loss of vision in both eyes, can be a common problem for dogs. As in people, it often happens with age, but a few diseases can cause blindness in otherwise young, healthy dogs. Some dogs are born blind and this is generally caused by one of many inherited eye disorders. Knowing the symptoms of canine blindness and the diseases that cause it can help you know how to care for your pup.

  1. Glaucoma

    • Glaucoma is a disease of the eye common to both people and animals. The disease is characterized by increasing pressure in the eye. The pressure is due to the natural fluids in the eye not draining properly, and if left untreated, blindness is an almost guaranteed outcome. There are two classifications of canine glaucoma: primary, an inherited condition that commonly affects breeds such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, and secondary, which occurs when another eye disease impairs the drainage of the eye fluids.

      Recognizing this disease in dogs is difficult since it generally starts in only one eye and the other eye compensates for the loss of vision. Redness or a clouding of the retina may occur. The pressure can be painful and cause migraines in dogs, resulting in loss of appetite and lethargy. Treating glaucoma with medicines and eye drops can be expensive because it is a lifetime disease and there is no cure. Blindness doesn't stop the pressure or pain felt by dogs with this condition, and many veterinarians recommend removing the eye(s) and sewing the lids shut.

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

    • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease in purebred dogs almost always causing complete blindness. The disease affects the rods in the eye that perceive color and light. PRA is painless and affects both eyes simultaneously. Early symptoms of PRA include a dilating of the animal's pupils, increased eye shine and difficulties seeing in poor light conditions. Although there is no cure for the disease, certain antioxidants can be given to slow its progression. The onset of this disease typically takes one to two years and allows the dog time to adjust to vision loss. Cataracts may develop in the eye because of the PRA, causing some pain and a cloudiness to cover the retina.

    Chronic Superficial Keratitis (Pannus)

    • Chronic superficial keratitis, often referred to as pannus, is a nonpainful inflammatory eye disease in dogs. Symptoms of pannus include brown and pink pigmentation spots and small white crystals that form on the cornea. The disease starts with an inflammation of the outer and inner eyelids and moves to the cornea of the eye. If left untreated the cornea becomes cloudy causing complete vision loss. The most common breeds afflicted by Pannus are respectively, the German Shepard, the Greyhound and the Husky, which suggests this disease is hereditary. Treatment for Pannus includes eye drops, ointments and steroids. There is no cure for this disease, and the medications used to treat it are used for a lifetime.