A List of Different Eye Disorders & Problems in a Dog

Dogs are prone to developing a number of different eye disorders. Some of these problems are genetic-based and affect certain breeds more than others, while others are general ailments that can affect dogs of any size or breed. If left untreated, many eye disorders can lead to vision loss or blindness.

  1. Corneal Dermoid Cysts

    • Certain breeds such as Weimaraners, dachshunds and German shepherds are prone to corneal dermoid cysts, or dermoids. A dermoid is a cyst on the cornea. These cysts are filled with material that is normal to other areas of the body but does not belong inside the eye, such as sweat glands, hair and hair follicles. They cause vision problems, eye irritation and excessive watering. Dermoid cysts are removed as soon as the puppy is old enough for anesthetic, according to Go Pets America.

    Entropion

    • Entropion is a disorder that affects many breeds. It is commonly seen in dogs that have a lot of facial folds or wrinkles such as shar-peis and bulldogs, but it is also common in retrievers, spaniels and certain hounds. The Canine Inherited Disorders Database indicates that the condition usually becomes apparent before the dog is a year old. The eyelid rolls inward and the eyelashes and hairs rub against the cornea. This causes chronic eye irritation, ulceration and corneal scarring. The condition requires a surgical procedure as treatment.

    Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

    • According to Pet Education, keratoconjunctivitis sicca is also known as dry eye. This syndrome is characterized by an inability to produce enough natural tears to keep the eye lubricated. The website explains that the disorder is caused from trauma to the eye, certain types of medications such as sulfonamides that are used to treat eye infections, and immune system problems. The symptoms are chronic eye infections and a yellowish discharge that exudes from the eyes. The cornea ulcerates and scars from the repeated infections. This can eventually lead to blindness. It is usually treated using medicated eye drops.

    Cataracts

    • According to the Canine Inherited Disorders Database, cataracts means that the lens of the eye becomes hazy or cloudy instead of clear and transparent. Small cataracts do not cause significant vision problems, but larger cataracts cause vision loss and blindness. The condition is not relegated to senior dogs. Some dogs develop cataracts as early as 8 weeks old, while developmental cataracts happen to dogs around 4 weeks old. The disorder affects a wide range of breeds. A surgical procedure can help remove instances of cataracts.

    Cherry Eye

    • Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of each eye. Pet Education explains that the third eyelid contains a tear gland. The tear gland is usually not visible, but nicitans gland prolapse, or cherry eye, causes the gland to move out of its normal position. It reddens and swells into a lump. The swollen gland quickly develop infection and ulceration, especially if the dog scratches at it. Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are at high risk for developing cherry eye. This condition usually requires surgically putting the gland back into its original place.