Causes of Weimaraner Eye Problems

In addition to acquired eye problems common in all dogs, such as irritation from particulates, trauma and common diseases, Weimaraners are susceptible to several hereditary or congenital eye diseases. Although these diseases strike other breeds as well, they are of particular concern to owners of Weimaraners. Exacerbated by careless breeding due to the popularity of the breed, distichiasis, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), entropion and nictitating membrane eversion are four diseases that often cause eye problems in Weimaraners.

  1. Distichiasis

    • Distichiasis is an extra row of eyelashes, most often growing from the meibomian gland duct on the margin of the eyelid, that rub against the cornea. In most cases the lashes are soft enough so that they cause no problems, but in some cases they are stiff and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation and ulcers. The condition can be corrected by manually removing the lashes through surgery or electrolysis.

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

    • PRA is a hereditary disease that attacks the retina, the membrane that covers the back wall of the eyeball. The disease progresses through stages including the inability to see stationary objects, night blindness and finally total blindness. The disease either strikes when the puppy is a few weeks old or shortly after it is a year old. There are no cures for PRA, but vision can be prolonged in stricken dogs by the administration of oral antioxidant supplements.

    Entropion

    • Congenital entropion occurs in a puppy's first year.

      Entropion causes the dog's eyelids to turn inward and the lashes to rub against the cornea. It is a painful condition facilitated by certain hereditary traits such as the dog's facial structure and the configuration of the eyelid muscles. The congenital form of the disease usually appears during a puppy's first year, but the disease can also be acquired due to trauma, infection or old age. Symptoms include tearing and redness, in-rolling of the eyelids and a thick ocular discharge. Entropion is sometimes called diamond eye. The condition can be treated by surgery and/or topical medication.

    Nictitating Membrane Eversion

    • The nictitating membrane, or haw, is sometimes called the third eyelid. In some birds and reptiles it is a full, transparent eyelid, but in dogs it is usually an unnoticeable membrane in the inner corner of the eye. The disease occurs spontaneously in Weimaraners, as well as St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, and causes the membrane to protrude from the eye. It usually does not cause discomfort, but sometimes causes inflammation of the cornea or the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the inner part of the eyelid and the white of the eye. The condition is treated by the surgical removal of the affected tissue.