Genetics, injuries and diseases cause dog eye conditions that require testing. Some disorders result in blindness, pain or the rupturing of the eye. Your dog's yearly examination should include a basic eye check. However, other testing is required when there are symptoms of an eye disorder, for puppies and before breeding. Your veterinarian may perform basic examinations. A veterinary specialist certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) may perform testing for known or suspected disorders. You may have the ACVO specialist fill out papers to submit information on the dog to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) to certify your dog is clear of problems for breeding.
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Methods
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Eye testing varies depending on symptoms or the suspected disorder. Most eye testing is visual inspection of the eye and eyelids. The veterinarian does simple testing using a lighted instrument and ophthalmic magnifying tool to look into the eye. He may use drops to dilate the eyes. Chemical drops placed in the eye stain for injury or corneal abrasions on the eye. Test strips help determine if the dog has dry eye. Numbing medication may help prevent the examination from causing pain. Machines use air to test for pressure that indicates glaucoma. According to Iowa State University, there are new tests that detect it before symptoms appear. The tests use high-frequency ultrasound and pattern electroretinography to examine the eyes.
Genetics
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Dogs inherit many eye disorders. Your veterinarian may test your dog for genetic eye disorders even without symptoms. According to CERF, common genetic disorders include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), persistent papillary membrane (PPM), some forms of cataracts and collie eye anomaly (CEA). According to OptiGen, your veterinarian can submit blood samples to test for some genetic eye disorders, such as PRA and CEA. In addition, inspection for eyelid disorders such as entropion, ectropion and distichiasis are included with examinations, as they can cause eye damage including corneal abrasions. Glaucoma can be due to genetics or disease. Some disorders are more common in some breeds. Contact your dog breed national club for information on common disorders for that breed.
Diseases
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Have your dog's eyes tested if it has a virus or disease that could cause eye problems. According to Vet Info, diseases that may result in eye problems include distemper, dry eye, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain fever, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis. Dogs with diabetes or that have had radiation therapy or exposure to toxins may develop cataracts, according to Vet Info.
Symptoms
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Examine your dog's eyes for symptoms that may indicate a problem. Physical symptoms include red eyes or eyelids, tearing, any type of discharge and cloudy or milky pupils. Behaviors that might indicate a problem are excessive blinking, rubbing the eyes and avoiding bright lights. Take a dog to the veterinarian if it shows visual problems such as walking into objects. Bleeding around the eye or eyelid may indicate injury or infection requiring immediate testing and treatment.
Prevention
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Prevention of many eye disorders is possible by breeding only dogs that are tested clear of genetic disorders and purchasing puppies only from litters with appropriate testing and CERF certification. Checking your dog's eyes daily for signs of infection, injury or problems help get treatment before the problem progresses. Ensure your veterinarian does a thorough examination and tests for any breed-related disorders.
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