Dog blindness may occur from disorders within the structures of the eye or the pathways in the brain. Sudden or acute blindness in dogs happens in both eyes simultaneously. It may difficult to discover acute blindness in dogs right away because of their heightened senses of smell and hearing that compensate for lost vision. When dogs lose vision in one eye, they tend to act normal and the owner may not realize vision has been lost.
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Causes
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According to The Dog Health Guide, the most common causes of blindness are glaucoma, retinal infection, cataracts, injury or diseases of the occipital cortex (visual part of the brain) and detachment of the optic nerves. Also, health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be leading causes of blindness in dogs. Vision problems are often difficult to detect because dogs are extraordinarily adaptive with their use of hearing and smell.
Time Frame
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Usually the first stage in dog blindness is the development of cataracts. For example, dogs with diabetes lack insulin, which causes a buildup in the eye. Excess sugar levels in the dog's eye are converted into sorbitol (another sugar). Sorbitol with excess water causes cataracts. Also, high blood pressure in dogs can cause blood vessels in the eyes to explode, causing bleeding for a period of time. Blindness can result after the retinas in the eyes become especially vulnerable to the bleeding.
Disorientation
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The most serious and often obvious sign of blindness in dogs is clumsiness and disorientation; an otherwise healthy and strong dog who seems normal will start tripping, bumping into furniture or objects and getting "lost" in the backyard or other parts of the home. In addition, blind dogs may have difficulty locating personal items such as favorite beds, toys, blankets and their food and water dishes. They might even forget their favorite hiding places for their bones.
A once mentally stable dog may show signs of confusion during playtime and walks. A dog's disorientation is likely to be enhanced in familiar situations and places. When confronted by familiar people that the dog knows, he may act unsure, confused, uncertain and aloof. Another indication of vision loss that owners might notice is a change in their dog's patterns. For instance, a dog with vision impairment may walk closely along a fence or walls.
Behavioral Changes
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Previously confident dogs may lose their confidence and independence when vision problems arise. These dogs may stay close by their owner's sides and start to exhibit extreme separation anxiety. They may even refuse to leave their owners and become reluctant to go outside, which can lead to accidents inside the home. Previously calm and mellow dogs may be easily startled or fearful as a result of blindness. Loud noises may cause the dog to panic and shake.
Excessive Sleeping
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Often, blind dogs become lazy and spend excessive hours sleeping because they are unable to do things they once could. The lack of activity and reaction of excitement to new surroundings is often mistaken for old age. However, dog owners should be vigilant when talking to their vet about the possibility of blindness.
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