Often when pet owners worry about vision loss in dogs, retinal detachment is to blame. This eye disease occurs when the light-absorbing retina pulls away from the back of the eyeball, or sclera, dimming the vision. It may be related to a rupture in eye tissue or to fluid seepage.
If the retina detaches completely, blindness will occur in the affected eye. Because this usually happens over time, your dog's eye problem may be difficult to spot.
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Symptoms
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Excess fluid is a common eye problem in some breeds. If you notice a build-up of eye fluid or the appearance of blood in your dog's eye, consult a veterinarian. Hemorrhage or leakage of the vitreous fluid that surrounds the eye may indicate retinal detachment.
If the condition has caused eye and vision deterioration, your pet may experience physical clumsiness. Running into new or temporary obstacles is a sign of vision loss or blindness.
Causes
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Related eye problems, such as cataracts or recent surgery, increase the risk of detached retinas. Cataracts are prevalent in some breeds, including Collies, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Cocker Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers and Standard Poodles.
Other causes of retinal detachment are traumas that affect the eye, such as blows or explosions. Chronic high blood pressure and fungal infections are other conditions that lead to vision loss.
Diagnosis/Prognosis
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Your veterinarian may be able to detect retinal detachment visually, using an opthalmic scope. Ultrasound is another method of diagnosis. Your dog's breed and medical history may offer insight as well.
If treated early, healthy retinas may reattach and vision will be restored. In young dogs with little deterioration of the eye, surgery often amends the problem. Even in dogs with tissue degeneration, treatment may stop the decline, retaining some eyesight. Those untreated, however, will suffer blindness.
Treatment
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Laser surgery or cryotherapy is used to repair torn or detached tissue, and steroids aid in fluid control. Retinal surgery is called retinopexy. Your veterinarian may recommend this procedure, based on your dog's age, overall health condition and degree of eye problems.
If eye tissue is torn, it must be cauterized in order to stop the fluid seepage that is causing the retina to detach. Cryotherapy freezes or closes the tear to promote healing.
Home Care
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If you were late in recognizing your dog's vision loss and must live with the impairment permanently or pending surgery, take steps to help your pet cope. Concentrate on the remaining acute sense: smell, taste, touch and hearing.
Use a car air freshener or scented candle to help your dog distinguish between rooms in your home. Touch your dog frequently. Ask visitors to say your dog's name and hold out a hand to be sniffed before petting.
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