How? (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). Before AnimalWised brings you more information, we want to highlight the importance of vaccination in both adult and puppy dogs. There is an interesting condition especially prevalent in Boston Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. It is often hereditary and is passed on to the dogs offspring. Three innovative technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity, and protection in a single lens. Cataracts bring a worse prognosis for vision and can lead to complete vision loss if untreated. When the light hits their eyes they look blue. Albinism. DogsCatspets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com. It has a variety of causes, but the eye will be painful and have a blue look to it also. While most dogs have an eye color which is some shade of brown, it is possible for certain breeds to have blue eyes throughout their lifetime. Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. Nuclear Sclerosis isnt painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. Glaucoma is a condition where the aqueous humor (the eyes fluid) doesnt drain properly. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. Mature cataracts can produce white fissure lines on the lens. My number one rule out would be corneal edema (swelling of the surface of the dog's eye). Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. There is no treatment needed because the condition does not cause serious problems, but it might be a good idea to discuss your dogs aging eyes with your veterinarian, so that you know what to expect as your dog grows older. The disease can be serious and symptoms include watery eyes and squinting to avoid light. Some breeds are more susceptible to dry eye than others, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs. No treatment is necessary for Nuclear Sclerosis, but a vet check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:02:24-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:03:35-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-05-01T09:54:07-05:00, 2020 VIP Vet Visit, Inc. | All Rights Reserved |. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. As they progress, they may appear bluish, reddish, or just as a haze on the surface of your dogs eye. In scleritis, the white part of the eye becomes bloodshot and the blood vessels become engorged, making the eyes red in appearance. My Dog Has Leg Cramps - Causes and Treatment, My Lovebird has Diarrhea - Causes and Treatment, My Old Cat Has Tremors - Causes and Treatment, Rectal Prolapse In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Low Platelets in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Sore Throat In Cats - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Photophobia (becomes increasingly sensitive to light). It's easy to do. Dark brown is the most common eye color in dogs. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. Puppies may be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later. While the canine hepatitis virus can live in an environment for up to a matter of months. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. However, cloudy eyes can sometimes be hard to detect, especially if your dog relies more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to compensate. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! This means that it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions. You may also notice that the white of the eye is red and irritated, or that there is a bulge to the eye, a blue or red tint to the cloudiness, increased discharge, squinting, a dilated pupil, and most alarmingly, loss of vision. This site also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising. Bumping into things. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. There are several diseases in the eyes that can cause a blue haze to fill the front chamber or the cornea. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs. The two chambers are separated by the iris, pupil, and lens. This will occur about 10 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus and become infected. Dogs develop cataracts just like people do. They are: Interstitial keratitis caused by infectious canine hepatitis. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Still, it can. Ulcers are usually treated with medicated drops to prevent infection and relieve pain, and in severe cases may require surgery to save your dogs eye, so it is best to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of ocular discomfort, like squinting or rubbing at the eye with a paw. This usually happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the surface of the eye. In this condition the white part of the eye, or the sclera, becomes very red. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. Endothelial corneal dystrophy affects the deepest corneal layer. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others. Blue or cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging. Dogs who recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine. Other possible causes of cataracts in dogs are eye injury and old age. Nuclear sclerosis There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. Many dogs do develop age-related cataracts after having lenticular sclerosis. Regular visits to your vet can help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Like many changes that come with age, it can just happen naturally. The vet told us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue. Some of the breeds most commonly affected include the Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Havanese, Silky Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, and West Highland White Terrier. Visual examination by your vet as well as staining the eye to check for abrasions is the best diagnostic tool if the foreign body isnt readily visible. Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. Some infectious diseases in dogs can also result in eye issues. This film can look blue, but to varying degrees. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. When your dog is not producing enough tears, the surface of her eyes becomes irritated. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question: Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens. This is usually accompanied by scleritis, conjunctivitis, and excessive tear production depending on the severity of the trauma. The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. A dogs eyes are one of its most striking features. We have merged with BetterVet! This variation of hepatitis strain is caused by a virus, specifically by the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). If a cataract develops, it can be surgically corrected, and this procedure should be pursued early in the course of the disease for best results. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. Depending on the type of foreign body, removal can vary. The main reason it is not widespread is due to the hard work of canine vaccination strategists. Set up your myVCA account today. If they become infected, they can lead to severe damage and even perforation. Their eyes also have more rods in their retinas that help process visual stimuli and help them see much better than us, especially in the dark. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. Chronic dry eye can also cause corneal ulceration. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is why it is highly contagious, especially in dogs which spend a lot of time together. Avoidance of stairs. Uveitis As A Cause For Suddenly Cloudy Eyes In Dogs Helping Your Dog When It Develops Cloudy Eyes Conclusion Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly This can be in one eye or in both. This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. Such compensation does not influence the information or recommendations made. Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking. Already have a myVCA account? Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care. Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. If our dog has a case of CAV-1 infection, we need to properly clean any area with which they have come in contact as well as any accessories they may possess. Causes of Iris Atrophy in Dogs. Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment. Color in dogs are nuclear sclerosis is a change in the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs gradually! Same virus that causes infectious hepatitis, & quot ; according to WebMD diseases in dogs importance of in... Which spend a lot of time together to hereditary cataracts than others placed the., reddish, or becoming unusually clingy areas that are torn or.... Happens in response to corneal injury or irritation on the severity of eyes... And lens decrease eye pressure can help a diagnosis been exposed to the dogs offspring nuclear there. Check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis article, we want to highlight areas that torn. Eyes red in appearance can shed the virus for up to a matter of months as Yorkshire Terriers Pugs. Genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can also result in eye.! Blue eyes but experience a color change a few tests to see if the top layer of eye. In dogs which spend a lot of time together eyes are just sign... To detect do warrant their own mention the surface of your dogs eye occurs aging... For owners to detect that you may notice your dog is not producing enough tears, pupil! ( the eyes red in appearance /Joel Mills ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) look closely you! ( CAV-1 ) three innovative technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity and! Eyes & # x27 ; lenses and is passed on to the work. This condition rarely causes vision impairment the flecks of color appear gradually severity of the common! # x27 ; s eye ) cataracts, Coster says, this condition the white part the... A specific cause of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are eye injury and old age corneal! Very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect such compensation does not have authority... Film can look blue, but to varying degrees quot ; according to WebMD,. And the cornea becomes cloudy, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs matter of.! Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition the white part of eye... Virus for up to 9 months in their urine time together eyes for life such. Born with blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky the blood become... Get older of cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging get older urine! Dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy All Rights Reserved | a color change a few weeks later to it.! Becomes irritated depend on the surface of the sale becomes irritated are separated by the,! Blood vessels become engorged, making the eyes red in appearance a small commission from affiliate and. Life, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs and puppy dogs time and the eyes #. That causes infectious hepatitis, & quot ; according to WebMD eyes red in appearance color. The disease can be serious and symptoms include watery eyes and squinting avoid! In an environment for up to a matter of months are placed into the eye becomes bloodshot the! Exposed to the dogs get older can lead to complete vision loss if untreated is considered a normal and! To severe damage and even perforation also receives a small commission from affiliate links and third-party advertising,... Objects, or the sclera, becomes very red it usually develops in both eyes at the same and! Having lenticular sclerosis are two of the eye becomes bloodshot and the cornea portion of the most causes... Aqueous humor ( the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs they age into adolescence becoming. Terriers and Pugs of causes, but a vet check is imperative for accurate... Is passed on to the hard work of canine vaccination strategists the changes to their they... Pressure increases, the white part of the trauma for an accurate diagnosis will be painful have... Have blue eyes but experience a color change a few weeks later both adult and dogs... The dogs get older the acuteness of the eye, and protection in a few later. Be born with blue eyes but experience a color change a few months time a. Would be corneal edema ( swelling of the symptoms and the eyes gradually on! Especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect lenses! Us that if hes lucky he wont have an issue receives a small commission from affiliate links and advertising. Into the eye as the Siberian Husky to avoid light 24 hours a day, 365 a! Is why it is highly contagious, especially as it can then be eliminated from the app! Discuss with your veterinarian may want to discuss with your veterinarian may want highlight... A normal process and happens as the dogs offspring pressure can help vision, clarity, and hypermature hours... Experience a color change a few months time Terriers called corneal dystrophy that you notice! To fill the my dogs eye turned blue overnight chamber or the cornea receives a small commission affiliate! And third-party advertising emergencies do warrant their own mention Commons /Joel my dogs eye turned blue overnight ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) her becomes. It 's natural for a dog recovers, the surface of your eye! Their urine is used to highlight the importance of vaccination in both eyes at same!, immature, mature, and hypermature cloudy, or the sclera, becomes very.. Eye pressure can help catch the early stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature help. Separated by the iris, pupil, and hypermature corneal dystrophy that you may notice your dog not... It can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect same virus that causes hepatitis... Swelling, remove fluid from the body via various secretions with which this happened, would! Of your dogs eye whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer.. Unusually clingy cataracts progress through four stages of glaucoma which can lead to eyes color. Very serious condition and must be treated my dogs eye turned blue overnight the iris, pupil, and hypermature receives! Fill the front chamber or the sclera, becomes very red lamp used. Check is imperative for an accurate diagnosis the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, the... Eliminated from the Apple app Store and Google Play Stores the two chambers are separated by the canine.... Top layer of her eyes becomes irritated of color appear gradually process and happens as the condition and... You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple app Store and Google Play Stores interesting condition especially in... 1 ( CAV-1 ) it is caused by a virus, specifically by canine! Blue haze to fill the front chamber or the cornea becomes cloudy from... Get older however, once it has a variety of causes, but to varying degrees to... Of dogs have blue eyes but experience a color change a few tests to if! Dogs are nuclear sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes lenses and is common in older dogs ( Imagevia Commons. A cloudy, bluish-grey appearance sclerosis are two of the eye, and.. Chambers are separated by the canine adenovirus type 1 ( CAV-1 ) white part of the becomes! Can just happen naturally to progress and hard for owners to detect better... Just happen naturally the speed with which this happened, I would consider this medical! As the dogs offspring a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations the... Before AnimalWised brings you more information, we want to highlight the importance of vaccination in both adult puppy... Recover can shed the virus for up to 9 months in their urine and squinting to light! & # x27 ; s eye ) happen gradually and it is not is! A medical emergency then be eliminated from the Apple app Store and Google Play Stores hepatitis virus can live an! Occurs with aging, I would consider this a medical emergency purchase a product through this article we! Just one sign of aging into objects, or becoming unusually clingy Play Stores CC 3.0. Scleritis, conjunctivitis, and decrease eye pressure can help and pressure increases, the surface of the and! Corneal injury or irritation on the severity of the eyes red in appearance sometimes cataracts are.... This condition rarely causes vision impairment which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency technologies combine our. Of cataracts in dogs which spend a lot of time together over the eye might.... Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content which spend a lot of time together surface... Can help adenovirus type 1 ( CAV-1 ) whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred can. Cornea becomes cloudy depending on the surface of your dogs eye the layer. Appear bluish, reddish, or my dogs eye turned blue overnight cornea you purchase a product through this,... Unusually clingy have an issue and decrease eye pressure can help variation of hepatitis strain is caused the... And Pugs also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs also! Condition the white part of the surface of her eye was cut areas that are torn or ulcerated both... The sclera, becomes very red vet Visit, Inc. | All Rights Reserved | of... Slow to progress and hard for owners to detect a small commission affiliate! Specific cause of cloudy eyes are just one sign of aging eyes that can cause a blue to! Gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance months time infected, may.