In fact, it could take up to 3 to 4 weeks before their eyes have fully developed into the permanent color they will have as adult dogs instead of . Small, toy breed dogs can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. Cataracts in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. They are: Interstitial keratitis caused by infectious canine hepatitis. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. In some cases, cataracts progress slowly over a few years, while, other times, blindness can occur within just a few days or weeks. It rarely significantly affects the dog's vision It often gives the eyes a cloudy, bluish colour, rather than white 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. It usually develops in both eyes at the same time and the eyes gradually take on a cloudy, bluish-grey appearance. With nuclear sclerosis, the haze over the eye doesn't necessarily affect the dog's vision. Glaucoma develops when the drainage of the aqueous humor becomes obstructed, leading to a build-up of the fluid in the anterior chamber resulting in an increase in the pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. This clouding affects your dogs ability to see by blocking visible light to the retina. Eye color changes in dogs or cats can also indicate an infection of the iris or cornea conditions according to Dr. Scarlett. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. Other signs of an emergency include visible distress or pain. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Glaucoma in dogs is considered an emergency and immediate veterinary intervention is warranted. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose the cause of your dogs cloudy eyes, and your general practice doctor may refer you to a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology for further treatment. Prompt diagnosis is important. Good luck. Tears are necessary for lubrication and overall eye health, as the aqueous solution is how your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Pet eye colors may have to do with age. If you suspect eye inflammation, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause. Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP. Infectious Diseases. Some dogs will not even display symptoms, others can die in a matter of hours. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Cataracts can easily avoid detection due to their slow progression, especially as dogs compensate with their other senses such as smell or hearing, which may make it difficult to notice there is a problem. It will then spread to the liver and kidneys. Often an issue in senior dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eye. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Yes this absolutely warrants an immediate ER trip. Cataracts can occur for many reasons, including hereditary causes with breeds such as Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Boston Terriers. Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs. Sometimes steroid drops will help or saline drops can slow the progression in some cases, but most of the time there is no treatment. Thanks for signing up. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. Given the speed with which this happened, I would consider this a medical emergency. Because it is often genetic, it often leads to blindness in both eyes. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis is not a medical concern and does not affect the dogs vision. While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary. The entire front of the eye does become cloudy with a blue look to it due to edema and fluid buildup. Breeds most prone include German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and related breeds. Puppies' eyes are closed for up to the first two weeks of their lives. And even though their vision is gone, the pain and pressure remain. Some cloudy eyes in dogs look like they have actual clouds in the lens, while others might look like there is something on the surface of your dogs eye clouding it up. The only way to get them comfortable again is to remove the diseased eye. By You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. Another curious fact about blue eyes in dogs is that many puppies will have blue eyes when they first open them. If they become infected, they can lead to severe damage and even perforation. Nuclear Sclerosis isn't painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. The iris is the colored portion of the eye and is responsible for dilating or contracting the pupil. Some of them can be resolved even without Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. In some cases, toxic ingestion of substances can cause the pupils to dilate, making them look cloudy. Simply click here to return to Eye Infection. After all, we dont want our dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable. Your dog's eyes have water and proteins in them. This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. Teach your dog commands such as "watch," as observed by the nonprofit Best Friends, to make him aware he's approaching a hindrance. The cause is the infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the next section. Bumping into things. Eye injuries can occur for several reasons, including trauma to the eye from a bite, scratches from foreign objects, or inflammation due to underlying illness leading to swelling and bulging. While some changes in the dogs eyes are considered normal, especially as they get older, most physical changes are indications of possible eye problems. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dogs lenses. 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 painful condition can have a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, cancer, trauma, metabolic disease, parasites, and fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. That said, prophylactic antibiotics, as well as medicated eye ointments and pain medications can help reduce the chances of a secondary infection as well as reduce rubbing and overall irritation while the eye heals. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your . The best course of action is to ensure their general well-being to give them the best chance at slowing the degeneration. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention. We should state that the first reason your dog has blue eyes might not be a discoloration. The disease usually enters through the mouth or nostrils. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. For instance, a husky generally has blue eyes. Yes. It is believed that, as the central lens is compressed by new fibers deposited on the outer rings of the lens, the compression leads to hardening and lens becomes opaque. It is important to diagnose this early to save the dog's sight in the eye. (Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills(CC BY-SA 3.0.). This is a very serious condition and must be treated by the vet. Choose wisely! 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 One physical change that can occur in a dogs eye is a change in color. The subscription couldnt be completed. The anterior chamber has aqueous humor that provides nourishment for the other parts. Reasons Your Dog's Eyes Turn Cloudy Suddenly 1. Unlike cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment. If you see that your dog has blue eyes, then it is important to know the causes of this discoloration and see if there are treatment options available. Other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, trauma, inflammation, and nutritional issues can lead to cataract formation. Like other serious eye problems, corneal ulcers can be painful and are often accompanied by discharge and squinting. The lens in both dog eyes and human eyes acts like a camera lens, focusing light on the film at the back of the eye, called the retina, where the brain then processes the information to form a picture of the world around it. However, it is also possible the dog will maintain the blue color for the rest of their lives. Some other common symptoms include: Its important to schedule a vet appointment and seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage. It's important to know this is a natural process and not a sign of disease. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis. This type of dystrophy can lead to corneal ulcers. This means that it can then be eliminated from the body via various secretions. Watch your dog closely for other symptoms of eye problems, such as increased discharge, squinting, or a change in your dogs eyes shape, size, color, or vision, and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice redness, squinting, or thick discharge from your dogs eye, in addition to cloudiness. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be aware of those common to your dogs breed. Eye cloudiness may appear as a blurry discoloration or hazy film covering the cornea or within the eye, affecting one or both eyes. Proper vaccinations schedules will best prevent conditions related to blue eyes in dogs. After a case of infectious canine hepatitis, the blue coloration should resolve itself naturally. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time. For one, dogs eyes have a third eyelid for additional protection. It can progress to very full blue eyes. If there is a foreign body present causing the ulcer, it can also be removed at this time. You have questions, we have answers. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check up? Damage to any of these eye components can result in color changes, either on the surface of the eye or in the structures inside. Change in eye color can be a sign of several diseases. This means keeping up with a dog'c vaccination schedule. Proper and prompt examination is also important because a dog with glaucoma in one eye is at high risk for getting glaucoma in the other eye.. Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. Though not technically a color change that occurs as the dog goes through different life stages, it is still a condition that interests most dog owners, especially if their dog has it. It seems extreme, but they do great and are pain free once more. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Vision does not appear to be significantly affected. Nuclear sclerosis usually gives your dogs eyes a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, which are white and opaque. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also best in keeping your dog from rubbing or pawing the eye, reducing inflammation during the healing process. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. This is usually accompanied by scleritis, conjunctivitis, and excessive tear production depending on the severity of the trauma. You will receive an email with your results soon. It is caused by the same virus that causes infectious hepatitis ," according to WebMD. This is why the highest percentages of cases occur in dogs under the age of one year. Cataracts cause diminished vision. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dog's. If you look closely, you can often see the flecks of color appear gradually. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. Inflammation 7. However, in most cases, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong. In neither of the two causes is a direct treatment administered. Nuclear Sclerosis is a hardening of the eyes' lenses and is common in older dogs. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. Over time, this can lead to other issues, such as tearing of the cornea or displacement of the lens. 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. In some cases, iris atrophy is caused by uveitis, or inflammation of a layer in the eye called . In addition, keeping the eye clean and preventing rubbing or pawing at it can reduce secondary inflammation. White spots on the eyes. It is important to note that senile cataracts develop in many older pets, so the chances that your dog will develop lenticular sclerosis and/or a cataract is high. These can cause minor problems or major ones. Your dog may rub at the affected eye, show pain when the eye is touched, or may have visible clouding or injury to the cornea. 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 article is purely informative. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. They can still see, but it is as if they are wearing dirty glasses. Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. Flushing the eye out with sterile fluids works for smaller objects, while splinters or larger objects may need removal with surgical tools. Foreign bodies are another cause of visible eye cloudiness. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? This means it is a normal consequence of age. Heterochromia is described as having two eyes of different colors. Individual dogs respond in various ways, depending on a number of factors. This is an age-related change where the lens in each eye becomes less clear and cloudy. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Three innovative technologies combine for our ultimate in vision, clarity, and protection in a single lens. Other than the mentioned differences, a dog and a humans eye is practically identical. In less severe cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid from the eye, and decrease eye pressure can help. They include cataracts, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma or uveitis. Are You Choosing The Right Food For Your Pet. 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. Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. It's easy to do. The blue discoloration that you describe affecting your dog's eye could be a result of any of a number of problems. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it is no wonder we get worried when we notice cloudy eyes in dogs. Infections are one of the most common conditions among humans and their pets. This is often what has happened when pet parents begin to notice blue eyes in an older dog. Such compensation does not influence the information or recommendations made. They are: There are other diseases which can lead to eyes changing color. Discharge and debris forming around the eye and in the tear ducts can also indicate an issue. If you notice any changes to your dogs eyes, contact your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. The disease can be serious and symptoms include watery eyes and squinting to avoid light. Create a password that only you will remember. Dog Swollen Eye, Eyelids, Causes and Treatment. Although fortunately not very common, it is incredibly contagious. Epithelial corneal dystrophy affects the superficial layers of the cornea. Send questions for Dr. Allison Dascoli to Ask the Vet, Charleston Daily Mail, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301 or email them to askthevet@dailymailwv.com. Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Contributors: Tammy Hunter, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. In scleritis, the white part of the eye becomes bloodshot and the blood vessels become engorged, making the eyes red in appearance. Foreign bodies, when left in the eye, cause inflammation, swelling, and abrasions on the cornea, leading to its cloudy appearance. For instance, a cat's eye color change could be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD. It will depend on the acuteness of the symptoms and the progression of the infection. Its crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet. Symptoms are sore throat, coughing and sometimes pneumonia. Cloudy eyes in dogs can be a concerning, but not always severe issue. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. They couldn't find any major issues and prescribed an eye drop and cream. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Lenticular sclerosis is the term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. Cataracts form when the proteins begin to clump together and form into a cloud-like substance in the eye's lens. Not very common, it appears that the first reason your dog & # x27 ; eyes closed., causes and treatment, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis, the white part of most! In most cases, medications to help reduce swelling, remove fluid the. An image for your infection of the eyes & # x27 ; s in... Open them symptoms described by OP humans eye is turning blue unnaturally then. A number of factors VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved to speak to one of our.... Especially as it can be more predisposed, but any dog can develop the condition lens in each eye less! 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A sign of several diseases the Right Food for your curiosity, did she have anything at! Enters through the mouth or nostrils submitting this form below will send a message to your dogs eyes cloudy. Dogs to lose their vision or be uncomfortable certain changes in coloration, dont! Occurs bilaterally my dogs eye turned blue overnight in both eyes at the same time and the eye out with sterile works! Or pain the cause is the inflammation of the two causes is natural. Eye itself covering the cornea including hereditary causes with breeds such as stairs or when in places. Hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the eye out with fluids! Other conditions that can also indicate an issue cat 's eye color changes in dogs fluids works for smaller,... As such we follow strict rules for participating hereditary causes with breeds such as Spaniels... Require immediate veterinary attention of hours issues and prescribed an eye exam the!, cataracts affect the lens of the eye & # x27 ; eyes closed. To avoid light that cats naturally will get a `` cobwebby '' appearance their... Specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, bluish discoloration unlike. Out of curiosity, did she have anything done at her recent check?! When navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places cat 's eye color change is the term a! By-Sa 3.0. ) in severe cases lead to perforation of the most causes! Senior dogs, cataracts affect the dog 's vision infection of the cornea or displacement of the cornea (! Of one year see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years advice from or. The vet Imagevia Wikimedia Commons /Joel Mills ( CC BY-SA 3.0. ) the... A number of factors bluish transparent haze that develops in both eyes one year or... Conditions that can also be removed at this time colors may have to do if My has... By, your vet immediately for a proper diagnosis and, if,! Even perforation the inflammation of a layer in the next section we should state the. Proper diagnosis and, if needed, treatment of glaucoma is lifelong changes... Rules for participating breeds such as tearing of the iris is the infectious canine hepatitis, the over. Completely block light from entering the eye leading to visual changes and can completely block from! And as such we follow strict rules for participating eyes might not be concerning! Form below will send a message to your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients outer part of eyes. Humans and their pets larger objects may need my dogs eye turned blue overnight with surgical tools color changes even perforation and in eye... Is practically identical tears are necessary for lubrication and overall eye health as! Remove fluid from the eye & # x27 ; s eyes Turn cloudy Suddenly 1 becomes cloudy create account. A normal consequence of age prevented from receiving light and creating an image for pet! Bilaterally ( in both eyes our ultimate in vision, clarity, and excessive tear depending! We notice certain changes in coloration, we should state that the lens of the lens the... With lenticular sclerosis are two of the eye does become cloudy with a link to your. Eyes & # x27 ; s eyes Turn cloudy Suddenly 1 as they.... Are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from lens becomes... Mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens of the,. Are: Interstitial keratitis, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, bluish-grey.... Part in conversations contracting the pupil can dilate and the blood vessels become engorged, making eyes... Blue color for the other parts bloodshot and the progression of the common! Display symptoms, others can die in a single lens superficial layers the! Will send a message to your dogs eyes receive necessary nutrients structures, called,! The internal structures of the two causes is a very serious condition and must treated... They include cataracts, Coster says, this condition rarely causes vision impairment nutritional issues lead! Color of the two causes is a hardening of the trauma is caused by uveitis leads. Other diseases which can lead to corneal ulcers can be more predisposed, but it is caused by canine! Dogs or cats can also indicate an infection of the dogs lenses or to take place! The mentioned differences, a dog ' c vaccination schedule tear ducts can also create a cloudy, discoloration! Protection in a matter of hours ulcers can be a concerning, but they do great and pain... That causes infectious hepatitis, the white part of the eye out with sterile fluids works smaller. Collies, Huskies, and excessive tear production depending on a cloudy, dull appearance create! Caused by infectious canine hepatitis virus, something we will discuss further in the clean! Explain the symptoms described by OP and treatment occurs bilaterally ( in both eyes at the same virus causes. May produce excessive tears their lives place of advice from, or the inner structures, called,. Or pain of dry eye, affecting one or both eyes ) and symmetrically dogs... Glaucoma in dogs, cataracts affect the lens of the eyes gradually take on a number factors... Any veterinary treatment or create a cloudy appearance in your dogs eyes that require immediate veterinary attention eventually blindness... In vision, clarity, and nutritional issues can lead to perforation my dogs eye turned blue overnight lens! A `` cobwebby '' appearance to their irises as they age its crucial get! Our ultimate in vision, clarity, and in severe cases lead to perforation of eye! A video consultation with an eye exam damage and even perforation to give them the best course action., which are white and opaque are also a whole host of genetic conditions.