Blindness in dogs

While some dogs may be born blind, blindness secondary to other problems is seen far more commonly. Diseases causing corneal opacity such as keratitis and anterior uveitis, cataracts and glaucoma all cause blindness. Congenital and /or genetic defects of the eye, neurologic diseases, traumatic injury of the eye and head trauma are other possible causes.{{more}}

It is the retina, the lining in the back of the eye, that is the final light receptor. The retina transmits the image to the brain via the optic nerve where it is interpreted by the brain. Congenital defects of the retina, abnormal retinal development, inflammatory diseases which involve the retina, retinal degeneration and retinal detachment secondary to trauma will all lead to blindness in the dog. Neurologic diseases that alter brain function, such as stroke, will also lead to blindness although the eyes would be otherwise perfect and functional.

Dogs with permanent blindness often do very well as long as they are kept in a stable and confined environment. Their other senses are far more important and sensitive, so loss of vision is not as devastating to dogs as it would be in people.

I have a few blind patients that do very well. They depend primarily on their senses of smell and hearing. They memorize every object in their environment and someone who is seeing them for the first time will not be aware of their blindness.

PROLAPSE OF THE EYE

Also known as proptosis of the globe, a prolapse of the eye occurs when the eye moves out of the socket. It is common in toy breeds and dogs with very short noses and big eyes.

Most often head trauma and dogfights are responsible for this type of injury. It is considered an ocular emergency and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Treatment of a Prolapsed eye

The eye should be cleaned and free from debris. If the eyeball has not ruptured, it should be replaced into the socket. Under anesthesia, your veterinarian will clean and lubricate the globe and then manipulate it carefully into the socket. The eyelid will be sutured closed to hold the eye in place during the healing period. Antibiotics orally will be used to prevent infection. Some dogs will not retain their vision, but the eye will outwardly appear normal and be cosmetic. If the eyeball ruptures, your doctor will need to Enucleate (surgically remove) the eye.

In a case of Prolapsed eye, of essence it the timely treatment of the condition. If too much time passes before the dog is seen, the animal will lose sight in the eye.

For further information, contact:
Dr. Collin Boyle
Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd. Tel: 456 4981
Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com