Discovering that your dog's eyes have turned cloudy can be truly concerning for any dog owner. It's important, however, to understand that cloudy eyes in dogs can be a symptom of various health conditions, ranging from benign lenticular sclerosis to the more serious condition of glaucoma. This guide will discuss the causes behind your dog's cloudy eyes and what to do if you notice this condition.
What causes cloudy eyes in dogs?
As you read about the diseases that can cause your dog's eyes to be cloudy, it is beneficial to briefly discuss the anatomy of the eye and where the cloudiness can originate from.
The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can develop cloudiness due to ulcers, injuries, or even dry eye. The lens, nestled behind the pupil, can grow opaque from lenticular sclerosis or cataracts, often giving the eye a milky grey appearance. Even the front chamber of the eye, the anterior chamber, isn't immune to clouding, which can be a sign of inflammation or pressure buildup.
1. Nuclear or lenticular sclerosis
One of the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs is nuclear or lenticular sclerosis. This is a normal, age-related change in dogs' eyes, often mistaken for cataracts.
It typically presents as a cloudy, milky, or bluish-grey haze in the lens of the eye. It is most noticeable in brightly lit areas, such as when taking your dog for a walk on a sunny day or while looking up at you in a brightly lit room.
As your dog ages, the fibers in the lens of the eye become more dense, resulting in a cloudy appearance. As nuclear sclerosis is an age-related change, it typically only affects senior dogs.
With lenticular or nuclear sclerosis, both eyes are usually equally affected and there should be no compromise to vision. No treatment is necessary for lenticular sclerosis, as it is a normal part of the aging process.
2. Cataracts
Another condition that can cause cloudy eyes in dogs is cataracts. This occurs when the lens becomes opaque, causing a cloudy appearance in the eye.
Cataracts in dogs can be caused by various factors such as trauma, genetics, or nutritional disorders. One of the most common causes of cataract formation in dogs is diabetes mellitus.
As light cannot pass through the cataract, vision can become significantly impaired. If your dog has cataracts, you may notice them bumping into furniture or struggling to navigate their surroundings.
Treatment for cataracts in dogs involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one. This procedure is typically successful and can greatly improve a dog's vision.
If cataract surgery is not feasible, your veterinarian may recommend continued use of anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing the chances of secondary uveitis and glaucoma.
3. Glaucoma
One of the most concerning causes of cloudy eyes in dogs is glaucoma, which occurs when fluid builds up in the eye and increases pressure, damaging the optic nerve.
Glaucoma can be primary (hereditary) or secondary (caused by another underlying condition). Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are predisposed to developing this condition.
Aside from cloudiness, other symptoms of glaucoma include redness, pain, and enlargement of the eyeball. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and chronic pain.
Treatment for glaucoma typically involves eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye. If this is not effective and there is permanent vision loss, surgery may be necessary to remove the eye (enucleation) so that chronic pain is eliminated.
4. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Dry eye, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), is a condition that occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. Think of tears as windshield washer fluid and blinking as the wipers. If there are no tears, the surface of the eye, the cornea, can become irritated and cloudy.
Symptoms include a thick discharge, redness, and frequent blinking or pawing at the eyes. Dogs may also develop secondary infections due to the lack of protective tears.
Diagnosis is made using the Schirmer tear test to measure tear production. Treatment involves tear-stimulating drugs or tear replacement therapy to alleviate dryness and protect the cornea.
5. Corneal ulcers
Corneal ulcers, or scratches on the surface of the cornea, can also cause cloudy eyes in dogs. These can be caused by trauma, foreign objects, infections, or other ocular conditions such as dry eye or glaucoma for example.
Dogs with corneal ulcers may squint or keep their eye closed, show signs of eye pain, and have excessive tearing or discharge.
Diagnosis involves a fluorescein stain test to highlight the ulcer. Treatment includes antibiotic eye drops, pain relief, and sometimes a protective contact lens.
6. Anterior uveitis
Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye, which includes the iris and ciliary body. This condition can be caused by injury, infection, or immune-mediated diseases.
Signs of anterior uveitis include redness, cloudiness, and sensitivity to light. Your veterinarian may also notice an increased amount of cells in the anterior chamber when examining your dog's eyes.
A complete ocular examination by your veterinarian is necessary for diagnosis. Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation and address the underlying cause.
7. Corneal dystrophy
Corneal dystrophy is a group of inherited conditions that cause abnormal deposits in the cornea, resulting in cloudiness of the eyes. Different types of corneal dystrophy can affect different layers of the cornea and can be seen at any age.
The appearance and progression of corneal dystrophy vary depending on the type but may include cloudy patches, ulcers, or erosions on the cornea.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for corneal dystrophy. Treatment focuses on managing any secondary complications such as infections or ulcers and providing pain relief if necessary.
8. Corneal deposits
Lastly, corneal deposits can also cause cloudy eyes in dogs. Corneal deposits can appear as cloudy spots in dogs' eyes, often due to the accumulation of cholesterol or other substances such as calcium.
These spots may not affect vision unless they grow large; however, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying metabolic issues.
No specific therapy is available or needed. Surgery to remove the lesions is not recommended because they usually recur and are often associated with more scarring and vascularization than prior to surgery.
9. Corneal edema
Corneal edema is the swelling of the cornea due to fluid accumulation, leading to a cloudy or bluish appearance in the eye. Potential causes include corneal trauma, inflammation, or underlying conditions such as glaucoma.
Dogs with corneal edema may exhibit signs of eye discomfort, such as squinting or rubbing, along with visible cloudiness as they relate to the underlying cause. The eye may also appear more reflective or shiny and have a bluish haze to the eye.
Treatment is focussed on the underlying cause but most veterinarians will use hypertonic saline drops (Muro-128®) to help draw fluid out of the cornea.
10. Corneal scarring
In some cases, damage to the cornea can lead to scarring, resulting in cloudy eyes. This can occur from previous injuries or infections that have healed but left behind scar tissue.
Corneal scarring may not significantly impact vision unless it covers a large portion of the eye's surface or is located in the central visual axis. The scarred area may also catch the light differently, giving the eye a distinct appearance of a dense white scar.
Treatment is usually unnecessary for small areas of scarring and most scars can dilute with time.
FAQs
What is the treatment for cloudy eyes in dogs?
There is no direct treatment for cloudy eyes in dogs, apart from addressing and treating the underlying cause.
What causes cloudy eyes in dogs suddenly or overnight?
If you have noticed sudden clouding in your dog's eye(s), acute onset conditions should be investigated. These include corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and uveitis. It is possible that the clouding was there prior but only advanced to a point where you have noticed.
What causes blue cloudy eyes in dogs?
Blue cloudy eyes in dogs are often caused by corneal edema, which is a fluid accumulation within the layers of the cornea.
Another possible cause is nuclear sclerosis, a normal aging change in the lens which can give the lens a milky blue appearance.
In conclusion, cloudy eyes in dogs is a symptom that can be linked to various underlying conditions. These can include nuclear sclerosis, cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye (KCS), corneal ulcers, anterior uveitis, corneal dystrophy, corneal edema, corneal deposits, and corneal scarring. Each of these conditions has distinctive symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment methods. Understanding these conditions and their symptoms can help in early detection and effective treatment. It's always recommended to see your veterinarian if your dog's eyes appear cloudy or if they exhibit any signs of eye pain or discomfort.