Dog Vision Problems: Blindness Symptoms & When to Seek Treatment

Dogs, like humans, rely on their vision to navigate the world around them. In today's post, our Danbury vets explain how dogs perceive their surroundings and how pet parents can tell when something is wrong with their dog's vision.

Detecting Vision Problems in Dogs 

Dogs are incredible animals; for many people, they are both a loyal companion and an important family member. 

If your dog is gradually losing his sight, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem. Visually impaired or blind dogs often memorize the furniture in your home and intuitively move around it to avoid obstacles. 

It's essential to detect early signs of blindness or other vision problems in dogs, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further deterioration and eyesight and other health complications. 

Symptoms of Vision Problems

Like humans, dogs can potentially lose their vision and struggle with the challenges of going blind, whether due to aging or other conditions. Below are a few symptoms that indicate your dog may be losing their vision:

Causes of Vision Problems in Dogs 

Dogs may experience vision problems due to disease, injury, aging, and hereditary conditions. In fact, a dog's natural aging process can sometimes include vision loss, ranging from minor issues to complete blindness. 

That said, it's important for pup parents to understand that occasionally, blindness itself isn't the primary health issue, but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition like a kidney or liver disorder, heart disease, or systemic disease. 

Conditions That May Cause Vision Problems or Blindness in Dogs

Several health conditions may cause vision problems or blindness in dogs. While some originate in the eye, others are systemic diseases. They also range from minor issues to more serious conditions that require veterinary attention:

• Cataracts: This condition causes the eye's lens to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision and, in severe cases, blindness. Cataracts can develop due to genetics, aging, or underlying health conditions like diabetes.
• Glaucoma: Characterized by increased pressure within the eye, glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Symptoms include redness, pain, and a noticeable bulging of the eye.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It's a genetic disorder that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina, ultimately causing blindness. Early signs include night blindness and difficulty navigating in dim light.
• Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea, often caused by trauma, infection, or foreign bodies. They can be very painful and, if left untreated, can lead to severe vision impairment.
• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): This condition occurs when insufficient tear production leads to dry, irritated eyes. Chronic dry eye can cause scarring and vision loss if not properly managed.
• Diabetes: Older dogs of large breeds, breeding females, dogs with poor nutrition, and obese dogs are at higher risk of becoming diabetic. In more than 75% of dogs with diabetes, cataracts will develop, which can lead to partial or full blindness. 
• Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS): This condition causes the retina to deteriorate, which leads to blindness in both of a dog's eyes. The syndrome develops quickly in dogs and can result in complete blindness in just a few days or weeks. Due to the sudden nature of the condition, dogs with SARDS may have an extremely difficult time adjusting to their visual impairment. 

When to Seek Help

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to seek treatment from a vet. Our veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions in pets. We can conduct comprehensive eye exams and perform ocular procedures tailored to your dog's needs.

Treatment of Vision Problems in Dogs

If you're uncertain about the severity of your dog's blindness or the symptoms they may be experiencing, it's important to consult your vet. Vision issues typically do not resolve independently, and early intervention is crucial for most cases of vision loss. 

Some conditions that cause blindness may also lead to other health problems, or blindness may be a symptom of broader medical issues. 

Scheduling a full physical examination is the best way to prevent further complications and potentially save your dog's sight.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If you suspect your dog has a vision problem, contact our vets in Danbury to book an appointment for an wellness exam today.