PATHOLOGICAL CONDITION OF EYES IN DOGS

FACULTY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL

SCIENCES, QUAID-E-AZAM CAMPUS,
GOMAL UNIVERSITY, D.I.KHAN
Several pathological conditions can affect the eyes of dogs. Here are some
common ones:

1- CONJUCTIVITS
Conjunctivitis in dogs, commonly referred to as pink eye, is a condition
characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent
membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of
the eyelids. It can be caused by various factors, including:

I. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to

conjunctivitis in dogs. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus
spp., Streptococcus spp., Canine adenovirus, Canine distemper virus,
and various fungi.

II. Allergies: Dogs can develop allergic conjunctivitis in response to

allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or certain chemicals.
Allergic reactions cause inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva.

III. Irritants: Exposure to irritants like smoke, chemicals, dust, or foreign

objects can trigger inflammation of the conjunctiva.

IV. Trauma: Physical injury to the eye, such as scratches or abrasions,

can lead to conjunctivitis.

V. Underlying Health Conditions: Conjunctivitis can also be a symptom

of underlying health issues such as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca),
distichiasis (abnormal eyelash growth), entropion (inward rolling of the
eyelids), or brachycephalic syndrome (common in flat-faced breeds).

Signs and symptoms;

of conjunctivitis in dogs may include;
 Redness of the conjunctiva (hence the term "pink eye")
 Swelling of the eyelids
  Watery or mucoid discharge from the eye
 Squinting or blinking excessively
 Sensitivity to light
 Itching or rubbing of the eyes
 Mild to moderate discomfort or pain

Treatment of conjunctivitis;
in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may perform a
thorough eye examination to determine the cause and severity of the
condition. Treatment may include:
 Topical antibiotics or antiviral medications for bacterial or viral
infections.
 Anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments to reduce swelling and
discomfort.
 Lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness and irritation.
 Allergy medications or antihistamines to manage allergic
conjunctivitis.
 Cleaning the affected eye(s) with a sterile saline solution to
remove discharge and debris.
 Addressing any underlying health issues contributing to
conjunctivitis.

2- CORNEAL ULCERS
Corneal ulcers in dogs are relatively common and can be a painful condition
affecting the cornea—the transparent outer layer of the eye. These ulcers are
characterized by small defects or erosions on the surface of the cornea and
can vary in severity from superficial scratches to deep, penetrating wounds.
Corneal ulcers can result from various factors, including:

I. Trauma: Scratches, abrasions, or foreign objects (such as thorns,

debris, or grass seeds) can injure the cornea and lead to ulcer
formation. Trauma can occur during play, fights with other animals, or
contact with rough surfaces.
 II. Eye Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause
inflammation and damage to the cornea, leading to ulceration.
Common pathogens include bacteria like Staphylococcus spp., viruses
like Canine adenovirus or Herpesvirus, and fungi like Aspergillus spp.
or Fusarium spp.

III. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Reduced tear production or

poor tear quality can result in dryness and irritation of the cornea,
making it more susceptible to ulcers.

IV. Eyelid Abnormalities: Conditions such as entropion (inward rolling of

the eyelids), distichiasis (abnormal eyelash growth), or ectopic cilia
(abnormal hair growth from the eyelid margin) can cause friction and
trauma to the cornea, leading to ulcers.

V. Systemic Diseases: Certain systemic conditions, such as immune-

mediated diseases or metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, can
predispose dogs to corneal ulcers.

Signs and symptoms;

corneal ulcers in dogs may include:

 Squinting or blinking excessively

 Redness and inflammation of the eyes.
 Watery or mucoid discharge from the eye.
 Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
 Pawing or rubbing at the affected eye(s).
 Cloudiness or opacity of the cornea
 Decreased vision or reluctance to open the affected eye(s).

Treatment of corneal ulcers

in dogs may include:
  Topical antibiotics or antiviral medications to prevent or treat infection
Lubricating eye drops or ointments to keep the cornea moist and promote
healing.
 Pain medication to alleviate discomfort
Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent further trauma from rubbing or scratching
 Management of underlying conditions contributing to ulcer formation
In severe cases or if the ulcer does not respond to medical treatment, surgical
interventions such as corneal debridement, conjunctival grafting, or corneal
surgery may be necessary.

3- GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma in dogs is a serious eye condition characterized by increased

pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), leading to damage of
the optic nerve and potential vision loss. It can be a painful and progressive
condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Glaucoma can occur in one
or both eyes and may be primary or secondary.

A. Primary Glaucoma:
Primary glaucoma occurs spontaneously due to inherent structural
abnormalities within the eye, such as improper drainage of aqueous humor
(the fluid that nourishes the eye) through the drainage angle. Breeds
predisposed to primary glaucoma include:

 Cocker Spaniels
 Basset Hounds
 Chow Chows
 Siberian Huskies
 Beagles
 Shar-Peis
 Norwegian Elkhounds
 Miniature Poodles
 B. Secondary Glaucoma:
Secondary glaucoma develops as a result of other ocular or systemic
conditions that obstruct the normal outflow of aqueous humor from the eye.
These conditions may include;
 Uveitis (inflammation of the uvea)
 Lens luxation (dislocation of the lens).
 Intraocular tumors
 Trauma
 Retinal detachment
 Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)

Signs and symptoms;

of glaucoma in dogs may include:
 Redness of the eye(s)
 Increased tearing or discharge
 Corneal cloudiness or edema (swelling).
 Dilated (enlarged) pupil that does not constrict in response to light
Squinting or blinking frequently
 Bulging appearance of the affected eye(s).
 Vision loss or changes in behavior indicative of visual impairment
 Pain, manifesting as reluctance to be touched around the eye or
rubbing the affected eye(s) against objects.

4- CATARACTS
Cataracts in dogs are a common and significant eye condition characterized
by the clouding or opacity of the lens within the eye. The lens is normally
transparent, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina, but when
cataracts develop, vision becomes impaired or lost. Cataracts can affect one
or both eyes and may vary in severity from small, localized opacities to
complete lens opacity.

Causes of cataracts in dogs:

 i. Genetics: Inherited or congenital cataracts can occur in certain breeds
or bloodlines, predisposing affected dogs to develop cataracts at a
young age.
ii. Age: Senile cataracts can develop in older dogs as a natural part of
aging. These cataracts often progress slowly over time and may
eventually lead to vision impairment.
iii. Diabetes Mellitus: Dogs with diabetes are at increased risk of
developing cataracts due to changes in the metabolism of glucose
within the eye, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and subsequent
lens damage.
iv. Trauma: Blunt trauma or penetrating injuries to the eye can cause
damage to the lens, leading to cataract formation.
v. Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition, particularly deficiencies
in antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium, can predispose dogs
to develop cataracts.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts in dogs

may include:

 Cloudy or opaque appearance of the lens, often resembling a white or

bluish discoloration within the eye.
 Decreased vision or blindness, particularly in affected areas of the lens
Changes in behavior indicative of visual impairment, such as bumping
into objects reluctance to navigate unfamiliar environments, or difficulty
locating toys or treats.
 Increased clumsiness or disorientation, especially in dimly lit
environments
 In some cases, cataracts may lead to secondary complications
such as inflammation (uveitis), glaucoma, or retinal detachment.

5- CHERRY EYE
Cherry eye, medically known as prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland or
third eyelid gland, is a common condition that can affect dogs, particularly
certain breeds such as Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Shih Tzus.
The third eyelid gland is located in the corner of the eye, beneath the lower
eyelid, and helps produce a portion of the tear film that lubricates the eye.

Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses or slips out of
its normal position, becoming visible as a round, reddish mass protruding from
the corner of the eye. The exact cause of cherry eye is not fully understood,
but it is believed to involve weakness or laxity of the connective tissue that
supports the gland. Other contributing factors may include genetics,
conformational abnormalities, inflammation, or underlying eye conditions.

Signs and symptoms of cherry eye in dogs:

 Red, swollen, or irritated appearance of the affected eye

 Presence of a round, fleshy mass in the corner of the eye, resembling
a cherry or raspberry
 Watery or mucoid discharge from the eye
 Blinking or squinting frequently
 Rubbing or pawing at the affected eye
 Mild discomfort or irritation

6- Entropion/Ectropion:
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes
to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation and corneal ulcers. Ectropion is
the opposite, where the eyelid rolls outward, resulting in exposure of the eye's
surface.

7- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

PRA is a group of genetic diseases that cause the degeneration of the retina,
leading to progressive vision loss and eventually blindness.

8- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca):

This condition occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears, leading to
dryness, irritation, and potentially corneal damage.

9- Uveitis:
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and
choroid. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, or
other underlying conditions.

10- Eyelid Tumors:

Tumors can develop on the eyelids or around the eyes, both benign and
malignant, which may require surgical removal.