Blindness in Dogs

Blindness in Dogs

By: Dr. Noelle McNabb

Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are essential in determining the exact cause of the blindness. Tests may include:

  • Complete physical examination

  • Complete ophthalmic examination, including direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, pupillary light reflex testing, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, Schirmer tear testing, navigation of the pet through an obstacle course, visual tracking and visual placing tests, and fluorescein staining of the cornea.

  • Complete neurologic examination

    Other Diagnostic Tests

  • Complete blood count (CBC) and serum tests via blood samples
  • Blood pressure testing
  • Electroretinography
  • Visually evoked response test
  • Specific serologic tests
  • Corneal and conjunctival cell samples for cytology
  • Cerebral spinal fluid tap
  • Specialized imaging tests of the eye and skull, such as ultrasound examinations, CAT scans or MRI

    Treatment

    Successful treatment depends on obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

    Home Care

    Pets with recent onset of blindness should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Minimize stress and injury by confining your pet to a safe area until the cause of the problem is determined. Place barriers across staircases, over hot tubs and around pools, and restrict activity on balconies if your pet could fall through the guardrails. Do not allow dogs to run free.

    Establish a known location for the food and water bowls and guide your pet to them if necessary; do not change his environment. Use a harness or leash to walk your dog for better guidance and control.

    Do not allow your pet to scratch or rub his eye if it is painful, as this may cause further damage to the eye. Use an Elizabethan collar if necessary.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in Dogs

      Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye) is a medical term used to describe a condition of decreased tear production. Affected eyes may become chronically inflamed and scarring and pigmentation of the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Glaucoma in Dogs

      Inside the normal eye there is constant production and drainage of a watery fluid. When a problem with the drainage of the fluid occurs, the pressure inside of the eye can increase. High pressure causes...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Anterior Uveitis in Dogs

      Anterior uveitis is inflammation that affects the front part of the eye. The iris, which is the colored portion of the eye, is typically involved, and common causes include immmune diseases, infections...

      Read MoreRead More
    • Related Articles
    • 1Glaucoma in Dogs

      Inside the normal eye there is constant production and drainage of a watery fluid. When a problem with the drainage of the fluid occurs, the pressure inside of the eye can increase. High pressure causes...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Anterior Uveitis in Dogs

      Anterior uveitis is inflammation that affects the front part of the eye. The iris, which is the colored portion of the eye, is typically involved, and common causes include immmune diseases, infections...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in Dogs

      Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye) is a medical term used to describe a condition of decreased tear production. Affected eyes may become chronically inflamed and scarring and pigmentation of the...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Glaucoma in Dogs

      Inside the normal eye there is constant production and drainage of a watery fluid. When a problem with the drainage of the fluid occurs, the pressure inside of the eye can increase. High pressure causes...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Anterior Uveitis in Dogs

      Anterior uveitis is inflammation that affects the front part of the eye. The iris, which is the colored portion of the eye, is typically involved, and common causes include immmune diseases, infections...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in Dogs

      Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye) is a medical term used to describe a condition of decreased tear production. Affected eyes may become chronically inflamed and scarring and pigmentation of the...

      Read MoreRead More