Cloudy Eye in Dogs

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Cloudy Eye in Dogs

By: Dr. Noelle McNabb

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Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are essential in determining the precise cause of the cloudy eye. Tests may include:

Complete medical history and physical examination

Complete ophthalmic examination including fluorescein staining of the cornea, Schirmer tear test, tonometry, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Complete blood count (CBC) and serum tests

Additional diagnostic tests may include:

Cytology, or microscopic examination of any inflammatory changes in the cornea

Bacterial culture of an infected cornea

Aspirate and analysis of any cloudy fluid from within the eye

Gonioscopy of the normal eye if glaucoma is suspected

Ultrasound examination of the eye if the retina cannot be examined

Treatment

Successful treatment depends on obtaining an accurate diagnosis as to what tissue of the eye is cloudy and what is the underlying cause of the problem.

Home Care

Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up examinations can be critical to your pet's health. Also, do not delay in bringing your dog to the hospital for initial examination as some causes of a cloudy eye may result in a loss of vision within a very short period of time.

In addition, do the following:

Observe the eye at least twice daily. Signs that may indicate a worsening condition include more obvious inflammation (redness), increased or altered discharge from the eye, pain (usually evident as squinting) or loss of vision.

If your dog's vision is compromised, minimize stress and risk of injury by confining him/her to a safe area until the cause of the problem is determined.

Do not allow your dog to rub or self-traumatize the eyes. To prevent self-inflicted damage you may need to obtain a protective collar (called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar) from your veterinarian.

Do not administer human over-the-counter medicines such as Visine or other ophthalmic products designed to "reduce eye redness" or irritation as the underlying cause of the problem must be identified.

Administer all medications as prescribed and alert your veterinarian if you have any difficulty treating your dog.

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1Anterior 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 More
2Blindness in Dogs
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Read More
3Cataracts in Dogs
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Read More
4Conjunctivitis in Dogs
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Read More
5Corneal Degeneration in Dogs
Corneal degeneration is a secondary, pathologic change within the cornea with dense white, grayish-white, or crystalline, and sharp demarcated borders. Corneal degeneration is more common in dogs than...
Read More
6Corneal Ulceration in Dogs
Corneal epithelium is constantly being lost and replaced, and its health and thickness depend on a delicate balance between cell loss and regeneration. Corneal ulcers represent either excessive loss or...
Read More

Cloudy Eye in Dogs

Cloudy Eye in Dogs

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