Retinal problems in dogs can lead to blindness. Dogs adapt to vision loss quickly and have a good and long-term quality of life. Retinal disorders are usually non-painful. 

Retinal disorders in dogs can be genetic, related to an infection or high blood pressure (hypertension). Treatment depends on the type of problem, and not all are curable. If you think your dog has vision loss, take him to your vet without delay.

Overview

What is a retinal disorder in dogs?

The retina is the layer of cells lining the back wall inside the eye. This layer senses light and sends signals to the brain so your dog can see.

The most common problems related to the retina are:

• Inherited diseases of the retina
  • Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal dysplasia
  • Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS)
• Inflammation of the retina and choroid
• Retinal detachments

Symptoms

What are the clinical signs of retinal problems in dogs?

• Blindness, or some level of vision loss
• Bumping into furniture or other large objects
• Difficulty navigating in low-lighting
• Enlarged pupils, even in bright light
• Bleeding into the eye, or a whitish/pink appearance inside the eye
• Cloudy eyes
• Squinting or difficulty opening the eyes
• Eyes are very reflective when light shines on them

Risk

Do some dogs have a higher risk of retinal disorders than others?

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA): an inherited problem affecting the choroid layer of the eye seen in Collie breeds, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): an inherited eye disease that leads to various problems with the retina (back of the eye) seen in Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Typically diagnosed in adults around 3-9 years of age.
• Retinal dysplasia: present at birth, may arise from trauma, genetic defect, or damage occurring while in the womb. It’s inherited in English Springer Spaniels, Bedlington Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Australian Shepherds. Typically diagnosed in puppies around 2-3 months of age.
• Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS): a progressive autoimmune disease that affects the retina (back of the eye), seen mainly in Dachshunds and Miniature Schnauzers.
• Inflammation of the retina and choroid, and retinal detachments are always due to an underlying cause.

Diagnosis

How are retinal disorders diagnosed in dogs?

Your vet will:

• Examine your dog’s eyes and use a light source.
• Use a tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eyes
• Check their blood pressure
• Perform blood tests
• Ocular ultrasound

Vet treatment

Can retinal problems be treated?

Treatment will depend on the underlying condition. Not all conditions have successful treatments available, such as CEA, SARDS, Retinal dysplasia and PRA.

Retinal detachment and inflammatory disorders of the retina may be treatable depending on the cause and severity. The treatment may include medication and, in some cases, surgery.

Home treatment

What to do at home if your dog becomes blind

Dogs that lose their vision gradually can adapt well with the correct care. Sudden blindness can occur and may cause distress.

There are many things you can do to help your dog if they have reduced vision or have gone blind:

• Avoid moving furniture or any of your dog’s belongings, such as their food dish, water bowl or bed.
• It’s important to pay special attention to hazards such as stairs, pools, and on the street. And teach commands like “watch” and “step”.
• Whenever your dog meets a new human or animal, they should be handled with extra care.
• Avoid any sudden and loud noises that may scare them. Talk to your dog before stroking them or putting a lead or harness.
• Using a halo harness can be helpful for a blind dog.
• Place textured mats at the room entrances. Your dog will be able to differentiate the room they are in by the texture on their paws.
• If you have other pets in the house, it’s useful to use a small bell or an object that makes a sound to help your blind dog identify their presence.
• Play is very important. Use toys that make a noise. This will help build their confidence and provide mental stimulation.

Prevention

What can you do to prevent retinal disorders in dogs?

Most of the conditions above cannot be prevented. In others, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complete blindness.

• Make sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations and goes for regular check-ups (at least once a year) with a vet to catch any illness early.

• Regular blood tests and blood pressure measurements are useful, especially in senior dogs.

When to worry

When should you be worried about your blind dog?

If your dog shows any of the following signs, call your vet:

• Swollen eye
• Squinting
• Redness of the eye
• Reluctant to open the affected eye or pawing at the face
• Tilted head

Call us at Joii if:

• You have a blind dog and need help with adjusting their environment
• If you need help applying or giving medication