Blindness in Dogs

Overview of Blindness in Dogs

Blindness is the loss of vision in both eyes. Vision loss may arise from disorders of the structures that receive and process the image within the eye or from disorders of the visual pathways that transmit and further process the image within the brain.

Acute (sudden) blindness occurs when vision is lost in both eyes simultaneously. The actual onset of blindness may be difficult to pinpoint because dogs’ senses of hearing and smell can often compensate for a decrease in vision. When one eye is blind, most dogs act and behave normally. The owner may not realize vision has been lost in one eye, until such time as it is decreased in the other eye. If an acute loss of sight occurs in the other eye from a disease or injury, then the dog may seem to go acutely blind.

At times the realization that the pet is blind only occurs when a change in the environment confuses the pet. Animals that slowly lose their vision memorize their surroundings, and if those surroundings are altered, then the behavioral changes they exhibit may make the owner conclude that the animal has gone blind suddenly. In actuality, the blind dog starts bumping into things only because the environment has changed.

Blindness in some pets may not be observed until vision is lost in eyes that had minimal function previously. Causes of blindness include severe corneal disease, anterior and/or posterior uveitis, cataracts (white opacity of the lens), retinal inflammation and infection, retinal detachment, glaucoma (sustained elevated pressure within the eye), disease of the optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain) and visual pathways, and diseases of the occipital cortex (visual center of the brain).

What to Watch For

Diagnosis of Blindness in Dogs

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

Other Diagnostic Tests

Treatment of Blindness in Dogs

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.

In-Depth Information on Blindness in Dogs

Therapy for a blind pet always depends first on establishing the correct diagnosis. There are numerous possible causes for blindness, and it is essential to identify the specific cause to initiate appropriate treatment.

Causes of Canine Blindness

Blindness can be caused by many different conditions, including:

Diagnosis In-Depth

Veterinary care should include tests to establish a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Diagnostic tests are essential in determining the exact cause of the blindness. Tests may include:

Other Diagnostic Tests

Treatment In-Depth

Successful treatment depends on obtaining an accurate diagnosis.