Top 5 Golden Retriever Eye Problems that cause blind

Have you ever owned a Golden Retriever? How did you become aware of the Golden Retriever eye problems? If yes, you might be interested in learning how to identify and address your dog’s eye issues. The following post will go over common eye issues and Golden Retriever dog symptoms, as well as how to diagnose and treat the condition.

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Golden retriever eye problems symptoms

Below are some of the common diseases that Golden retrievers often suffer from:

 CPRA

CPRA, or central progressive retinal atrophy, is a degenerative disease of the eye, affecting the photoreceptor cells and pigment cells in the retina.

While the disease rarely results in total blindness, it can cause very limited vision in Golden Retrievers. For these reasons, it’s important to see a veterinarian as soon as you notice any symptoms of this disease.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common Golden Retriever eye problem. These develop as your dog ages. Cataracts can even be congenital, which means your dog had them from birth.

They can cause vision problems such as glare, cloudy vision, and sensitivity to bright light. Cataracts may be inherited or develop with age, a condition often attributed to certain diseases. Cataracts can also result from diabetes mellitus.

Pigmentary Uveitis

Inherited pigmentary uveitis, commonly called pigmentary cystic glaucoma, affects both eyes. In North  America, the condition is thought to affect between 5 and 10 percent of Golden Retrievers.

Approximately eight to ten years old at the time of diagnosis, the majority of affected canines are older than five years. Although the real source of this illness is unknown, it is believed to be genetic. Typically, Golden Retrievers with a genetic predisposition to blindness will get the condition.

Distichiasis

Distichiasis is brought on by additional hairs that develop inside the eyelid and brush against the surface of the eye. This is one of the most prevalent inherited conditions in canines.

Compared to other breeds, golden retrievers are more likely to develop it. If ignored, these abnormal hairs can lead to corneal ulcers and ongoing eye pain.

Glaucoma

Dogs have two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and secondary open-angle glaucoma. Primary glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) increases abnormally. This condition is genetically predisposed and can be detected at any age, although most cases are diagnosed in dogs between three and seven years old.

If you suspect your Golden retriever has glaucoma, visit a veterinarian immediately. The condition is progressive and causes the eyeball to become large and bulgy. In severe cases, it can result in a rupture of the eye or lens. Primary glaucoma occurs when the IOP is elevated in an otherwise healthy eye.

Genetic abnormalities in the eye’s drainage angle may cause this condition. Those dogs with goniodysgenesis are at a higher risk of developing this disease.

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How to know if something is wrong with a dog’s eyes

The first step to identifying any issues with your dog’s eyes is to  do a veterinary checkup. During an examination, you can check for redness or cloudiness in the eyes.

Also, if the eyes do not look as they should, it may be due to a bacterial infection. Inflammation in the eye will affect the immune system, causing your dog to paw or squint when you touch them.

While it may not seem like much to the untrained eye, a number  of common dog eye problems have similar symptoms. One of these conditions is pigmentary uveitis, which affects around two billion people.

Symptoms can vary, but you can look out for these three conditions. Your veterinarian will most likely use a combination of treatments, including vision supplements and steroid drops.

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Diagnosis and Treatment of dog’s eyes diseases

Dogs can be treated for eye diseases with various medications. Antihistamines can help  treat infections and damage to the eye surface. A common cause of eye problems in dogs is injury, which can be major or minor.

If your dog has an injury, debris can end up in the eye, causing irritation, inflammation, and infection. Some dog eye diseases can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Corneal ulcers can be either minor or major. The deepness depends on how  much corneal tissue is affected. A shallow ulcer can heal on its own, but if left untreated, it can damage the eye even more.

Deep corneal ulcers are more difficult to treat, and if left untreated, they can lead to loss of vision or pain. A doctor can diagnose corneal ulcers with a harmless dye that shows the exact extent of the damage.

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Do golden retrievers go blind If you don’t detect disease early?

Although the condition has a high incidence, it rarely affects younger dogs. Golden  retrievers may develop glaucoma during their early years, although some dogs may not exhibit any symptoms. Symptoms include cloudy eyes, redness, and squinting.

Goldens can become blind from this disease, and it may not be detected until a dog is about 10 years of age. Genetic tests can help breeders identify which dogs are at risk of developing pigmentary uveitis.

In one study, 34.8% of Golden retrievers were found to have iris cysts, also called uveal cysts. These cysts may be the first clinical sign a family veterinarian notices, and a GPDVM can miss them entirely.

Even though iris cysts are risk factors for GRPU, they do not necessarily lead to the development of the condition. A dog is at risk of developing GRPU if he has iris cysts in either eye.

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