Blindness in dogs can be caused by various eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis and other corneal and retinal diseases, which will eventually prevent light from reaching the retina of the eye. Whatever the cause, steps can be taken to help dogs cope.
Blindness in dogs becomes noticeable when they start bumping into objects or become unable to fetch as well as they once did. If your dog used to catch balls with amazing accuracy and suddenly starts missing them, this is a good sign that his eyesight is failing.
Causes of dog blindness
One of the most common causes of blindness in dogs is diabetes. Diabetes causes cataracts and blindness in 75% of dogs after one year. Untreated cataracts can lead to glaucoma, which can lead to a chronic headache.
Many dogs suffer from reduced vision as a normal part of the aging process. Strokes and dry eyes can also lead to blindness or vision problems as will an injury to the eye.
There are certain breeds of dogs that are more likely to become blind from an eye disease. Progressive retinal atrophy is most common in collies, poodles, schnauzers, cocker spaniels, Norwegian elkhounds and Irish setters. Retinal dysplasia is common in Labrador retrievers and beagles. Glaucoma is common in Labrador retrievers, Chow Chows, cocker spaniels and basset hounds.
Testing eyesight in dogs
If you think your dog may be blind or have vision problems, test his vision in a dark room. Rearrange the furniture in your room and then shut off the lights. See how your dog reacts. Does he collide with the furniture or does he move about with confidence? Turn the lights on and have your dog perform the test again. A blind dog will perform the test the same way both times. A dog with normal vision will be able to move about the furniture easily when the lights are on.
Creating a safe environment for a blind dog
- Keep paths clear.
- Place barriers around dangerous areas.
- Insulate sharp corners.
- Speak to your dog before petting him to let him know you are near.
- Try to mark each room with a different scent.
- Carry your dog up and down stairs.
- Avoid moving furniture.
- Provide your dog with his own safe area.
- Always keep food and water in the same place so your dog can easily find it.
What dog owners should know about blindness
Any signs of diabetes or an eye infection should be investigated. Any sign of disorientation is cause for concern, so see a veterinarian immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary in your dog. Early treatment can help prevent total blindness. Vision loss can be reversed in some cases. For example, cataracts can be removed by surgery, resulting in restored vision.
Prognosis
Dog blindness is not the end of the world. In fact, most dogs use their senses of smell and hearing to a greater extent than eyesight anyway, so they will use these senses much more as their eyesight decreases. It is not cruel to keep a blind dog, as long as the dog is not suffering from pain caused by the blindness. Dogs do not rely on their eyesight like humans do. They are color blind and do not see images in great detail. Their vision is more important for hunting at night, which most domesticated dogs no longer do anyway.
Dogs can go blind due to a retinal detachment. When this happens, the dog is still able to adapt, but it is more difficult and takes more time. Dogs with progressive diseases that cause them to go blind over a period of time tend to adjust easier because they have more time to adapt to their decrease in vision.
Don’t let blindness stop your beloved dog from functioning as an important member of your family.