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While some issues like nuclear sclerosis are harmless and best left alone, other issues like deep corneal ulcers and glaucoma can rapidly become worse without medical attention. There are a number of options when it comes to naturally treating cataracts in your dog’s eyes. When talking about cataracts we are referring to a cloudiness of the eye lens, which affects a dog’s vision. The condition is often inherited, but it is particularly common in older dogs, certain breeds, and dogs with diabetes. Natural cataract remedies can be administered at home, with the goal to slow down the progression of cataracts or actually reverse the progression altogether. It is a treatment option many dog owners try, usually during the primary stages of cataract progression.
Endothelial corneal dystrophy—This type affects the inner layer of the cornea and typically shows up in middle-aged to older dogs. Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas are all more prone to endothelial dystrophy. By ticking this box, you consent for Nestlé Purina Petcare UK&I and its Affiliates processing your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice (/privacy). You will receive offers, news, competitions and information about Purina® UK&I, its brands and its products. Because eyes are so sensitive and problems can progress so quickly, it's essential to get any changes you notice checked out with a vet as soon as you can. Glaucoma is always an emergency, and if you think your dog has this book an appointment straight away.
Ulcers
Treatment isn't necessary for nuclear sclerosis alone, but regular assessment with a vet will help to check for any cataract formation. Cataracts may point a vet towards an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, and further testing may be required to determine what has caused this to develop. Depending on the type of cataract, if left untreated they can damage your pup's eyesight and lead to complications. The pupils need to be the same size, and the eyes need to be free of crusting.
For example, cloudy eyes in dogs can point to a variety of eye problems. Cloudy eyes in dogs can happen for a variety of reasons—some are more concerning than others. To help you sort through possibilities, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for seven common causes of cloudy eyes. If your dog has an eye ulcer that's made the surface go cloudy, this opacity should disappear as the ulcer heals.
Natural Cataract Remedies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
However, without treatment, the cloudiness will not go away. Instead, it is more likely to progress and can seriously affect the dog’s vision. A good way to tell if you are dealing with a real eye infection you can see yellow or green discharge. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs.
Because the lens is located behind the iris, you won’t see any cloudiness on the cornea or in the anterior chamber unless a different disease process is also present. Also, nuclear sclerosis is not a painful condition, so there shouldn’t be any squinting, inflammation, or other clinical symptoms. Another reason for a dog’s eye to suddenly appear cloudy is uveitis in dogs, which literally translates to inflammation of the uvea.
Preventing Eye Infections
Veterinarians can manage most cases of dry eye with a combination of topical lubricants and moisturizers. If the KCS is autoimmune in nature, the vet my prescribe topical immunosuppressants to protect the tear glands from further damage in hopes that the glands might produce tears again. The other test, tonometry, is the measurement of the intraocular pressure or IOP within the eye . This test is important because sometimes canine patients with eye conditions such as glaucoma (i.e. high intraocular pressure) will get secondary KCS due to tear gland inflammation.
Consulting a veterinarian is the only way to know exactly what the issue is and whether or not dog eye infection home remedies will be able to cure it. While I do think that eye problems are best addressed by your veterinarian, there are a few “do’s and dont’s” of home treatment for cloudy eyes in dogs that you might find helpful. You’ve probably heard the expression that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But did you know that looking into your senior dog’s eyes might also tell you something about his or her health?
Dietary Supplements for Treatment and prevention of Eye Infection in Dogs
Dogs are good at compensating for loss of vision in one eye by relying on the other eye, so it is often difficult to detect. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to hereditary cataracts than others. These cataracts can occur when the dogs are puppies or as they age, depending on the type of inherited cataracts, and they usually occur in both eyes.
Ulcers require immediate veterinary attention, so get them checked out by a vet if you see any signs that could relate to an ulcer. The vet will need to assess your dog’s eye using an opthalmoscope, and apply a special drop that highlights any damage to the surface of the cornea. This dye sticks to any damaged areas and turns bright green. The vet will need to assess how deep this ulcer is, as severe ulcers risk perforating the eye. Nuclear sclerosis sounds scary, but this is just the medical term for a blue haze that appears in the lens of older dogs. Nuclear sclerosis doesn't significantly change your dog's vision, and most dogs are able to see just fine.
In healthy eyes, it is normal for this fluid to help lubricate the lens and cornea. This keeps the eye from drying out and keeps it functioning normally. The fluid then drains into your dog’s tear ducts, located at the base of the eye closest to their nose. The fluid is then reabsorbed, or mixed in with your dog’s nasal fluids. With normal functioning, you may see minimal tearing as your dog blinks. However, in the case of something wrong, this tearing may become excessive, change to a strange color, or disappear completely, drying the eye out.
Different than simple saline eye drops, artificial tears have a lubricant in them that is safe for eyes. If your dog's eyes are dry and irritated, artificial tears may help to provide additional moisture. These can be applied a few times a day however, they do not contain medications to treat the underlying problem.
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