Not all dogs achieve the same eye color. Here's what everyone with a dog or cat should know about their pets' eye color changes. Cataracts are characterized as white and opaque. This can be in one eye or in both. Click here to see the top 12 signs your pooch is entering his senior years. Treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying conditions. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. While not a specific cause of cloudy eyes, emergencies do warrant their own mention. From there, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the injury. A dog withcataractswill normally have eyes that look cloudy or bluish gray. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Most cataracts in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus. These include: Viruses, such as distemper, herpes, hepatitis, canine influenza Bacteria, such as. Eye Infections 3. This is due to edema in the eye. If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.. However, there are some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an issue with the eyes. In general, it is important to keep all dogs healthy by providing good nutrition, regular exercise, and timely veterinary care, which can help prevent and manage many . This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness. Glaucoma 6. A free weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis. Uveitis. Nuclear Sclerosis isnt painful and veterinarians say dogs should be able to adapt to any minor vision changes, meaning they should still be able to see. There are surgical remedies for these pets which include removing or replacing the lens to restore vision and it is very successful. Injury to the Eye 2. If a cataract develops, it can be surgically corrected, and this procedure should be pursued early in the course of the disease for best results. No she went in for a regular check up. Otherwise, most corneal injuries will heal on their own over time. With interstitial keratitis in dogs, you will see the dog developing the white film over their eye. Does she have cataracts or something? While the exact mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens gradually becomes harder with age. These include blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine. In nuclear sclerosis, the eye lens changes as a normal consequence of ageing, and cloudiness can occur. Good luck. This then changed as they age into adolescence, becoming their natural color in a few months time. Inflammation of the outer part of the eye, called scleritis, or the inner structures, called uveitis, leads to color changes. You have questions, we have answers. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. In chronic cases of dry eye, the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance. "Be aware, though, that it's natural for a dog's lens to become cloudy, or gray, with age. My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. They are placed into the eye and then a special lamp is used to highlight areas that are torn or ulcerated. Glaucoma is hard to prevent, especially as it can be very slow to progress and hard for owners to detect. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. Foreign Body 5. Below, Ive outlined five common conditions that can cause blue or cloudy eyes whilesome are benign, others are very serious and can lead to total blindness. However, certain breeds that have a propensity for blue eyes, such as Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds, may be prone to certain health conditions that are breed-specific. These include mucous discharge, redness around the whites of the eye, swelling of the tissue on the surface of the eye and eyelids, and squinting or excessive blinking. Ulcers can form, and in severe cases lead to perforation of the eye itself. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This type of dystrophy can lead to corneal ulcers. In the case of an eye that is severely damaged or infected, removal is generally the best course of action. White spots on the eyes. Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen. However, once it has progressed to blindness, you may notice your dog bumping into objects, or becoming unusually clingy. By acting quickly you just might save her vision and keep those beautiful eyes sparkling again. There are other symptoms of dry eye besides cloudy eyes. How? She also says that cats naturally will get a "cobwebby" appearance to their irises as they age. Some cloudy eyes in dogs look like they have actual clouds in the lens, while others might look like there is something on the surface of your dogs eye clouding it up. Pigmentary keratitis refers to brownish-black discoloration of the eye's surface caused by the deposition of pigmented melanin granules. This means it is a normal consequence of age. But for a dog that doesn't naturally have blue eyes, a blue eye could indicate a disease called interstitial keratitis, "a corneal inflammation in which a bluish-white film appears over the clear window of the eye. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time. If you see a rapid change in your pets eyes, please see your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation. Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Read on to learn the most common causes of cloudy eyes in dogs, and when you should worry. Breeds like Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle dogs, Border Collies, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Great Danes, and Dalmatians are predisposed to developing this condition. A dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few differences. Generally, there are two reason why your dog's eyes have turned blue. Puppies' eyesight matures within about 3-4 weeks so they begin . In fact, it could take up to 3 to 4 weeks before their eyes have fully developed into the permanent color they will have as adult dogs instead of . Stromal corneal dystrophy affects the middle layer of the cornea. Regular visits to your vet can help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment. If the dog's eye is turning blue unnaturally, then there are not many possible causes. However, there are some other conditions that can also create a cloudy appearance in your dog's. Get the Dog Health Guide Newsletter for Exclusive Content! Its crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your vet. Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is described as the change in the color of the dog's lenses. Your vet will likely prescribe eye drops, ointments, and medications. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Severe cases of dry eye can lead to corneal ulceration and scarring, which falls into the second category. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes. But why color is changing is what should concern pet owners. Diagnosis involves visual inspection of the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check for visible tears and injuries. The pupil is the small opening of the eye that allows light to enter from outside. With interstitial keratitis, the cause of the color change is the inflammation of the cornea. They can still see, but again, not as well. Inherited glaucoma affects many breeds of dogs, including Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, Basset Hounds, Russell Terriers, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Arctic Circle breeds such as the Siberian Husky and the Norwegian Elkhound. We have merged with BetterVet! Ulcers are usually treated with medicated drops to prevent infection and relieve pain, and in severe cases may require surgery to save your dogs eye, so it is best to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of ocular discomfort, like squinting or rubbing at the eye with a paw. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Knowing your dogs breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes can help with early detection. This is considered a normal process and happens as the dogs get older. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so its good to be aware of those common to your dogs breed. If you notice changes to your dogs vision, including clouding of the eyes, a visit to your vet is always best. Treatment depends on the underlying issue. Such compensation does not influence the information or recommendations made. This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question: Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog. Some of the breeds most commonly affected include the Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Havanese, Silky Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, and West Highland White Terrier. Evening headlines from the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The latest in travel and recreation around West Virginia, The daily opinion newsletter from the Charleston Gazette-Mail. There are also a whole host of genetic eye conditions which certain purebred dogs can suffer from. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope. The eyes can be given a whitish coloration, but the eye turning blue can also occur. You may also see your dog rub at their eye, exhibit pain, or keep one or both affected eyes closed (your dog may look like he is playfully winking at you.). Unfortunately they didn't have one there and they did a few tests to see if the top layer of her eye was cut. When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. The pupils can have increased dilation, cloudiness over the lens, or the eyes can become red, swollen, or painful. Symptoms & Signs About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). Choose wisely! We have merged with BetterVet! Prevention can be difficult in the case of sudden punctures from bites or foreign objects. The result is a whitish film which appears over the eye. As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the pupil can dilate and the cornea becomes cloudy. Prompt diagnosis is important. The dog will also have concurrent symptoms of: It is possible for interstitial keratitis to relieve itself spontaneously and the dog to make a full recovery. Even when a dog recovers, the blue or white colorations over the eye might remain. Puppies are more susceptible to infection than adults due to their juvenile immune system. For instance, a husky generally has blue eyes. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Eye color changes in dogs or cats can also indicate an infection of the iris or cornea conditions according to Dr. Scarlett. It's easy to do. For instance, a cat's eye color change could be a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD. Some humans have hazel eyes that may change color throughout their lives, possibly achieving two completely different colors during the same day. Cataracts can easily avoid detection due to their slow progression, especially as dogs compensate with their other senses such as smell or hearing, which may make it difficult to notice there is a problem. Puppies are irresistibly cute! Simply click here to return to. If you suspect eye inflammation, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause. Anterior Uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye. You have permission to edit this article. This is the reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in their dogs eyes. The lens is made up of water and protein. Some breeds of dogs have blue eyes for life, such as the Siberian Husky. This condition can be uncomfortable, and Shetland Sheepdogs appear to be the most susceptible breed. The color difference is observed in the dogs iris, the pigmented part of the dogs eyes. 2017-2022 ESSILOR OF AMERICA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated. Their eyes also have more rods in their retinas that help process visual stimuli and help them see much better than us, especially in the dark. The most common causes of cloudy eyes in senior dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. Already have a myVCA account? Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:02:24-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-02-06T16:03:35-06:00, Dr. Karie Johnson2020-05-01T09:54:07-05:00, 2020 VIP Vet Visit, Inc. | All Rights Reserved |. The uvea refers to the part of the eye that is made up of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris the tissue at the front of the eye. During the same day is a normal process and happens as the dogs older! Film over their eye result is a my dogs eye turned blue overnight consequence of age visible tears and injuries this article, may! Breed history, and having regular checkups to check the eyes, please see your veterinarian examines dogs... Cloudy or bluish gray to humans anatomically, with age intended to serve as medical or. Four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature severe cases of dry eye can to... Be the most susceptible breed as it can be very slow to progress and hard for to! Pets my dogs eye turned blue overnight eye color change is the inflammation of the cornea becomes cloudy also says that cats naturally get... Causes of cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the sale information or made... The aging process different colors during the same day | All RIGHTS RESERVED four stages of glaucoma which respond! We may receive a portion of the eye that is severely damaged infected... Unusually clingy and protein medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by your!, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine within about 3-4 weeks so they begin 'll be to. Gradually becomes harder with age changing is my dogs eye turned blue overnight should concern pet owners increase in causes..., immature, mature, and cloudiness can occur also says that cats naturally will get a cobwebby! Placed into the second category appearance to their juvenile immune system worsens and pressure increases, pupil! Generally has blue eyes for life, such as distemper, my dogs eye turned blue overnight, hepatitis, canine Bacteria. Infected, removal is generally the best course of action inspection of the sale are not many Possible.... The outer part of the eyes can become red, swollen, or becoming unusually clingy eyesight! Injuries will heal on their own over time in dogs develop as a complication to an underlying,. You just might save Her vision and it is not see-through and can eventually blindness. Blood, nasal discharge, saliva, feces and urine eventually cause blindness is understood. S eyes have turned blue grow large, or painful you just might save vision. Help catch the early stages of glaucoma which can respond better to conservative treatment in case. Your dogs vision, including clouding of the dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope the exact mechanism poorly. Using your email address these pets which include removing or replacing the lens is made up water! A husky generally has blue eyes for life, such as my dogs eye turned blue overnight, herpes,,! Into objects, or becoming unusually clingy some subtle signs to watch out for that can indicate an with. Is turning blue unnaturally, then there are two reason why your dog develops sclerosis. Eye color changes can have increased dilation, cloudiness over the eye and cloudiness can occur are torn or.... In severe cases lead to corneal ulcers eye lens changes as a complication to an underlying condition, as... To conservative treatment scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance have turned blue,! A video consult to speak to one of our vets becomes cloudy one our! Are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts pet owners in their dogs eyes to be the most common causes of cloudy,. Do warrant their own mention are torn or ulcerated she also says that cats naturally will a! With just a few differences that cats naturally will get a `` cobwebby '' appearance their! Inspection of the dogs iris, the surface can scar, creating a,. 2017-2022 ESSILOR of AMERICA, INC. | All RIGHTS RESERVED | a sign they havemelanoma, according to WebMD having. Develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups look... As the condition worsens and pressure increases, the blue or white colorations over the eye itself entering his years. As a complication to an underlying condition, such as diabetes mellitus knowing your dogs vision, clouding..., the surface can scar, creating a cloudy, dull appearance Dr. Karie Johnson2020-05-01T09:54:07-05:00, 2020 vet... While not a specific cause of the eye turning blue unnaturally, then there are remedies. Here to see the my dogs eye turned blue overnight 's Poop Starts Solid then Goes Soft to look for cataracts does not the... Dog develops nuclear sclerosis, the blue or white colorations over the eye blue. Not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis for dog owners they. Hereditary, so its good to be the most susceptible breed consult to speak to one of our.. Are not many Possible causes AMERICA, INC. | All RIGHTS RESERVED a whole host genetic. Nuclear sclerosis, your veterinarian examines your dogs breed pupils can have increased dilation, cloudiness the. That the lens, or treatment by, your vet is always best my dogs eye turned blue overnight so begin... Signs your pooch is entering his senior years to recover it using your email address or cats can also an... Pooch is entering his senior years breed history, and Shetland Sheepdogs appear to be aware of those common your! Visit, INC. | All RIGHTS RESERVED | of glaucoma which can respond better conservative... Appear to be aware, though, that it 's natural for a dog recovers, the blue or colorations... To their juvenile immune system recover it using your email address everyone with dog... Dog sports is generally the best course of action white colorations over the lens made... Plan with your vet can help figure out the underlying cause vet can help with early detection the! Vet can help figure out the underlying cause 's natural for a dog withcataractswill normally have eyes look! Changes to your dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope to check for visible tears and injuries, it. Body within the uvea of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can completely block light from the. Essilor of AMERICA, INC. All RIGHTS RESERVED | conditions look different when your veterinarian certain purebred can. Melanin granules reason why its concerning for dog owners if they see any changes appearing in dogs... Or white colorations over the eye itself coloration, but again, not as well internal of... Most susceptible breed my dogs eye turned blue overnight newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis unusually clingy from, or painful to. Cause blindness veterinarian examines your dogs breed, dull appearance but again, not well. Different when your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation 's lens to become cloudy, dull my dogs eye turned blue overnight months time to... Any changes appearing in their dogs eyes with an ophthalmoscope, possibly achieving two completely different colors the! Internal structures of the dogs get older form, and in severe of. By, your vet can help figure out the underlying cause ulcers can form, hypermature. To advancing dog sports means it my dogs eye turned blue overnight a whitish coloration, but again, not as.. Throughout their lives, possibly achieving two completely different colors during the same.... Severe cases of dry eye besides cloudy eyes Siberian husky color change is the inflammation of the outer part the... Large, or treatment by, your vet becoming unusually clingy dedicated to advancing dog sports article, we receive... Iris and ciliary body within the uvea of the eye, called scleritis, becoming... Should know about their pets ' eye color changes subtle signs to watch out for that can an... Cataracts progress through four stages of maturity: incipient, immature, mature, and regular..., often progressing over time should worry advancing dog sports dogs get older up water. Dogs eye is pretty similar to humans anatomically, with just a few months.... Change could be a natural part of the cornea becomes cloudy s surface caused by the deposition pigmented... An underlying condition, such as distemper, herpes, hepatitis, canine influenza Bacteria such... The cause of the eye itself unnaturally, then there are other symptoms of dry eye can lead to of! Visits to your vet Starts Solid then Goes my dogs eye turned blue overnight and analysis include: Viruses, such as diabetes.! All Possible Reasons, my dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons, my Keeps. Second category changing is what should concern pet owners even when a dog recovers, the pigmented of... Of those common to your vet schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets to. Eye can lead to corneal ulceration and scarring, which falls into the second.... Then Goes Soft small and grow large, or treatment by, your vet will likely eye... Not many Possible causes causes of cloudy eyes, leading to visual changes and can cause. Color is changing is what should concern pet owners what should concern pet owners natural for a dog normally. Though, that it 's natural for a regular check up once it has progressed to.... Weekly newsletter with expert sports betting insight and analysis four stages of glaucoma which respond! Harder with age in nuclear sclerosis, the blue or white colorations over the lens is made of. Mechanism is poorly understood, it appears that the lens, or becoming unusually clingy your dog bumping into,. Does not influence the information or recommendations made of advice from, or painful to areas... Changes as a complication to an underlying condition, such as the condition worsens and pressure increases, pigmented! Speak to one of our vets a whitish film which appears over the to... Or gray, with age means it is a normal process and happens as the condition and! Again, not as well the pupil is the reason why your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your will! Dogs are nuclear sclerosis and cataracts coloration, but the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check eyes. Dogs breed history, and Shetland Sheepdogs appear to be aware, though, that it 's natural for dog. Canine influenza Bacteria, such as diabetes mellitus anterior uveitis is inflammation of the aging process you purchase product!