Mary Allen
As the saying goes, “The eyes are the gateway to the soul”. In the case of our four-legged darlings, this proverb definitely applies, because they can really enchant us with them. However, the “gates to the soul” are unfortunately also susceptible to a number of serious illnesses.
Shepherd Keratitis
Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), better known as German shepherd keratitis, is an inflammatory disease of the cornea (keratitis) caused by a disorder of the immune system. The white sclera in the outer corner of the eyelid reddens and thickens and the cornea becomes cloudy grey-blue. Blood vessels then grow into the cornea, and pink to blood-red thickenings appear at the edges, which can spread over the entire cornea. As the disease progresses, black pigments also accumulate. Untreated German Shepherd keratitis can lead to blindness – it always affects both eyes.
The nictitating membrane, the third eyelid in dogs, can also become inflamed with this eye disease. With some four-legged friends only one of the two areas (cornea or nictitating membrane) is affected, with others problems occur in both places. The German Shepherd is particularly affected by CSK , but it can occur in all dog breeds.
The exact cause of this disease is still unclear. It is assumed that the immune tissue of the eye is directed against its own body. It is also assumed that UV radiation and altitude can intensify or trigger the disease – and that other factors (eg genetic predisposition) also play a role.
German Shepherd keratitis can be diagnosed with a clinical examination using special eye instruments . If it is diagnosed, one tries to get the inflammation under control as quickly as possible and to prevent further ones. In principle, eye ointments containing cortisone are used for this; in the case of very severe inflammation, an injection into the conjunctiva is administered. Unfortunately , CSK cannot be cured, but it can be treated. To prevent the inflammation from recurring, regular and lifelong therapy is necessary.
It is also important to keep your four-legged friend out of the sun as much as possible. In this case, there are special UV goggles for dogs that protect the eyes. Repeated checks at the veterinarian throughout the year are recommended.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the medical term for excessive pressure in the inner eye, which can lead to blindness. Headaches up to massive migraines occur. Dogs express headaches by being calmer, sleeping more, being apathetic or eating less or nothing at all. The following signs should also be observed: squeezing and watering of the eyes, reddened conjunctiva, dilated pupils, clouded cornea or an enlarged eyeball. Among others, Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Coated Retriever, Entlebuch Mountain Dog and many terrier species are susceptible to this condition.
There are two types of glaucoma :
- Primary glaucoma is often caused by a drainage disorder due to a malformation or a narrowed or blocked chamber angle.
- Secondary glaucoma is primarily caused by a change in the position of the eye lens, chronic inflammation, eye tumors or complications after eye surgery.
In order to detect increased intraocular pressure, the internal pressure is measured in both eyes using a tonometer. In order to find possible causes, the entire eye is examined. Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, medication is administered to try to lower the intraocular pressure. Injections and tablets can be used as other treatment options to preserve vision. In some cases, surgery is also performed – in rare cases, the eyeball is also removed. Glaucoma can be treated, but despite treatment, it leads to long-term vision loss.
Cataracts
The pathological change in the lens of the eye is called a cataract . The lens gradually becomes cloudy. The dog’s eye appears increasingly gray because the light can no longer be imaged on the retina. The eyesight decreases and the dog can eventually go completely blind. Initial signs of cataracts are above all the bluish-white clouded lens, but also changes in behavior and difficulties in orientation.
Cataracts can have different causes. It can be a result of diabetes mellitus or be genetic. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, Afghan Hounds, Huskys and Golden Retrievers are particularly affected. Inflammation, eye injuries, metabolic disorders and old age can also be the cause of cataracts .
The veterinarian can use a slit lamp to determine whether clouding of the dog’s eye is a sign of aging or cataracts . If the latter is diagnosed, a blood test is used to look for possible causes. Unfortunately, drug treatment is not particularly effective in dogs. Only surgery can restore vision, and not every cataract is operable. Treatment with tablets, eye ointments and eye drops is also necessary after an operation, as well as regular check-ups at the veterinarian.
“Dry” Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca , or KCS for short, describes an underproduction of tear fluid that leads to the cornea and conjunctiva drying out. This causes severe inflammation which, if left untreated, can lead to loss of vision. If too little tear fluid is produced, this is shown by several symptoms: the eye secretes more mucus, the dog blinks more often and squints the eye, the conjunctiva swells and shows redness, the cornea changes from milky to reddish and becomes cloudy pigments a. The disease often occurs in small dog breeds.
Chronic inflammation, autoimmune reactions, or certain medications that destroy tear tissue can cause “dry” eyes. The cause can also be a regression of the lacrimal gland after damage to the nerves. A hereditary influence cannot be ruled out as a cause either.
DED can be diagnosed with a simple Schirmer tear test (SIT), which measures the amount of tear fluid produced. As simple as the diagnosis is, the more difficult the treatment. Because the eye disease is not curable and must be treated for life. The most important treatment option is the supply of artificial tears. Tear production should also be increased by means of an eye ointment. As a last resort, only a complicated surgical procedure remains, in which a salivary duct is inserted into the conjunctival sac. Lifelong therapy is essential to prevent recurrence.