vetinfo4dogs.com

Ophthalmic Testing for Blindness In Dogs

Dogs > Symptoms > Ophthalmic Testing for Blindness In Dogs

also see Living with Blind Dogs

also see Blind Dogs

also see Disabled Dogs

A complete ophthalmic examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is critical in diagnosing the cause of a dog's blindness in order to prescribe treatment. A complete ophthalmic examination for your blind dog can include the following tests:

Ophthalmoscopy - shining a light into the dog's eye, either through the use of an ophthalmoscope or a head lamp, in order to look at the back part of the eyeball
Pupillary light reflex testing - shining a light into each of the dog's eyes individually to test the pupils' reactions to light
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy - utilizing a low-power microscope to examine the structures at the front of the eye
Tonometry - utilizing a hand-held tool that tests the pressure inside the eyeball
Schirmer tear testing - determines if there is adequate tear production in the eye
Fluorescein staining of the cornea -orange staining applied to the eye to determine if there is any erosion of the cornea

The use of ophthalmic tests allows the veterinary ophthalmologist to identify the cause of the dog's blindness and allows for the recommendation of an effective course of treatment.

also see Thyroid Problems in Dogs: Conditions That May Develop Over Time

also see Canine Eye Warts: How to Identify Them

also see Dog Cataracts: Understanding the Different Types, Causes and Treatment

also see Cataract Surgery