Corneal dystrophy in dogs may affect 1 or both eyes and will involve dryness of eyes due to a poor function of the endothelium. The condition may be primary or caused by an underlying condition. The condition is more common in certain dog breeds at an older age, but may affect canines of any age.
Symptoms of Corneal Dystrophy
The earliest symptom of corneal dystrophy is a visible change in the color of the cornea. You may notice that the dog’s eye will become white-bluish; the eye may be partially affected, but in time, the entire cornea will be of this color. This change in color is due to the water retention in the endothelium.
Other possible symptoms of canine corneal dystrophy may include:
- Ulcer in the cornea area
- Opaque cornea
- Inflammation of the cornea
- Excessive tearing, despite the fact that the eyes are dry
- The dog may be squinting continuously
- Redness of eye whites
- Pawing of the eyes
- Secondary eye infections
Causes of Corneal Dystrophy
The causes of corneal dystrophy may vary; some dog breeds are prone to developing this condition as they grow older (i.e. after the age of 6 or 7).
In other cases, the corneal dystrophy is caused by an underlying condition such as an eye infection or:
- Glaucoma
- Injury to the eyes
- Endothelial degeneration
Treatment for Corneal Dystrophy
The dog will require an examination of the affected eye(s) to determine if the condition is indeed corneal dystrophy. The vet may also establish if the dog has an underlying condition such as glaucoma or a lens luxation.
The treatment will be prescribed according to the diagnosis. However, typically, the treatment options are limited, as the condition is irreversible and will progress in a short period of time. The treatment will focus more on reducing the symptoms and to delay the progression of the corneal dystrophy.
The vet may prescribe:
- Sodium chloride eye cream or drops (highly concentrated), which will keep the cornea wet and reduce the amount of tearing; the cream or the drops should be administered with great care, to prevent any additional eye injury
- Antibiotics, if there are any infections present
- Cortisone topical treatment or even pills if the dog presents symptoms such as severe swelling
- Surgery, if the change in color affects most of the cornea
Typically, dogs that are affected by corneal dystrophy will become blind eventually. Surgery may temporarily solve the problem, but the condition cannot be cure and will eventually appear again.
The dog will have to be checked monthly to evaluate the progression of the condition. Adjustments in the concentration and the amounts of cream needed may be made periodically.
If the dog is blind, you will need to make some adjustments in the house to make him more comfortable. The dog will gradually adapt to his new life and he will be able to get by even if he is sightless.