Good that you have a thorough check from your vet and the pup is healthy. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Heres what you should know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pink eye in dogs.
Young Australian Shepherds may be prone to a painful degenerative hip condition called Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show.
Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Instead, the testicle stays in the abdomen, which can cause problems later in life, including a high risk of cancer. Other symptomsmay include the following: Because conjunctivitis in dogs is usually the result of an irritant and not a contagious infection that can spread from dog to dog, treatment will most of the time involveflushing the eyes and reducing inflammation with eye drops and ointments. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. Dog Grooming Index Cataracts are the most common eye issue that plagues Australian shepherds. Simply click here to return to Australian Shepherd Q & A. 
How did you treat it? Usually occurring between six and nine months of age, LCP causes pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, and often requires surgery. Some pups have more of an eye discharge than others. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause.
GeneralGuidelines, Spanish Wine RegionsMap and Varietal Information. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. All Rights Reserved. Iris coloboma is an eye defect and is evident when an Aussies iris does not develop fully. In some cases, however, it can result from infection, or it could accompany other conditions. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Give her a problem and she will solve it. Pink eye in dogs, also known as red eye or conjunctivitis, is an itchy inflammation of the tissue in the inner eyelids and the whites of the eyes. Australian Shepherds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Here are a few common causes of pink eye in dogs: Rarely, pink eye can be caused by the presence of cancerous tumors. This gives the disease its nickname, pink eye.. Let us know in the comments below! If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. All Content Copyright 2006-2022 by Anton Hout, Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com. NEW Aussie Clubs, Template Design by Cre8ve Online|Mega Menu by Gerry Davis. For example, if your dogs pink eye is a secondary symptom of a condition such as dry eye or a tumor, treating the pink eye itself will not be enough to resolve the problem.
You can also supervise dogs at play to prevent trauma and discourage brachycephalic dogs from engaging in behaviors that might lead to eye damage, such as sniffing around thorn bushes or provoking cats. A genetic test is available for this condition. Facebook Page Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. If conjunctivitis results from an underlying condition, that condition will have to be treated separately. I have a four-year-old Australian Shepherd. It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of conjunctivitis in your dog and treat it accordingly. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. You may remember being treated with eye drops if you have ever had pink eye. You wouldnt think it, but distichiasis is an inherited condition and common in Australian shepherds. Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. This could help reduce the severity of the condition and get your dogs eyes back on track. In many cases, eye drops are an important part of treating pink eye in dogs, and your veterinarian will show you how to safely administer the drops. The best thing you can do to help your dog avoid pink eye is to take her into the veterinarians office when you first notice symptoms. Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. Surgery is the only treatment for juvenile cataracts and is similar to human cataract surgery where a clouded lens is replaced with a lens of plastic. This disease will present early on and night blindness is the beginning symptom, becoming progressively worse until total blindness occurs. We'll watch his eyes closely for early signs and start preventive eye medications if needed. Coloboma is usually seen during an ophthalmologic exam or a veterinarian may be able to spot a larger one. Unfortunately, Australian Shepherds can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! That's when the naughty stuff starts. This condition is not as common due to careful breeding, using no carriers. Australian shepherd eye diseases and problems, Australian shepherds are prone to a few eye problems, Pembroke Welsh corgi puppies: The Ultimate Guide to Training, How To Potty Train An Australian Shepherd. Please consult your veterinarian for the best recommendations for your pets. I'm surprised your vet didn't investigate the cause of your dog's condition more thoroughly when he prescribed the eye drops. Symptoms will be a red swollen eye with discharge that can be watery, but most often with pus or mucus. Prevention of pink eye is possible by reducing interactions with contaminated water or other materials. One of the best things you can do for your Aussie is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Simply clean it away gently, with a damp, soft cloth or cotton. Owners should keep their dogs up-to-date on vaccines such as distemper to help prevent some of the viral causes of conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, most dogs dont take very good care of their own teeth, and this probably includes your Aussie. Squinting or excessive blinking may also occur, and many dogs develop red, swollen eyelids. Pink eye, known as conjunctivitis in the veterinary community, is quite common in dogs. It's easy to do. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Of course geriatric dogs of any breed, just like human senior citizens, can develop cataracts as they age, and just a fact of aging eyes as time marches on. All rights reserved. BreedersGet Listed Here Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. If your buddy has blood in his urine, cant urinate, or is straining to urinate, it is a medical emergency. If you are considering getting an Australian shepherd or an owner of the one already, its good to do some research about any type of diseases they may be prone to. Often, the lashes are soft and dont cause a problem, and other times if lashes are thick and stiff, they need to be surgically removed. I want my dog to listen and come every time I call! I want my dog to stop barking at everything. Some causes of pink eye are nearly impossible to prevent, for example dry eye. Address:6065 West Commercial BoulevardTamarac, FL 33319. What Is Your State's Flea-and-Tick Season? There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. This inflammation leads to the symptoms we commonly associate with pink eye in humans. Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. My Shih Tzu puppy is a liver Shih Tzu with pink eye rims. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The health issues the Australian shepherd is prone to do not mean that there is a 100% chance of acquiring any of these. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at (954) 722-2100 or an emergency hospital. Ive had him thoroughly checked by the vet and all is well. Other than that I think everything is fine as far as that goes. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. His skin is pink and his hair is white with brown and copper coloring. Usually once the infection is gone, it will not return unless your dog continues to interact with contaminants. Her weather resistant coat needs its natural oils, so don't overbathe her. It may cause your shepherd to squint in the sun and bright light. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea (the clear part of the eye), which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Bacterial and viral infections are the most frequent causes of pink eye in dogs, followed by environmental irritants, such as smoke, and allergens. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Tell Us About Your Aussie At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Aussie looking and feeling her best. Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons Please help us improve. A cataract develops when the tissue of the lens deteriorates. German ShepherdDogs are also predisposed to a certain type of pink eye called plasma-cell conjunctivitis. For your dogs vitamin supplement, food, toys, or other dogs product please visit the Health Extension website. Small or large areas of the iris appear hole-like with a piece or pieces of tissue missing. If CEA is mild in your pup at birth, it will not progress. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc", Irritants in the air such as smoke, dust, or perfume, Foreign object lodged in the eye or underthe eyelid, Infections from bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, Dry eye or inability to produce enough tears, Pawing at the eyes or rubbing against the ground or furniture. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a The Australian Shepherd was developed in California during the 1900s. Treatment of conjunctivitis is important because the condition can result in pain, blindness, and further infection in canines if left untreated. If the cause of your dogs pink eye is a deformation or abnormality, such as distichiasis or entropion, your dog may require a surgical procedure to correct the problem.
It's easy to do. These can come in eye drops, ointments, or pills, and your dog may be prescribed several drugs at the same time to cover multiple bacteria. Aussie Special Feature The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines your dogs eye, eyelids, and third eyelid, and when this gets red and irritated, it could mean that your dog needs to see the veterinarian for conjunctivitis. New Puppy Care Site Blog, Training & Care Ebook In this post, I will give you some important information about Australian shepherd eye diseases and problems, their causes, symptoms, and treatment. How? What's New? A visitor believes her Aussie dog has eye problems and would like to know why her pet's eyes are so red, dry, and swollen. supports HTML5 video. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. If you have any concerns always contact your Australian shepherds veterinarian. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service. Miniature English Bulldogs: What Makes Them Unique? 45 Unbelievably Cool Products on Amazon You Never Knew You Needed, Collecting Vintage and Antique Christmas Tree Stands, 6 Birthday Cake Pudding Shots for Any Celebration, How Old Is Too Old to Trick-or-Treat? Some pups may even have two different colored eyes known as heterochromia, which is genetic. Some pups at birth will already suffer from serious defects from CEA such as retinal separation and eye dysplasia, both of which can cause blindness. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. You can ensure that your pup has excellent vision by first choosing a reputable breeder and one that uses DNA testing for their breeding dogs to guard against genetic defects. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Can Teething Cause Puppy Vomiting? If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. This type of surgery generally has a favorable outcome, but your shepherd must be a good candidate, which will be determined by their veterinarian. Dont worrywell show you how! Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Q & A Forum She's a very smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Highly intelligent, playful, and energetic, An excellent companion, family, or working dog, Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions, Barks when suspicious strangers or dogs come around, Has a tendency to herd, including small children, Coat requires regular brushing and grooming, Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. Along with their awesome coats, Australian shepherds have beautifully colored eyes. I put eye drops in his eyes every day. Learn More About LoveToKnow's Editorial Policies. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Aussie. Sometimes, a systemic medication may be required to treat the underlying condition, especially if the cause is viral or bacterial. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Pannus is like a suntan on your dog's eyeball. About two months ago, his eyes got very swollen and had a film over them; so I went to the vet and got some eye drops. Why wasn't this page useful? Cataracts are sometimes associated with the gene called merle that gives some of these shepherds their blue eyes and patchwork coat. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations for conditions such as distemper will further reduce the risk of contracting pink eye as a secondary condition. If you dont prevent dental disease at the start by removing food residue regularly, then we will need to treat her for more advanced stages of disease, which is more costly for you and more stressful for your buddy. The content provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.
