Dog - Cloudy Eyes

[medper_uk]

Have recently noticed that my 9yr old Shar Pei has developed cloudy pupils... There has been of period of sticky eyes (conjunctivitis?) which i am in the process of obtaining treatment for. Does anyone know what cloudy eyes could mean. He appears to have vision ok i.e not bumping into things. Just wondered if this is reversible without the need for surgery.
Thank you.

[york310]

could your dog be developing cataracts?

[andy-hughes]

It does sound like cateracts, which sdaly, will get progressively worse - but can be treated with surgery.

Without treatment, your dog will progressively loose his sight, but it is a very slow process, and he will adapt to it quite well.

My mum as a Jack Russell who is now totally blind, but as long as no furniture is moved, he finds his way about perfectly well,

[hippyhoppy]

My vet told me that this was a condition he referred to as 'blue mist' and that it was just the dog getting older. He then, hilariously, stated that as the dog dosen't read the newspaper, it wouldn't bother her that much. She lived till the ripe old age of 15 and, incidently today is my sad 36 week anniversary. Sob!

[lankeela]

Shar Pei are one of the breeds that can suffer from PLL (Primary Lens Luxation) although this usually shows up around the age of 3 - 5 years. The only way to know for sure is to have your dog eye tested by a specialist opthalmologist, your vet will be able to put you in touch with a vet who does clinics in your area.

Here is a link to a site which explains the condition, although your dog does not necessarily have this, but I would get his eys tested anyway to be safe.

http://www.kavishi.freeserve.co.uk/lensluxatio naddition2.htm

The Animal Health Trust at Newmarket are doing research to find the gene responsible for this condition, which is hereditary. Once they find the gene, there will be a test which you can have done to tell you whether your dog will be affected, clear or a carrier of the disease. Many breeds are affected, including a lot of terrier breeds, border collies, tibetan terriers, lancashire heelers and shar pei, to name a few. It can be very painful if not treated.

[Noweia]

Cloudy eyes can be casued by a number of things: Cataracts (in the lens, inside the eye), fat deposition in the eyes, glaucoma (high pressure inside the eye) and corneal damage and ulceration (damage to the surface of the eye). Many older dogs have cataracts, and a dog is more likely to get them if there was previous eye damge - did your Shar Pei ever have entropion?

Let the vet know of this change as it could be important.