Lets talk about eyes

Eye health is important in every breed of dog. Dogs with flatter faces and shorter noses can be more prone to eye injuries because their eyes are more exposed. However, any dog can develop an eye problem or ulcer.

Eye ulcers can be caused by a number of things, including:

• Sand or grit blowing into the eye, particularly at the beach 
• Rubbing the eye after something has irritated it 
• Scratches or injuries caused by objects 
• Accidental knocks from another dog 
• Eyelashes or abnormal hairs rubbing against the surface of the eye

Some eye conditions can also be inherited. For example, distichiasis occurs when extra eyelashes grow from the eyelid and rub against the eye, potentially causing irritation or ulcers. There are also a number of inherited or breed-associated conditions that can affect eye health.  We do not see Distichasis in Vizsla or Bracco, but it is seen in the breed Weimaraner. 

Some eye conditions seen across the breeds we own include:

• PRA, including PRA1/CORD1 
• Entropion 
• Juvenile entropion 
• Ectropion 
• Glaucoma 
• Cherry eye 
• Hereditary cataracts 
• Uveitis
• Dry eye
• Old age Cateracts

This is why responsible breeders arrange eye examinations and appropriate health testing before breeding. The aim is to identify eye disease and avoid breeding from affected animals wherever possible.

Caring for Your Dog’s Eyes - If you notice redness, watering, discharge, swelling, cloudiness, squinting, rubbing, or any change in your dog’s eye, please contact your vet as soon as possible. Eye problems can worsen quickly, and only a veterinary examination can determine whether there is an ulcer, injury, infection, dry eye, or an underlying inherited condition.  But I would say go to an eye specialist.  Make sure you have insurance in place and request a referral.  We have some fantastic eye specialists in the UK.  Who knows eye health inside out and can not just diagnose but can treat eyes with great success. 

Although human and dog eye drops are usually the same, you should consult a veterinarn for advice before you use any product. You do not wish to use something harmful.  If you speak to your vet you maybe able to buy the same product they wish to sell you at half the price online.
I realise money is tight for everyone.  

Juvenile Entropion
Some breeds, including the Bracco Italiano, can develop juvenile entropion. This is when the eyelid rolls slightly inward, allowing the lashes to irritate the eye. In young dogs, the shape of the head and eyelids can change as they mature, and mild cases may improve as the dog develops.  In most cases they just rectify themselves. Faces change shape.  Adult entropion is something quite different as the head has already changed and yet the eye lids still roll inwards.  In some breeds this just does not correct itself. 

Most eye issues correct themselves in time with the correct lubricants.  We carry in our first aid kit eye wash for dogs, so we can wash out any grit in the eye.  I remember once going to the beach and the wind was blowing and our dog got grit in the eye and he was squinting. So a quick wash out made the dog feel much better. 

Allergies - These can cause skin around the eyes to swell, from house hold or pollen allergies.  If you give your pet piraton antihistamine this can help your dogs eyes.  Talk to your vet if you suspect allergies are causing eye irritation.  Pollen can cause irritation just like it can for us Hay fever.  Dogs run through grasses which trigger pollen release.  If this is the problem stop your dog running through long grasses. 

A Recent Case Involving Dry Eye in a VizslaI wanted to share a recent case involving a Vizsla. His owner contacted us after he developed dry eye, and after discussing the situation, she decided that seeking advice from a veterinary ophthalmology specialist would be the best course of action.
Dry eye is not something we commonly see in our dogs. However, the specialist noticed a possible pattern: they had seen several dogs from different breeds with similar symptoms, and all of the dogs had been fed the same food.
This does not prove that the food is responsible, and there could be other factors involved. However, because the same issue has appeared in several breeds being fed the same product, the specialists are now investigating further. It is important not to speculate about the cause until the investigation has been completed.
Some members of our group, and owners elsewhere, have also been using the same food, so we are encouraging everyone to change brand. 
I am aware of the food brand, but I will not name it publicly while investigations are ongoing, as it would be inappropriate to make unconfirmed claims.  Once I know further I may share this info with some holistic vets because they have a direct interest in science and especially food issues. 
I’m very grateful that Silvestre’s owner sought specialist advice and that the possible connection was identified. This situation is a reminder that even a condition as familiar as dry eye can have a range of possible causes, and that specialist veterinary input can be extremely valuable when several similar cases appear.









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