Golden Retriever Eye Problems
Your dog’s eyes should be bright and clear. They should not be crusty or red, and they should not squint or tear. If the eyelids are pink, white, or red, the problem is most likely due to dry eye. Regardless of the cause, eye problems can be painful for your dog and can cause long-term damage. It’s important to get your dog tested as soon as possible to detect problems in your dog’s eyes.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. The signs of pigmentary uveitis often appear as a dog grows older. This disease usually affects breeding dogs, which may have had several litters of pups. Because of the potential for infection, veterinarians recommend screening breeding dogs every year. Surgical procedures are only needed if the pigmentation is severe. Most golden retriever breeders will test for pigmentary uveitis before selling pups.
In addition to the aforementioned eye problems, Goldens can also develop cataracts, glaucoma, and pigmentary uveitis. Though this disease was originally only discovered in the northeast U.S., it has now been found throughout the U.S. and Canada. This condition is not life-threatening but can be very embarrassing for a golden’s owner. It’s important to take your dog to a veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of these eye conditions.
Pigmentary uveitis is a hereditary disease, affecting goldens in North America.
Eventually, this disease can lead to loss of vision. Inflammation of the uveal tract – the thin tissue between the cornea and the retina – results in cysts that are often thin-walled and visible. They can also cause eye redness. Extensive inflammation can lead to cataracts and glaucoma.
Another disease that affects Goldens is pigmentary uveitis or GRPU. This disease is progressive and has been documented in dogs across the US. Affected golden may have pigment dispersion in its anterior capsule, and this is a clear sign of glaucoma. GRPU is hereditary and can be passed from one owner to another. To prevent this disease, golden owners must address it early and take steps to limit its effects.
Pigmentary uveitis is another condition that affects the uveal tract and can lead to blindness in your dog. Goldens can develop this disease from a young age, and if left untreated, it can lead to glaucoma and blindness. Early detection and treatment will significantly slow its progression. The disease was first discovered in the Northeastern United States in the late 1990s and has since been documented across the U.S. and Canada. It isn’t widespread outside of North America.
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