Great Dane Eye Problems and How to Prevent Them
If you own a Great Dane, you may be wondering whether or not your dog is at risk of developing Great Dane eye problems. While it is important to monitor your dog’s health at every opportunity, avoiding these problems may help you keep your dog happy and healthy. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep your dog’s eyes healthy at home, too. Listed below are a few of the most common Great Dane eye problems and how to prevent them from occurring.
Droopy or red eyes are common in Great Dane dogs.
While these eye problems may seem temporary, they can be signs of a more serious problem. If you notice that your Great Dane’s eyes are droopy, you should take your dog to a veterinarian. You should always check your pet’s eyes for any signs of infection, as this is one of the most common signs of Great Dane eye problems.
Entropion: In this condition, the eyelids are pulled over the eye by the hairs.
This can lead to an infection or corneal ulcer. This condition is extremely painful and requires immediate treatment. Fortunately, Great Danes have a positive post-surgical prognosis. Be sure to consult with a Great Dane eye specialist who has experience with these surgeries. This will help you prevent further complications from occurring.
Lymphoma: As with all cancers, the greatest risk for your Great Dane is lymphoma.
This disease affects the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, throughout the body. Although it can be fatal, treatment for lymphoma in Great Danes is highly successful. An annual blood test can help catch this disease early and prevent it from progressing. If a problem does arise, you can get your pet tested with an ultrasound, which can help detect it.
Demodectic mange is common in Great Dane puppies and adolescents.
It causes non-tumorous growths on the skin and is a leading cause of ectropion. Some Great Danes may suffer from Addison’s disease and hypothyroidism. Up to 20% of Great Danes suffer from low thyroid levels. Blue Great Danes may be at risk of developing color dilution alopecia, which causes patchy hair loss and chronic skin infections. This condition can require medicated baths to stop it from progressing.
Symptoms of the cherry eye include discharge and redness.
There are also various tests to diagnose the cherry eye. The Schirmer Tear Test measures tear production. Special eye drops may be applied to the eye to dilate it. Examining the back of the eye is an important part of the examination. Your vet will also examine the retina and optic nerve. He may also perform a fluorescein dye test to see if there are corneal ulcers.
Blue Great Danes can have blue eyes. Although blue eyes are not considered “normal” in this breed, they are an indication that something is wrong with the dog. Blue Great Danes are often more susceptible to diseases due to their double Merle genetic makeup. They can also develop eye problems and deafness. So, make sure you look for a dog with dark eyes. You can also opt for a blue Great Dane.
Entropion is another eye problem that can affect your dog.
This problem can cause ocular pain and corneal ulcers. It is not life-threatening, but it can cause watering or red eyes and may require surgical correction. You should consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any symptoms. However, this condition isn’t common in Great Danes and requires treatment to keep it healthy. And if you’re worried about your dog’s eyesight, don’t let it keep you from seeking help.
The cause of your dog’s eye problem could be allergies. These animals are prone to allergies. The best way to avoid a potentially serious situation is to treat your dog’s allergies as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are several treatments available. Allergies are not an easy problem to treat, so you should get your pet to a vet as soon as possible. You can then discuss your concerns and treatment options.
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