Bernese Mountain Dog
Eye Health
Eye Health Conditions & Diseases Known
To Affect Bernese Mountain Dogs
To Affect Bernese Mountain Dogs
Owners are urged to have eyes checked by a canine ophthalmologist throughout their dog’s life. Below listed are some of the most common eye conditions that may affect your Bernese Mountain Dog. You know your dog best, please contact your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, or if you think they are losing their vision.
Cataracts
Overview
Caused by change to the structure of the lens, cataracts are defined by a cloudiness of the eye. Cataracts stop light getting through the lens to the retina at the back of the eye and reduce vision.
Cataracts generally worsen over time, resulting in loss of vision or complete blindness.
Symptoms
If cataracts develop slowly the signs may not be as pronounced as you might expect. You may notice the following:
- Grey Discolouration: Or cloudiness in your dogs’ eyes, noticeable in certain lights or in photos.
- Poor Vision: Particularly in dim light. This can be hard to spot because as you know your dog can adapt by using their sense of smell and hearing instead.
- Old Age: Senile Cataracts tend to develop slowly causing gradual vision loss. ‘Nuclear Sclerosis’, common in older dogs, also causes cloudy eyes. Nuclear sclerosis is a natural ageing process and doesn’t affect vision unless it becomes very severe. A reputable vet will promptly differentiate between the two conditions.
- Pain: Cataracts don’t cause pain directly however an underlying condition that caused the cataract such as glaucoma or eye injury could cause discomfort.
- Diabetes: Due to high blood sugar levels entering the lens the eye may appear cloudy. Diabetic cataracts can cause complete vision loss and develop quickly.
Treatment
When cataracts develop due to a specific condition, the condition must be treated to limit further damage to eye. Treating the underlying condition will not eradicate the cataract but it will slow its development. The only treatment for cataract removal is surgery.
Cherry Eye
Overview
Cherry eye is a prolapsed third eyelid or Nictitating Membrane. Normally the Nictitating Membrane is hidden in the corner of a dog’s eye and secretes tears. Cherry Eye arises when the tiny ligament that holds the third eyelid gland in place stretches or breaks causing this membrane to grow and protrude from the eye in the form of a pink bulge. About 35% of your dog’s watery tears are produced by the third eyelid. Prolapsed eyelid glands become less functional over time, which can lead to dry eye.
Symptoms
- Pink bulge/ Cherry Pitt: Cherry Eye is a pink bulge that is easily visible in the corner of your dog’s eye. Cherry Eye commonly causes dry eye and irritation.
- Swelling: Swelling can increase and decrease however permanent prolapse of the Nictitating Membrane can lead to complications if untreated.
- Thick Discharge: Thick discharge may seep from the eye.
- Pawing The Eye: Your dog may start pawing the affected eye.
Treatment
There is no prevention for Cherry Eye but luckily it is treatable with surgery and is best treated when caught early. Cherry Eye is not an infectious disease and there is no vaccine. In severe cases’ where the gland is prolapsed for an extended period and no longer functional a vet may advise surgical removal of the gland. However, this may have lasting consequences for tear production. Without treatment, your dog has an almost 50% chance of developing dry eye. An exposed third eyelid gland may reduce tear production that protects the eye from painful scratches on the cornea that can lead to ulceration, infection and perforation if left untreated. Check your dog’s eyes regularly for signs of irritation, redness, or unusual swelling to avoid complications.
Dry Eye
Overview
Dry Eye in dogs is a potentially dangerous condition, it can lead to infection, ulcers, and perforation of the eye in severe cases. Dry Eye can develop many years after treatment for Cherry Eye and they should be checked regularly for the rest of their lives.
Symptoms
- Redness: Around the eyes.
- Mucous Production: Yellow discharge may be visible. The surface of the eye may appear to have a brown tint.
- Excessive Blinking: You may notice your dog blinking, holding the eyes shut for longer or more often.
- Pawing The Eye: Your dog may start pawing the affected eye.
- Loss of vision: (Severe circumstances).
Treatment
Treatment for Dry Eye will depend on the primary cause. Eye drops may be prescribed to clear the infection.
Entropion and Ectropion
(eyelids turned in or out)
Overview
Entropion and Ectropion (eyelids turned in or out) affect the eyelids, which should be tight-fitting in Bernese. Both conditions may result in damage to the dog’s eye. Entropion can be an inheritable condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation to the surface of the eye. Ectropion is the opposite with the eyelid rolling outward which catches minute debris that can irritate the pink tissue on the inside of the eyelid. Both conditions are problematic for the cornea.
Symptoms
- Entropion: Eyelids turned in.
- Ectropion: Eyelids turned out.
Treatment
Dogs with entropion (eyelids turn inward) generally require surgery to correct their eyelids. The skin is removed from above or below the eyelid to evert it and stop it turning inwards.
Treatment for mild ectropion (eyelids turn outward) generally consists of lubricating eye drops to prevent the cornea and conjunctiva from drying out. Antibiotics may be recommended if corneal ulcers develop. The eyelids can be shortened surgically in severe cases.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Overview
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition in Bernese that affects the retina which causes eventual blindness. As PRA is a progressive condition visual impairment will subsequently progress. Vison loss may first present itself as night blindness and progress to the day light sensitivity and vision impairment. Cataracts can develop secondary to PRA. There may be a period of adjustment, but it’s comforting to know our blind pets usually cope well and will continue to enjoy life if they are not in discomfort.
Symptoms
- Night Vision: Progressive loss of night vision affecting both eyes is usually the first sign of the disease.
- Day vision: Degeneration occurs over a period until total blindness results.
- Cloudy Eyes: Eyes begin to look cloudy.
- Grey Eyes: The eyes take on a grey colour and have a slight sheen.
- Clumsy: Your dog may bump into walls or into unfamiliar objections.
- Hesitant: Reluctance to jump down steps or go down the stairs.
- Pigmentation loss: Decreased colour of the eye pigment.
- Cataracts: Cataracts form on the retina.
- Dilated Pupils: Dilated pupils in both eyes.
Treatment
Currently there is no effective treatment available for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in dogs. Vitamin supplements prescribed by your vet may reduce stress on the lens cells and delay cataract formation. The primary objective is managing your dog’s lifestyle so they can still live a full and happy life.
Please seek professional advice from your vet if you have any concerns regarding the health of your dogs eyes.
