PetMD Seal

Eye Defects (Congenital) in Dogs

PrintPrint

Treatment

 

Treatment will depend on the specific type of eye abnormality that is affecting your dog. Depending on your veterinarian's experience with eye diseases, you may need further treatment with a trained veterinary ophthalmologist. Surgery can repair some congenital birth defects, and medicines can be used to mitigate the effects of some types of defects. Congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as dry eye, can often be medically treated with tear substitutes in combination with antibiotics. Other medicines called mydriatics may be used to increase vision when congenital cataracts are present in the center of your dog's eye lenses.

 

In cases of photoreceptor dysplasia, there is no medical treatment that will delay or prevent its progress, but dogs with this condition generally do not suffer from any other physical abnormality and can learn to manage their environment very well, as long as they are able to depend on their environment being stable and safe.

 

Living and Management

 

Congenital KCS requires frequent checkups with a veterinarian to monitor tear production and the status of the external eye structures. Abnormalities such as congenital cataracts, PHTVL, and PHPV require checkups twice yearly to monitor progression.

 

In addition, since most congenital ocular anomalies are hereditary, you should not breed a dog that has been diagnosed with any of these disorders.

 

 

Related Articles

Collie Eye Defect in Dogs
Collie eye anomaly, also referred to as collie eye defect, is an inherited congenital...
READ MORE
Eye Inflammation (Choroid and Retina) in Dogs
Chorioretinitis is a medical condition that affects the eyes; the term refers to...
READ MORE
Lower Eyelid Droop in Dogs
Ectropion is a condition which describes the margin of the eyelid rolling outward,...
READ MORE
  • Lifetime Credits:
  • Today's Credits:
Hurry Before All Seats are Taken!
Enroll
Be an A++ Pet Parent! Take fun & free courses to earn badges & certifications. Choose a course»

symptom checker

Search dog Articles

 

Follow petMD


Keep your pets healthy and safe with the latest from petMD

Latest In Dog Nutrition

Does My Senior Dog Need Special Dog Food?
Whether or not your senior dog needs special dog food depends, to a large extent,...
READ MORE
The Role of Exercise in Pet Weight Loss
Exercise is beneficial for our pets in so many ways. It helps decrease stress, improve...
READ MORE
How Obesity May Shorten Your Pet's Lifespan
Obesity is a nationwide epidemic for our pets. Unfortunately, being obese can shorten...
READ MORE
MORE FROM PETMD.COM