Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and How To Treat It

Corneal dystrophy in dogs refers to a collection of disorders of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. 

What Is Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs?

Think of your dog’s cornea as the “windshield” of the eye that allows light in and protects its internal structures. The delicate cornea is only one millimeter thick and is composed of intricately organized layers.

The cells of the cornea are designed to keep the cornea in a perfectly balanced, slightly dehydrated state, which allows it to be transparent and function normally.

Corneal dystrophy in dogs impairs the corneal cells’ normal function, allowing material to accumulate in the cornea and make it cloudy.

If your pup’s eyes don’t seem to be bothering them, corneal dystrophy is typically a non-urgent issue. However, corneal dystrophy can become a medical emergency.

Types of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Corneal dystrophy in dogs is categorized by which portion or layer of the cornea is affected. Two of the most common types of corneal dystrophy are:

• Corneal lipid (i.e., fat) dystrophy: This condition causes fat, cholesterol, or calcium deposits to form in the corneal layers.

  • Although corneal lipid dystrophy is not painful and does not affect vision, the condition may worsen if the deposits cause irritation or block vision.

• Corneal endothelial dystrophy: In this condition, corneal cells allow extra fluid to build up, making the cornea hazy or foggy.

  • Corneal endothelial dystrophy is not painful in the early stages, as fluid buildup is not uncomfortable. But it commonly leads to other problems in the cornea such as corneal blisters or corneal ulcers, which are extremely painful and affect vision.

Symptoms of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Symptoms of corneal dystrophy in dogs can vary depending on the severity, and which layer of the cornea is affected.

Dogs with corneal lipid dystrophy typically develop white dots in their cornea that you can see. This often starts in one eye but eventually affects both eyes. 

Dogs with corneal endothelial dystrophy have symptoms that may include:

• Uniformly blue or white cloudy cornea (may start as one patch that eventually spreads to the entire cornea)

• Corneal blood vessels

• Squinting

• Red eyes

• Excessive eye discharge

• Corneal ulcer, such as an abrasion

Corneal endothelial dystrophy typically affects both eyes.

Although corneal dystrophy is not typically considered a medical emergency, any changes involving your dog’s eyes warrant a veterinary assessment.

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pup’s condition causes signs that include:

• Squinting

• Eye discharge/tearing up

• Redness

• Worsening cloudiness of the eye

• Rubbing the eye and face

Causes of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Corneal dystrophy in dogs has many possible underlying causes, including:

• Genetics: The condition is inherited in certain breeds, including:

  • Airedale Terrier

  • Beagle

  • Boxer

  • Cocker Spaniel

  • King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

  • Miniature Schnauzer

  • Shetland Sheepdog

  • Siberian Husky

• Ocular trauma: Corneal dystrophy can develop secondary to a previous corneal ulcer, eye injury, or a long-term (chronic) eye disease.

• Systemic diseases: The condition can also develop  because of health conditions that cause high levels of calcium, cholesterol or lipids in the blood stream, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.  

• Old age: Some breeds, especially Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, commonly develop corneal dystrophy as they get older.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

To diagnose corneal dystrophy, your vet will perform a variety of tests, including:

• Comprehensive physical examination

• Diagnostic eye tests, such as:

  • Schirmer tear test: Measures tear production

  • Corneal stain: Screens for ulcers

  • Tonometry: Measures eye pressure

• Routine lab tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and thyroid levels

For further understanding of your pup’s corneal dystrophy and to ensure the best treatment, your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist, a veterinarian who specializes in eye disorders.

A veterinary ophthalmologist’s expertise and experience are invaluable for a dog with eye issues.

Treatment of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Treatment of corneal dystrophy in dogs depends on the condition’s type and severity. The goals of treatment are to keep your pup comfortable and maintain their eyesight.

For dogs with mild corneal lipid dystrophy, treatment is usually not needed unless the corneal deposits worsen or cause irritation.

Although the deposits are usually irreversible, prescription eye drops can sometimes help prevent new deposits and support the cells on the cornea’s surface.

For dogs requiring medical intervention, treatment may include:

• Immunosuppressive eye drops (cyclosporine or tacrolimus)

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops (ketorolac or flurbiprofen)

• Antibiotic eye drops (tobramycin or ofloxacin)

• Eye lubricants (Optixcare Eye Lube)

• Low fat diet (EN Low Fat or i/d Low Fat)

If your dog’s corneal dystrophy is severe or causes a long-term, chronic, complicated, or deep eye ulcer, an eye specialist may need to perform surgery to help the cornea heal. Surgical procedures may involve:

• Repair with a graft made from synthetic material or the dog’s own eye tissue

• Application of a contact lens as a “bandage” and temporary closure of the eyelid with suture

Recovery and Management of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Management for dogs with mild corneal lipid dystrophy typically involves routine follow-up exams with your vet, and potential use of eye drops to prevent new deposits and help improve the health of the cornea’s surface cells.

Recovery and management for dogs with complications from severe corneal dystrophy can take weeks to months and may include:

• Hospitalization for eye treatments

• Frequent rechecks with a veterinary ophthalmologist

• Eye drops and oral medications for relief of pain and swelling

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment, and possibly oral antibiotics, to treat infection

• A recovery cone to protect the delicate eye’s healing tissues

• Exercise restrictions, such as keeping leash walks brief

Prevention of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs

Corneal dystrophy cannot always be prevented, but here are four ways you can help keep your pup’s eyes healthy:

1. Schedule regular wellness visits with your veterinarian. It's important for your vet to perform routine eye exams to identify eye problems before they become severe. If your dog has corneal dystrophy, the vet will monitor your dog’s eyes for progression.

2. Treat underlying eye health issues. If your dog has an eye condition such as dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS]), increased eye pressure (glaucoma), or an inflammatory eye condition, work with your vet to manage these diseases.

3. Monitor routine lab work. Keep your dog up to date on routine blood, urine and stool tests to detect internal problems before they become serious.

4. Partner with your vet to choose a healthy diet for your dog. Feed a diet containing a nutritional statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet or treats.