Blind Dogs: Regaining Sight And A New Life (2024)

• Last updated

  Aug 30, 2024

• Difficulty

  Beginner

• Posted by

  Hadwin Blanton

• Category

  Dogs

Blindness in dogs can be caused by several factors, including disease, injury, or old age. While it is a challenging condition for dogs and their owners, it does not necessarily mean a poor quality of life. In some cases, blind dogs can adapt and continue to enjoy many activities. However, the question remains: can a blind dog regain its sight? While there is currently no cure for certain causes of blindness, such as Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), advancements in veterinary medicine and technology offer potential options for treatment and sight restoration.

Can a blind dog's sight be restored with surgery?

Blindness in dogs can be caused by several factors, including disease, old age, injury, or hereditary conditions. While it is challenging to determine the prevalence of blindness in dogs due to the various conditions that can lead to it, it is more common in middle-aged and senior dogs than in younger dogs.

Some of the most common causes of blindness in dogs include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS). Cataracts, for instance, are characterised by a painless cloudiness of the eye lens that results in partial or complete blindness. It is more prevalent in older dogs and those with diabetes. Glaucoma, on the other hand, is caused by a clog in the eye's drainage system, leading to increased eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve and retina. PRA is a genetic disorder that causes the retina to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. SARDS is a type of PRA that occurs rapidly, within hours or days, and currently has no known cure.

While most causes of blindness in dogs are irreversible, some conditions can be treated with surgery to restore sight. For example, cataracts and some forms of retinal detachment can be corrected with surgery performed by veterinary ophthalmology specialists. The cost of such surgeries can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

In recent years, advancements in neurotechnology have opened up new possibilities for treating blindness. Researchers are working on developing high-performance electrodes that can be implanted in the brain to restore sight. These electrodes, which are around four times thinner than a human hair, are linked to a video camera on a pair of glasses, allowing visual information to be communicated to the brain. However, a significant number of electrodes are required to achieve sufficient visual resolution for daily tasks.

In summary, while blindness in dogs is often irreversible, certain conditions, such as cataracts and some retinal detachments, can be treated with surgery to restore sight. Additionally, advancements in neurotechnology offer potential future options for treating blindness through brain implants.

What are the signs of blindness in dogs?

Blindness in dogs can be challenging, but with some adjustments, blind dogs can continue to live a happy and fulfilling life. It is important to be able to identify the signs of blindness in dogs to ensure that they receive the necessary care and support. Here are some common signs that may indicate your dog is losing its vision:

• Bumping into objects: One of the most noticeable signs is your dog's inability to navigate their surroundings and frequently bumping into furniture, walls, or other obstacles.
• Reluctance to move: Blindness can make dogs hesitant to move around, especially in unfamiliar places. They may become anxious or hesitant to explore new areas due to their limited vision.
• Difficulty with stairs and furniture: Dogs with vision loss may suddenly become unwilling to climb stairs or jump onto furniture, which they previously had no trouble with.
• Eye appearance: Changes in the appearance of the eyes can be an indication of vision problems. Look out for cloudy, milky, or hazy eyes, as well as red, puffy, or swollen eyes.
• Increased anxiety and nervousness: Vision loss can make dogs more easily startled and nervous. They may become more vocal, barking or whining more frequently.
• Difficulty finding objects: Blind or visually impaired dogs may struggle to locate their toys, balls, food dishes, or other familiar items.
• Changes in behaviour: Vision loss can lead to behavioural changes, such as becoming afraid of loud noises, reluctance to play, or a decrease in their overall activity levels.
• Sleeping and drinking habits: Blindness may cause your dog to sleep more than usual or experience excessive thirst, which could also be a symptom of underlying conditions like diabetes.

It is important to note that blindness in dogs can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. If you notice any of these signs or suspect your dog is losing its vision, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate care for your furry friend.

How to care for a blind dog

While blindness in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including disease and old age, it is important to remember that dogs can live full and happy lives without vision. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for a blind dog:

Create a Safe and Predictable Environment

• Establish a safe zone for your dog—a comfortable and secure retreat with a soft-padded bed.
• Keep a consistent routine with regular feeding times, walks, and activities.
• Avoid changing the floor plan of your house. Try to keep furniture in the same place, or if you do move it, only move one piece at a time.
• Use textured mats and rugs to mark important locations, such as where their food and water bowls are, or to indicate potential hazards.
• Keep walkways and frequently used areas clear of clutter and obstacles to prevent tripping hazards.
• Make sure stairways are well-lit, especially at night, as many dogs with impaired vision may still be able to see in well-lit areas.
• Dog-proof your home by covering sharp corners on furniture, blocking off stairs with baby gates, and removing or securing cords and other potential dangers.
• If your dog spends time outside, remove any protruding branches or hazards, add fencing around pools or ponds, and use tactile markers such as mulch or sand to create safe pathways.

Effective Communication

• Talk to your dog frequently. The sound of your voice can help them figure out where they are and prevent them from feeling disoriented.
• Use scents and sounds to help your dog navigate their environment. For example, use a specific scent on their food bowl or put a drop of essential oil on their toys.
• Develop verbal cues to warn your dog of potential dangers, such as "step up," "step down," "left," "right," and "danger." These cues can help them navigate both inside and outside the house.
• If you have other pets, consider adding a bell to their collars so your blind dog can be aware of their location.

Keep Your Blind Dog Safe

• When walking your dog, stick to familiar routes so they can mentally map and navigate the area.
• Use a short, rigid leash to guide them more easily and provide auditory cues when there are obstacles in the path.
• Use a blind dog harness or vest with a "halo" that prevents them from bumping into objects. This can increase their confidence while moving around.
• Keep your dog stimulated with scent-tracking games, interactive toys, and scavenger hunts where they can use their sense of smell to find treats.
• Always supervise interactions with new or unfamiliar dogs, as your blind dog may miss visual signals and body language from other animals.

Remember, it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of vision loss in your dog. While some causes of vision loss can be reversed or slowed, your dog may need time and assistance to adapt to their new condition. With patience and love, they can still enjoy a high quality of life.

Can dogs go blind from old age?

Yes, dogs can go blind from old age. Blindness in dogs can be caused by several factors, including eye diseases, injuries, or underlying health conditions. While it is more prevalent in middle-aged and senior dogs, even younger dogs can experience vision loss. The loss of vision can occur gradually or suddenly and may affect one or both eyes.

Some common causes of blindness in older dogs include cataracts, glaucoma, untreated infections, chronic dry eye, high blood pressure, diabetes, and tumours. Cataracts, for instance, are characterized by a cloudy appearance over the eye, obstructing the dog's vision. Similarly, glaucoma results from a buildup of fluid inside the eye, causing increased pressure that damages the retina.

It is important to monitor your dog for any signs of vision impairment, such as bumping into objects, anxiety in new environments, reluctance to go up or down stairs, or changes in eye appearance, such as cloudiness or redness. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian, as early intervention is crucial for treating and managing your dog's condition.

While blindness can be a challenging condition for dogs and their owners, it is important to remember that dogs can still lead full and happy lives without vision. With proper care, encouragement, and adaptations to their environment, blind dogs can adapt and navigate their surroundings using their other senses.

What causes blindness in dogs?

Blindness in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness, injury, hereditary diseases, and old age. Here are some of the most common causes of blindness in dogs:

Medical Conditions

• Diabetes is a common cause of blindness in dogs. One in ten dogs will become diabetic, and 75% of diabetic dogs will eventually go blind. Vision loss from diabetes can occur quickly, with complete vision loss within 48 hours of the first symptom.
• Glaucoma is a painful condition that causes pressure to build up in one or both eyes. If left untreated, it will lead to blindness. 40% of dogs with glaucoma will go blind within the first year of diagnosis.
• Cataracts are common in both humans and dogs. As dogs age, cataracts form a cloudy film over the eye, leading to vision loss over time if left untreated.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition where cells in the retina deteriorate, causing blindness. Although it is not painful, PRA affects both eyes and currently has no cure. However, medication may slow down the process.
• Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a condition with an unknown cause. It causes retinal degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness. The complete loss of vision often occurs suddenly, but SARDS is not painful, and dogs can maintain a good quality of life.
• Uveitis is inflammation in the eye's front portion and can be caused by eye infection, cancer, or an autoimmune condition. It can lead to glaucoma or inflammation in the back of the eye, resulting in blindness.
• Eye injuries or trauma, such as bleeding inside the eye, eye rupture, eye swelling, eye displacement, and lens dislocation, can also cause blindness.
• Brain diseases or injuries can also lead to blindness. Inflammation in the optic nerve, brain tumours, infections, and congenital brain malformations are some of the possible causes.

Breed Specific

Certain dog breeds are also predisposed to blindness due to defects introduced through breeding. These breeds include:

• Dalmatians
• German Shepherds
• Chow Chows
• Bassett Hounds
• Chihuahuas
• Spaniels
• Siberian Huskies
• Malamutes
• Shar-Peis
• Poodles
• Great Danes
• Dachshunds
• Dalmatians
• Beagles
• Shih Tzus

Old Age

Age-related eye wear is another common cause of blindness in senior dogs. Their eyes gradually deteriorate over time, leading to vision loss.

Frequently asked questions