The pet has bluish and/or dull-colored cornea and dark or white areas on the cornea. White areas in the eyes of pets can be indicative of a vast array of health issues. Additionally, this condition can occur in both cats and dogs and can affect just one or both eyes. Perhaps the most common causes of white areas in the eyes of pets are cataracts. However, other issues that can result in white spots or specks on the eyes of dogs and cats include corneal dystrophy, nuclear sclerosis, keratitis and retinal hemorrhaging.
How to Recognize
White areas in the eyes are common symptoms of various health conditions in pets. Additionally, they can take the form of white spots, tiny specks, lines or cloudy films. While some of these issues are minor, others can be quite serious. So, just how do you determine if the white areas in your pet's eyes are cause for alarm? Read on to find out. As stated above, white areas in the eyes can appear as tiny white spots or specks, thin lines, or cloudy films. They can also be various shades including off-white, ivory, light gray, grayish-white, metallic or crystalline. They typically develop on the surface of the cornea, which in some cases, can affect the pet's eyesight.
Causes of White Areas In The Eye
In most all situations, white areas in the eyes develop due to some form of inflammation or infection of the cornea. However, they can also occur due a break in the epithelial layer of the cornea, excessive pressure within the eye, corneal lacerations, fluid accumulation within the eye and natural aging.
Diagnosis
If your pet has white areas in the eyes, your veterinarian will need to obtain a complete medical history of the animal. To reach a proper diagnosis and determine an effective treatment plan, the following diagnostic tests and procedures will likely be performed on your pet: Physical Examination, Ophthalmic Examination, Fluorescein Staining of the Cornea, Tonometry, Schirmer Tear Test, Indirect Ophthalmoscopy, Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy, Complete Blood Count, Biochemistry Serum Tests, Cytology, Bacteria Cultures, Ultrasound Examination of the Eye and Gonioscopy.
Similar Symptoms
It is essential to note that there are several symptoms that can develop alongside white areas in the eyes. However, when these particular symptoms occur on their own, they can signify a health condition that has nothing at all to do with defects of the cornea. Some of these symptoms are as follows: Runny Eyes, Swollen Eyes, Discharge from the Eyes, Red/Bloodshot Eyes, Blinking and Pawing at the Eyes.
Possible Conditions
There are many different health conditions that can cause white areas to form in the eyes of your pet. Furthermore, as stated previously, while some of these issues are minor concerns, others can become quite serious. The most common of these conditions can be found listed below: Ulcerative, Infectious, Interstitial, Vascular or Pigmentary Keratitis, Corneal Ulcers, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Pannusis, Corneal Dystrophy, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Injuries and Nuclear Sclerosis.
Treatment for White Areas In The Eye
The treatments your dog or cat will need if it has white areas in the eyes depends solely on your veterinarian's diagnosis. However, there are several types of medications and medical procedures that are commonly used for conditions that cause this symptom, and you will find them listed here: Surgery, Placement of Intraocular Lens, Topical Antibiotics, Topical Corticosteroids, Ophthalmic Cyclosporine, Atropine Ophthalmic Solution, Adequan Eye Drops, Intravenous Mannitol, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors and Cryosurgery. There are many reasons why your pet may develop white areas in the eyes. Although some of the issues that can cause this symptom are relatively minor, others are serious and can result in partial or complete blindness. As such, if your dog or cat develops this symptom, it is best to take it to a veterinarian right away.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.