Taking care of a blind dog

 

Many dogs become visually impaired as they age or become ill, and in some cases, completely blind. But life doesn't stop for them. Their amazing ability to adapt helps them cope, but we also need to make things easier for them and prevent accidents.

What causes blindness in dogs? What impact can this disability have on the animal's life? How can we take care of him and help him daily? Here are a few elements to help answer these questions.

The main causes of blindness in dogs

With age and disease, partial or total loss of vision is one of the most common disabilities in dogs. There are many causes of canine blindness. Here are the most common ones:

• Cataract: this is a partial or total opacification of the crystalline lens, a converging lens that is found inside the eye. The crystalline lens gradually becomes opaque. A bluish veil covers the eye and your dog's vision becomes less and less clear. It can lead to total blindness in the most severe cases, but the disease can be cured (via surgery) if detected and treated early.
• Glaucoma: a degenerative disease of the optic nerve, it results in a gradual loss of visual capacity starting from the periphery and gradually spreading towards the center of the eye.
• Uveitis: this ocular affection corresponds to an inflammation of the uvea, which is the intermediate pigmentary zone of the eye.
• Lens dislocation: this is the rupture of the ligament that maintains the lens in place, this lens sending light rays back to the retina through the pupil.
• Retinal disorders: this can be a retinal detachment (separation of the retina from the outer membranes of the eyeball) or progressive atrophy of the retina.
• Corneal opacity: the cornea, which is the front transparent part of the eye, can be affected by an ulcer, dystrophy, or sequestration (or necrosis).

All of these diseases can lead to blindness by appearing suddenly or by getting progressively worse.

How to notice blindness in your dog?

Your dog will never complain about his loss of visibility. However, several symptoms may be visible and prompt a reaction.

Your dog may start bumping into several objects in its path, furniture, chairs, people. Your dog may have trouble finding his way around. He may appear disoriented when he gets out of his kennel. Stress is gradually gaining on him. In the street, the slightest noise frightens him. His character may change and he may become fearful, even aggressive.