Iris Cysts in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

A dark bubble inside the eye may be an iris cyst, a small fluid-filled sac arising from the colored part of the eye or nearby tissue. Cysts may stay attached or float freely in the eye's fluid, and there may be one or several. Most are harmless findings that do not affect sight. Larger cysts can obstruct the pupil, while certain breeds can develop cyst-associated inflammation and glaucoma, a harmful rise in eye pressure.

Signs to watch for

A round or oval dark spot inside the eye
A dark bubble floating inside the eye
Several dark bubbles near the pupil
Reduced vision if cysts block the pupil

One study reported breed-average onset ages of roughly seven to nine years.

When to get help Arrange a vet examination for a new dark spot or bubble inside the eye.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet examines the dark structure and may shine light through it to check whether it contains fluid rather than solid tissue. Eye ultrasound can help when heavy pigment makes this difficult. These tests help distinguish a cyst from an eye tumor, and pressure measurement can check for associated glaucoma.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Basset Artésien NormandMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scenthounds)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.