Retinal Detachment in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 6

Overview

When the retina, the light-sensitive lining inside the back of the eye, lifts away, it loses part of its blood supply and cannot work normally. This can reduce sight in one eye or both. Possible causes include developmental eye abnormalities, inflammation, injury, high blood pressure, and eye surgery. Prompt veterinary treatment can limit further retinal damage and may help restore vision.

Signs to watch for

Reduced sight or sudden blindness
Pupils staying unusually wide
Pupils that are different sizes
Visible blood inside the eye

It may occur with an eye defect present from birth or develop later after disease or injury.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog suddenly loses vision.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet uses a lighted instrument to check the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye, for separation. Ultrasound can help when a cloudy lens or cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, blocks the view. Blood-pressure measurement, blood tests, and a wider physical examination help investigate the cause.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Large

Canadian Eskimo DogLarge · Foundation Stock Service

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.