Corneal diseases are common pet health problems that can affect one or both eyes, and they typically occur more often in dogs than they do in cats. Also known as corneal dystrophy, this condition affects the cornea, which is the outer layer of the eye. There are basically three types of the disease, and each type affects the cornea differently.
How Corneal Diseases Affects Your Pet
What corneal disease can do to your pet depends on the exact type of the condition that your dog or cat suffers from. In the case of epithelial or stromal corneal disease, your pet’s vision will be normal but it may experience occasional corneal spasms. In the case of endothelial corneal disease, your dog or cat’s cornea may become swollen. Additionally, blisters may develop on the cornea and vision will be impaired.
Common Symptoms of Corneal Diseases
The symptoms that your pet may display if it has corneal disease may vary depending upon which type of the condition it has. However, if your pet exhibits any of the warning signs listed here, you need to take it to a veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis. Common Symptoms of Corneal Disease in Pets: Corneal Spasms, Milky, Silver or Gray Opacities on the Cornea, Minimal to Advanced Vision Loss, Circular, Oval or Diffuse-Shaped Opacities, Swelling of the Cornea and Blisters or Ulcers on the Cornea.
Treatments for Corneal Diseases
There are several different treatment methods your veterinarian may choose to use for corneal disease. First of all, if your pet has developed any corneal ulcers, antibiotics will be necessary. Contact lenses may help pets with moderate forms of corneal disease. In severe cases of the condition, surgery to repair the conjunctiva may be an option. Finally, a complete corneal transplant is another treatment method. However, since the results of this method are not consistent, you will want to discuss this treatment with your veterinarian before choosing it.
Breeds Affected
In many cases, corneal disease is an inherited pet health problem, and it can occur in both dogs and cats. However, it is more common in canines, and it seems to occur in some breeds more than others. These breeds are listed below: Shetland Sheepdogs, Afghan Hounds, American Cocker and Cavilier King Charles Spaniels, Rough and Bearded Collies, Airedale and Boston Terriers, Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs and German Shepherds, Beagles and Weimaraners, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers and Dachshunds, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso and Whippets, Samoyeds and Domestic Shorthairs and Manx.
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.
