Yorkie eye problems and prevention of vision loss in these dogs
It is important to monitor your pet’s vision because there are certain Yorkie eye problems that can develop in this breed of dog. When a Yorkshire Terrier loses his sight, it is often a distressing situation for both the dog and its owner. It also restricts what your Yorkie can do, and in some cases it can be dangerous to leave your Yorkie alone because you can’t see potential dangers. To minimize the likely hood-of-sight problems in your pet, it’s always wise to visit your vet frequently for check-ups that include eye checks.
The main eye disorders common to this breed of dog include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), keratoconjuctivitis sicca, and entropion.
Cataract formation
Yorkie owners sometimes face the problem of cataract formation. This disease affects the lens of a dog’s eye. The lens loses transparency and often turns white. This often causes your dog to go blind. There are 3 different classifications of this disease and they include the following:
- Congenital: Yorkshire Terriers are born with this problem and it is usually hereditary.
- Juvenile: This type of cataract disease affects Yorkies 5 years and younger.
- Senile – Dogs over the age of five develop this eye problem.
There are many causes of canine cataracts. This disease can be inherited or acquired as a Yorkshire Terrier ages. Some causes of the disease include toxins, inflammation, trauma, and other defects. Congenital cataracts are inherited, while juvenile and senile cataracts can be inherited or acquired. It is a disease that often requires surgery to prevent blindness.
Entropion
This canine eye disorder is associated with a dog’s eyelid. The disease causes the eye to move inward. Eyelashes tear the surface of a dog’s eyeball and sometimes lead to more serious damage to your pet’s eye if not taken care of.
Progressive degeneration of retinal atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that typically occurs in Yorkies aged four years and older. It can even happen to younger Yorkies. This problem occurs due to the autosomal recessive gene in canines. With PRA, a dog’s vision gradually worsens over time, until it becomes blind. The first signs of PRA include very thin pupils that stop responding to light.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye syndrome (DES)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) also known as dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder that can affect your Yorkie. Tear production in a dog’s eye is reduced, and the eye becomes irritated and itchy. This problem can become serious if left untreated, leading to vision problems and even permanent blindness.
Vision is important to most pets, including Yorkshire Terriers. Once a dog’s eyesight is affected, it affects the dog’s quality of life, but regular visits to your vet and self-checkups can prevent many Yorkie eye problems.