Boston Terrier Eye Disease
The eye condition that Boston terriers are prone to be known as “bug eyes.” Their shorter snouts and short faces are conducive to developing an eye problem, including this type of conjunctivitis. If not treated, this condition can lead to eye injury and even loss of eyesight. The best way to prevent Boston terrier eye disease is to clean your dog’s eyes regularly using a warm, damp washcloth. You can also use soft gestures and talk softly with your dog. After rinsing your dog’s eyes, reward him with a tasty treat. It would help if you also kept an eye checkup for your Boston Terrier.
During an annual exam, your dog will be diagnosed with these problems and treated accordingly.
A thorough eye exam will reveal any irregularities in the eye’s structures, and you will likely be able to tell if your dog is suffering from any eye diseases. Diagnostic tests include an eye exam and a tear production test to assess the moisture in the eye. In severe cases, the cornea may appear to bulge and can cause painful or cloudy vision.
Dry eye in Boston Terriers is the most common type of eye condition affecting the breed.
This problem is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and affects tear production in one or both eyes. The condition is often caused by an infection or an immune-mediated condition, such as sulfa drugs. Dry eyes can lead to difficulty seeing or squinting. Fortunately, keratoconjunctivitis sicca is treatable with topical eye medications, such as Optimmune.
If you notice any signs of cherry eye in your Boston Terrier, don’t panic!
There are many ways to prevent the condition. A massage technique can help prevent the condition in the first place. If your dog’s eyelids are swollen, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to reduce the pressure inside the eye. In severe cases, your Boston Terrier will probably need a surgical procedure. Thankfully, it isn’t too expensive.
Some Boston terrier eye diseases can be inherited, which is why they are prone to hereditary diseases. However, irresponsible breeding practices can cause the disease to be passed down to the next generation. A cataract in the eye is a serious disease that can cause blindness. It may remain the same size for a while, but if caught early, you can save your dog’s sight.
You can use a DNA test to detect this disease in your Boston terrier if your dog has a family history of it. The Chinese name for this condition is Can Nian nagara (Can-N-N-G-D).
If your dog has a watery discharge, redness of the eyelid lining, or persistent pawing at the eye, you should seek medical attention. A vet can check your dog’s third eyelid for abnormal cells or scrolled cartilage. During the exam, your vet may also detect prolapsed fat in the eye. Eventually, your dog will have to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the swollen eyelid and heal the eye.
Another form of Boston terrier eye disease is endothelial corneal dystrophy.
This eye disease causes an abnormal build-up of fluid in the cornea. The condition will eventually lead to keratitis and a painful corneal ulcer. You should consult with a vet immediately if you suspect your dog has this condition. If you are unsure about the symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian or an ophthalmologist to get a proper diagnosis.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of dog blindness.
They can develop in one or both eyes. Cataracts begin in the immature or incipient stages. Then, they become mature and opaque. With the increased size of these cataracts, they can eventually cause blindness. In some cases, your dog can adapt to losing its vision. However, if left untreated, this disease can lead to the loss of vision.
A history of visual symptoms is vital to a correct diagnosis.
A complete history and examination will enable your vet to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. If you suspect the presence of a foreign body or high-velocity injury, you can also ask about the type of discharge from the eye. A red eye may be caused by a foreign body, an allergy, or a corneal ulcer. These symptoms are all indicators of the underlying cause of the condition.
While these dogs may be fun to own, they can also bring health problems.
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix breed is susceptible to congenital eye problems. For instance, a Boston Terrier with Pitbull DNA may be born with brachycephaly or a flat face. Both breeds are genetically predisposed to eye problems, but you can’t prevent them from happening. Fortunately, Boston Terriers can be a fun companion.
