Epiphora treatment includes cleaning and wiping the dog’s eyes, possible surgery or a flushing of the eyes. Medication is often prescribed and in more serious cases, surgery may be necessary. There are different types of keratitis in dogs, such as ulcerative, infectious, interstitial, vascular and pigmentary. Why Dogs Develop Dry Eye The most common cause of KCS in dogs is immune-mediated inflammation and tissue destruction in tear-producing glands, a problem often seen in Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, and West Highland White Terriers. Any Shih Tzu can experience eye issues, ranging from a mild case to a severe case, which can lead to the loss of an eye. To help prevent eye problems, Hendrix encourages breeders and owners of Shih Tzu and other susceptible breeds to frequently examine eyes for signs of problems. “As Shih Tzu belongs to Brachycephalic breed. If you want to read similar articles to Common Eye Problems In Dogs, we recommend you visit our Eye problems category. Shih Tzu puppies born with lazy eyes generally adjust to their eye position and do not need surgery or medication. Your pup might even keep his eye closed, making him look like a puppy pirate. Keratitis is an inflammation of the corner that eventually results in ulcers. Treatment may also include surgery. Unless it ca… This is often apparent in dogs under a year old. She has earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Delaware County Community College and a bachelor's degree in English from Millersville University. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems, Quickly heal broken blood vessels in your eye, The Differences Between English & British Bulldogs, White Spots and Warts on a Dog's Back and Neck, Canine Epilepsy Network: Canine Epilepsy Basics, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Brachycephalic, Animal MR: Case Studies: Encephalitis in a Dog. Inadequate lubrication of the surface of the eyes leads to painful abrasion and damage of their delicate tissues. This may be a sign that your dog has glaucoma or cataracts. Cleaning your Shih Tzu's eyes can be done with some clean warm water, some sterile solution and some baby shampoo. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Secondary glaucoma results as a symptom of another disease or trauma. Ocular discharge that continues for more than one or two days could indicate a sign of dry eye. Strabismus in puppies tends to only affect one eye and not both. Since Shih Tzu puppies are so small, just falling out of the arms of someone standing up may cause a head injury. I have a 5 yr old Shih Tzu who recently has been having problems with her left eye. Kneel before picking up a puppy. Since Shih Tzu puppies are so small, just falling out of the arms of someone standing up may cause a head injury. Shih Tzu's can be prone to a number of eye problems. This is commonly considered to be an aesthetic problem, but can also be a symptoms or sign of a foreign object stuck in a dog’s eye, which is why veterinary consultation is necessary. If the condition isn't treated, blindness can result. Other frequent dog eyelid tumor types include sebaceous adenomas, which are usually benign and more common in older dogs. For more, we recommend reading how to get rid of tear stains in dogs. If there’s one common thread between the range of Shih Tzu health issues, it’s that their eyes can fail. For more, we recommend reading our article where we tell you everything you need to know about glaucoma in dogs. Glaucoma occurs when a greater amount of vitreous humor is produced than is eliminated, which increases pressure inside the eye, resulting in alterations of the optic nerve and retina. Symptoms like discharge, redness, frequent blinking, squinting, pawing at the eye, and swelling are all signs that an infection could be present. What’s Causing the Eye Gunk in My Shih Tzu? Different dry eye in dogs causes include: Diagnoses is done by measuring tear volume with a Schirmer’s test. These will be apparent when the shish tzu is still a puppy. Glaucoma in dogs is a very serious condition which can result in blindness. It’s common with Shih Tzu puppies, and many will actually grow out of it. All treatment, however, will be administered by a professional. Distichiasis is perhaps the most common eye problem affecting the Shih Tzu breed. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. All cases of tumors in dogs require surgical removal to avoid rubbing an corneal injury. A vet referred the owner to one of two vet specialising in eye problems. Epiphora may also appear as a reddish-brown spot under the eye. Cataracts are visible as grayish covers over the pupils. Treatment, which include immunosuppresants, are often administered for life. But Shih Tzu puppies can get crossed eyes due to head injuries, a sudden drop in blood sugar or infections like encephalitis. Corneal conditions are most common in dog breeds who have naturally bulging eyes or flattened faces (brachycephalic), such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Shih Tzus. Related terms: “dry eye”; Canine Immune-mediated Lacrimal Syndrome (CILS).Outline: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry-eye) is caused by insufficient tear production following disease of the tear glands. The cornea should look shiny and smooth. Dogs do not get "lazy eye" or amblyopia in the way children do. From ulcerations to infections and even juvinile cataracts they can be faced with many issues. One sign of collapse or a seizure from hypoglycaemia is lazy eye. You may also notice an appearance of warts, caused by the oral papilloma virus in dogs. How Do I Clean My Shih Tzu Eyes? A review of the Shih Tzu with corneal ulcerations of the left eye. I have a 10 year old shih tzu who has a cloudy eye. Shih tzus are famous for having eye issues. The short face and big eyes give way to many diseases related to Eyes.” 3 . Some Shih Tzu eye problems have a genetic basis but others are the result of constant irritation and trauma. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid the cornea becoming affected, which could result in blindness. Keratitis symptoms include intense lacrimation, photophobia and protrusion of the third eyelid. "Lazy eye" is also a common term applied to cross eyes or strabismus, which can also appear in brachycephalic breeds. Therefore the dog becomes blind Shih Tzu puppies with lazy eye due to hypoglycaemia can often live long lives with management and check ups. The disease, which affects both eyes, typically starts before 4 years of age and is life-long and progressive. In addition,the dog’s pupil will appear dwarfed as well as have difficulty reacting to light. Keratitis, however, may cause severe blindness if … In chronic diseases, drops are applied from two to six times a day, and in acute cases, from eight to ten. The affected eye(s) must be cleaned thoroughly and medication must be administered by a veterinarian only. Seizures can makes one or both eyes cross or move in a strange repetitive pattern, as if the puppy was watching an invisible fly.