maltese eye problems

Hopefully what you’ve read has helped you consider the pros and cons of each breed. Make sure to clear up any health problems your Maltese already has. Your Maltese should have sparkling dark eyes until well into old age. For example, if your Maltese inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it. problems Maltese owners face. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), and redness in the whites of the eyes. Eye wipes, facial wipes–Your dogs’ face must be wiped at least 2-3 times a day. Surgery by a veterinary ophthalmologist to remove the cataracts will give the dog back some of his vision. | Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer. Glaucoma can occur in Maltese but it is not listed as one of the breeds commonly affected with this disease. To determine if they have an underlying issue or if it is just being unfit you will need to consult your vet for a check up. It is known as the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent, thin layer of tissue called membrane that covers the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid. Information on this site is for educational purpose only. The dog may present with itchy, red, watery eyes. Dog eye stain or "tear staining" is one of the biggest Tell us about it. This site does not take responsibility for the accuracy of suggestions, comments, opinions Many of the health and behavior problems in Maltese aren't apparent in puppyhood, but by adopting an older dog, most of them can be ruled out. The ophthalmologist can diagnose this condition by performing a Schirmer test. Maltese or Shih Tzu? Secondary cataracts may also occur with this disease. Eye ulcers are also a common problem that these dogs are known to face. Epiphora may also appear as a reddish-brown spot under the eye. Secondary conjunctivitis : This is where the eye problem is secondary to another disease process such as distemper. However, there’s one thing in particular that you’ll want to keep an eye out for with The Maltese breed: ... as well as ear mites that can cause problems for your pup. I've teamed up with a group of expert dog vets to help you find the answer. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Also known as Keratitis Sicca or dry eye is a condition where the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears produced may be abnormal in composition and evaporate too quickly. Maltese are prone to retinal atrophy, a disease that affects vision in dim lighting. Eye irritations caused by the dog’s long hai… Initially the dog may have night blindness which progresses into loss of vision in a brightly lit environment. Could the water my Maltese drinks have anything to do with staining? These dogs should receive regular dental care at the veterinarian as well as at home. Every time right after I clean his eye, this green discharge appears again and I'm really worried there might be something wrong with. Do Maltese Dogs Need Exercise? Scarring of the skin close to the eyelid or facial nerve paralysis can cause ectropion in any breed. Natural leakage of fluid from their tear duct creates stains around the eye on their white fur. Eye Problems. Clearly, attention is therefore necessary to keep the eyes clean and this should be a routine … Not only will it help whiten the eye area of a dog, but it will help promote hygiene and avoid eye problems which can stem from bacteria around the eye. Food & Water - eye stain can even be a result of the type of food or water you give your Maltese. I've taken him to the Vet (for different problem) 3 times this month already and I don't want to stress him out even more. Carefully read through all of the possible health causes of Maltese Dog eye stain or "tear staining" is one of the biggest problems Maltese owners face. Responsible breeders should screen for genetic eye problems. In severe cases, this can lead to blindness in one or both eyes. Carefully read through all of the possible health causes of Maltese eye stain. This may reduce or even eliminate your dog's tearstaining. Make sure to clear up any health problems your Maltese already has. Puppy or adult, take your Maltese to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu’s eyes, clean them regularly and make an appointment with your vet as soon as you see any sign of infection or irritation so that it can be treated quickly and won’t permanently damage your Shih Tzu’s eye or vision. If your notice your dog bumping into things or becoming disoriented, take him to the vet for a checkup. This is a test where a piece of filter paper is placed on the edge of the lower lid and it measures the amount of tear production in the eye. Ectropian: Ectropian is the opposite of entropion where the lid margin is everted (folded out) and the conjunctiva is exposed to environmental irritants. Veterinary ophthalmologists used to surgically remove the gland but it was found that the dog would be at an increased risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) since the gland is responsible for about 30% of the tear production of the eye. When the dog's vision or comfort cannot be maintained with medication or surgery, the eye may have to be removed (enucleation). All treatment, however, will be administered by a professional. The Maltese is also susceptible to other health problems, such as eye problems (e.g. Epiphora treatment includes cleaning and wiping the dog’s eyes, possible surgery or a flushing of the eyes. They are prone to skin ailments, eye problems and reverse sneezing issues. If so, then continue on Your Maltese can also develop a condition called aberrant cilia —abnormal eyelash growth. Dry Eye. Maltese are prone to harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. This problem happens when a puppy or dog Maltese’s kneecaps don’t stay in its position in the puppy’s leg. All breeds have some health issues that owners or potential owners should be aware of. Distichiasis and Ectopic Cilia: This is the inward growth of extra eyelashes which can cause scarring and ulceration of the cornea. Eye problems are another reason to choose a careful and kind Shih Tzu breeder. Environment - many dog eye stains are due to the environment causing irritation or allergies. While PRA can occur in Maltese, they are not one of the breeds commonly listed with this disease. This can usually be corrected by a simple surgical procedure. Both types of meningoencephalitis are autoimmune conditions that cause swelling of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. The Maltese breed is a fairly hardy one with a long average lifespan of between fifteen and eighteen years. Imperforation or Atresia of the Nasolacrimal Puncta & Duct: This occurs when the puncta (or hole) that connects to the nasolacrimal duct or tear duct is absent, immature or narrowed to a degree where the normal flow of tears is obstructed and flows over the margin of the lower eyelid (epiphora) and onto the face. Maltese vs Shih Tzu—the choice is yours. Shih Tzu and some other dog breeds have large eyes set in shallow sockets. It will usually respond quickly to antibiotic eye drops put in the eye two or three times a day for five days or so. Entropian: This is where either the upper or lower eyelid folds in on itself and causes the eyelashes to rub on the cornea.This is similar to distichiasis or aberrantcilia in that it also causes the scarring and ulceration of the eye and if left untreated, blindness. Some eye diseases are inherited or congenital and some are caused by the dog's environment (trauma, viral or bacterial infections).Listed here are a few of the diseases that can affect Maltese but by no means are considered prevalent within the breed This does not mean, however, that the breed is without any problems. If you plan on getting this type of hybrid, you should learn more about their parent breeds’ health conditions. If they are unfit they will be out of breath on walks or when playing in the yard. Surgery to dilate or open the puncta and duct may be beneficial initially but is not always successful long term. This condition is congenital and is seen in Maltese. Although some problems cannot be foreseen or avoided it is important that only the healthiest dogs are bred from to avoid making the problems more common. Other potential health problems with the Maltese include hypothyroidism, glaucoma, dental problems and deafness. In this AnimalWised article, we reveal how to get rid of tear stains on Maltese dogs. Maltese are prone to retinal atrophy, which affects vision in dim lighting. Surgery to correct this is usually either electrolysis or cryosurgery. Copyright © 2007-2013 Maltese Maniac | Email Us | Maltese Dog Breed Lovers! This, in consequence, causes tear staining below the eye, something often noticed on white and light-colored dogs. This position leaves eyes more exposed and prone to injury. One of the many causes of eye stain can be an underlying health problem. Maltese dogs who are overweight and who sit around all day will be much more likely to have breathing problems when they try to be active. The Maltese can inherit a couple of serious neurological conditions: granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) and necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME). Be aware that Maltese Mix dog breeds have health issues, but don’t let those problems stop you from owning, buying or adopting this dog breed. It usually affects both eyes and the eyes may be red, irritated, itchy and sensitive to light.Abrasions may occur when the dog rubs the itchy eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. In addition, Maltese can live 15 years or longer, so an adult dog will still be a part of your family for a long time to come. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Is a common eye disorder that is usually caused by bacteria. This can result in conjunctivitis and is very likely to cause an excess of tear production. This disease is very painful for the dog and may be manifested by behavioral changes, the pupil may become fixed, dilated or sluggish and the globe (eyeball) may become enlarged causing a bulging eye appearance. For more, we recommend … Tear stains can be caused by health issues, blocked tear-ducts, or allergies. Eye Problems. A newer method of surgery sutures the gland back into place preserving the tear production capability of the eye. Cataracts: This is where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque thereby causing a decrease in the dog's visual acuity. The face remains wet where the tears flow and can be a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast. General Shih Tzu eye care is important for two reasons; 1. Maltese dogs also need regular exercise. Eye Problems. Retinal atrophy can progress to complete blindness in a worst-case scenario. Conditions that might irritate the eye include dog eye infections, glaucoma, eyelash or eyelid problems, add corneal ulcers/scratch to the surface of the eye. There is no treatment for PRA and the condition is considered irreversible but painless. eye stain. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Yes. the dog must have a gene from each parent for the disease to manifest itself. and any other messages posted by visitors. The pupils may be dilated and have a slow response to light. corneal ulcers), luxating patella, congenital deafness, and more. I was reading on the no puppy mills website about genetic diseases in Maltese and was surprised to find out how many eye problems this breed is prone to inherit: Abnormally growing eyelashes Blindness Abnormal draining of tears from overproduction Glaucoma Progressive retinal atrophy which leads to night blindness Retinal dysplasia (malformed retina) The puppy’s femur or upper limb has a shallow groove that causes the kneecaps to fit in that place. Still have questions about dog eye stain? They can exhibit signs of tear-staining. Maltese Eye Stain Causes Health - tear staining can become a problem due to excess tearing, blocked tear ducts, genetics, or simply cutting teeth. Today, we are going to talk specifically about eventual Yorkie’s eye problems. In most breeds studied with PRA, the disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, i.e. It's generally not used during the day because it can cause the vision to be blurry. If left untreated, the puppy will drag its legs when walking, limping noticeably, arthritis, or cry out due to the problem’s pain. I've attached pictures, so you can see the difference between the good and the "bad" eye. It may come down to something as simple as size. Dental Problems This can then develop into an ulceration that may eventually scar and cause blindness. ... s teeth must be scrubbed once a day to ensure that your Maltese dogs will not suffer from gum disease or any dental problems. Common Eye Problems in Shih Tzu. Even if you cannot prevent a genetic eye condition, by regularly washing the area around your dog’s eyes and checking their eyes frequently, you will know your dog’s eyes well enough to notice the warning signs of potential eye problems. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):PRA is a group of inherited diseases that cause degeneration of the retina resulting in permanent blindness. Diagnosis is made by Electroretinography (ERG). A dog that has difficulty seeing at night may bump into things, seem disoriented or act aggressive toward known people. Corneal abrasions and ulcers are caused by scratches. While many of these eye problems cannot be prevented, they can be prevented from becoming severe health issues. The Maltese may also develop eye ulcers, which, when treated quickly with topical medication, are not generally serious. If you are going through a breeder to find your perfect little pup, take time to seek out a reputable breeder who will provide verification that your pup's parents have been tested for health defects and are healthy for breeding. Or if your heart is set on a tiny white dog, the Maltese may suit you better. Glaucoma: This eye disease is characterized by an increase in intraocular (inside the eye) pressure resulting from a build-up of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye that doesn't drain properly.If left untreated, the increased pressure will cause permanent damage to the retina and optic disc which ultimately causes blindness. Epiphora or eye discharge is a common dog eye problem which targets specific breeds such as Poodles, Maltese dogs or Pekingese. If his eyes frequently tear or swell, or if they appear to bother him in … The dogs teeth should be brushed regularly, it should never eat sweets, especially human food. What dog eye stain solution worked for your Maltese dog? Some eye diseases are inherited or congenital and some are caused by the dog's environment (trauma, viral or bacterial infections).Listed here are a few of the diseases that can affect Maltese but by ​no means are considered prevalent within the breed. Shih Tzu eye problems. In addition to this, we will mention the curious, but very significant connection between the Yorkie’s eyes and its coat. Again, just to reiterate, Maltese are not prone to inherited eye diseases. Some health problems are inherited. The symptoms are bumping into objects or becoming disoriented. And with few health issues, most owners spend more money on grooming than vet bills. The Maltese is prone to dental problems, including tooth loss at an early age and gum disease. The majority of infections are gone within 72 hours of using EcoEars. Cherry Eye: This is a condition where the gland of the nictitating membrane (or third eyelid) prolapses (or bulges outward). A thicker lubricant is used before bedtime to keep the eye moist for a longer period of time. Distichia is considered an inherited disease. The Maltese is one of the oldest European toy breed dogs. One of the many causes of eye stain can be an underlying health problem. Entropian is oftentimes congenital but the mode of inheritance is unclear. In some cases the disease is resistant to medications and surgery may be indicated. High mineral content in your water could cause almost the entire face to stain. Other Maltese puppies’ health issues related to eyes are conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers. People who have certain types of glaucoma often … Dogs with PRA should never be bred and instead be spayed or neutered. Malteses are intelligent, affectionate, and known to be one of the most gentle-mannered of the toy breeds. While Maltese on the whole are considered to be a breed with a relatively low incidence of eye problems, there are diseases that may arise during a dog's lifetime. 2. American Maltese Association Copyright 2013. Today, I’m going to show you how to care for Shih Tzu eyes…. to Part 2, Eliminate Dog Tear Staining By Removing These From Your Environment, Try the #1 Tear Stain Remover recommended by other Maltese Maniacs. Because the Maltese is a coated breed, hair can cause irritation to the eyeball. To prevent eye problems, caused by external factors, from occurring . Because the risk of eye injury is greater in these breeds, dog owners should be aware of these eight common types of eye problems in dogs. Maltese have long coats, sometimes the hair can get into the eyes and cause irritation. This is common in some breeds (i.e. The Maltese does not shed, and is therefore a good choice for people with dog allergies. Most eye problems are mild, severe cases will require treatment. 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