Eye Problems in Beagles: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

The Beagle originates from Great Britain where they were trained to be rabbit trackers. Their keen sense of smell and vision make them great for this task. Their gentle temperament and undying affection for their owner, makes them a very popular breed to own. Being a very sturdy breed, they do not suffer from many inherited diseases, although daily grooming and eye care keeps them healthier during their life span, which can range up to 15 years.

Eye Care for your Beagle

Inspect the eyes every day, especially if your dog roams outdoors. If there is some mucus, moisten a cotton ball and gently wipe this away. If a foreign particle enters the eyes, such as dust or an insect, the Beagle may squint. This can be a sign that the surface of the cornea has become scratched. Check gently under the eyelid and use an eye wash to rinse the foreign body out. If the redness still persists, take your pet to the vet immediately, to either have the particle removed, or to have the eye checked for any other eye disease.

Eye Problems in Beagles

This breed is a hardy breed who are not prone to many health issues, but who do suffer from some diseases that affect the eyes. These eye conditions are:

• Cherry Eye. This is a disease that affects the third eyelid. The nictitian gland prolepses or protrudes, due to a weakness in the connective tissue that holds the gland in place. This protrusion covers the eye, thereby affecting eye sight partially or completely. This chronic condition causes the eye to be inflamed and become red. The protruding gland looks like a red cherry which probably gave this condition the name 'cherry eye'. It may also lead to dry eye as the tear production is reduced, thereby causing irritation in the eye.
Cherry eye can be treated surgically where the gland is replaced. Earlier methods removed the gland entirely but this lead to worsening of dry eye problems.
• Distichiasis is a condition that affects Beagles. It is the growth of extra eye lashes. The hair that grows is stiff and long and causes severe irritation. These eyelashes grow out of the gland either on the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid. This makes the dog squint as it may scar the cornea or form ulcers. If your pet shows no signs of uneasiness, then this condition can be left as it is. However, if it is affecting your Beagle's behavior, then it needs professional attention. Usually a vet will prescribe some lubricants, while in severe cases, the portion of the eyelid or the gland is surgically removed using cryoepilation. This literally means removal of the hair using the nitrogen liquid freezing methods..

Beagles are an outdoor breed and love to run around in the open, following some scent and scanning the ground with their eyes. They are highly energetic and simply enjoy a run outdoors amongst the bushes and brambles. Daily inspection of your pet's eyes is a must to keep them free from injury and infection.