Eye Problems in Great Danes - Symptoms and Treatment

The Great Dane is a combination of the Irish wolfhound and the English Mastiff. These large dogs have a regal temperament, and they grow to become loyal members of the family. Originally, they were developed to hunt wild boar in Germany but today they can be trained to become obedient pets. Your Great Dane does not require regular bathing, as too much bathing will strip the natural oils from their body, making them prone to infections and dry skin. However, their eyes do require more cleaning and maintenance

After a road trip or a day out catching the breeze from the car window, the eyes can develop mucus which must be cleaned. Gently wipe the eyes clean as and when required. Mucus is normal unless it appears more frequently or has the appearance of a colored discharge in which case it may require treatment from your veterinarian.

Eye Problems in Great Danes

• Glaucoma changes the structure and function of the eyes and is due to an increase in eye pressure. Glaucoma may often lead to blindness in the Great Dane. Early symptoms include blurring of vision, red painful eyes with cloudy corneas and eye protrusion. It is advisable to visit the vet at least annually to check the eye pressure as Great Danes are prone to glaucoma. This condition is very painful and may lead to a permanent loss of vision. It typically begins between the ages of 3-6 years of age and is genetic. Glaucoma can be treated medically to restore most of the vision and provide comfort to your pet. The last resort may be surgery to normalize the eye pressure permanently.
• Entropion or Ectropion are conditions which describe the inward rolling of the eyelid or outward rolling of the lower eyelid. It leads to irritation of the cornea (surface of the eye) and may ultimately lead to visual disorders. It is a hereditary disorder that affects the skin that makes up the eyelids. This entropic condition is evident even before the Great Dane is a year old. The dog becomes sensitive to light and constantly rubs its eyes. The turned in eyelid may cause corneal ulcers and scarring which is very painful. If not treated in time, it may also lead to blindness. Entropion can be corrected surgically in an adult dog.
• Great Danes may be affected by juvenile cataracts or bilateral cataracts. Juvenile cataracts are inherited and can occur around the age of 6 months. Bilateral cataracts may be due to old age or diabetes. In both cases, the eyes develop an opaque layer on the lens. This makes the eye look cloudy, and prevents light from entering, thereby affecting the vision. The eyes appear bloodshot and your pet may start squinting and become irritable. Surgery can restore vision in most of the cases.