Eye Care for Maltese - Symptoms, Signs and Treatment

Maltese are prone to several eye conditions which are common to all dogs as well as some unique conditions. For example, a genetic condition known as retinol atrophy can cause symptoms which may include dilated pupils, and glossy or glazed looking eyes. They are also prone to a condition known as aberrant cilia. Here the eyelashes grow in several different directions, making them prone to touching and irritating the eyeball. There may also be shedding of the eyelashes. If irritation occurs, there may also be reddening of the eye, difficulty closing or opening the eye, and your dog may paw at the eye.

As your pet's coat has the potential to irritate the eye, the Maltese is also prone to developing irritated eyeballs which can lead to conjunctivitis, also known as red or pink eye. Conjunctivitis leads to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by trauma, allergies, virus, bacteria, or scratches of the eye. Symptoms include redness, swelling and eye discharge which can be green or yellow, particularly if it is caused by infection, or clear eye discharge if is it caused by allergies. Your pet may be unable to open their eye fully due to the discharge, and you may notice that your dog tries to paw or wipe their eye against the furniture.

Like other breeds, the Maltese are also prone to developing tear stains which appear as red or brownish colors stains just below the eye. They are often caused by an overgrowth in bacteria or yeast, can be caused by allergies and have environmental and genetic causes. In addition, it can be caused by blocked tear ducts, food allergies, fleas, dust mites, and even by stress.

If you think your pet may show signs of retinol atrophy it is also important to have your veterinarian carry out an eye examination. Although there is no cure, they may able to suggest antioxidants or other supplements to support your pet's eye health and to prevent or delay blindness from occurring. For aberrant cilia, your veterinarian may use electro-epilation which uses low levels of DC and high frequency currents to kill the eyelashes at the follicle and prevent further regrowth. It is important to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have conjunctivitis to rule out a possible infection, as left untreated this may have the potential to cause lasting damage to the delicate eye area. Your veterinary will treat depending on the exact cause, such as antihistamines for allergies or antibiotics for infection. They will also ensure there are no foreign objects within the eye and remove these if necessary.

Treatment of tear stains will also depend on the cause and may include antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics for infection and preventative measures such as flea repellent and an avoidance of allergens. It may also be useful to trim your dog's coat around the eye area to prevent irritation to the eyeball which can increase tear production.