It is important to monitor your pet’s vision because there are certain Yorkie eye problems that can develop in this breed of dog. When a Yorkshire Terrier loses its sight, it is often a distressing situation for both the dog and its owner. It also restricts what your Yorkie can do, and in some cases it can be dangerous to leave him alone because he can’t see potential dangers. To minimize the chance of vision problems in your pet, it’s always a good idea to visit your veterinarian regularly for checkups that include eye exams.
The main eye disorders common to this dog breed include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) degeneration, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and entropion.
cataract training
Yorkie owners sometimes face the problem of cataract formation. This disease affects the lens of a dog’s eye. The lens loses transparency and often turns white in color. This often causes your dog to go blind. There are 3 different classifications of this disease and they include the following:
- Congenital: Yorkshire Terriers are born with this problem and it is usually hereditary.
- Juvenile: This type of cataract disease affects Yorkies 5 years old and younger.
- Senile: Dogs over the age of five develop this eye problem.
There are many causes of canine cataracts. This disease can be hereditary or acquired as a Yorkshire Terrier ages. Some causes of the disease include toxins, inflammation, trauma, and other defects. Congenital cataracts are hereditary, while juvenile and senile cataracts can be hereditary or acquired. It is a disease that often requires surgery to prevent blindness.
entropion
This canine eye disorder is associated with a dog’s eyelid. The disease causes the eye to turn inward. Eyelashes tear the surface of a dog’s eyeball and sometimes lead to more serious damage to your pet’s eyes if left uncared for.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Degeneration
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that typically occurs in Yorkies four years of age and older. It can even happen to younger Yorkies. This problem occurs due to the autosomal recessive gene in canines. With PRA, a dog’s vision gradually worsens over time, until he becomes blind. The first signs of PRA include very thin pupils that do not respond to light.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as dry eye syndrome (DES), is a disorder that can affect your Yorkie. Reduced tear production in a dog’s eye is reduced and the eye becomes irritated and itchy. This problem can become serious if left untreated, leading to vision problems and even permanent blindness.
Vision is important to most pets, including Yorkshire Terriers. Once a dog’s eye sight is affected, it affects the quality of life he has, but regular visits to your vet and checkups on his own can prevent many Yorkie eye problems.