Q. Why are my dogs eyes cloudy?
Leslie Sinclair, DVM says: There are a couple reasons why dogs eyes turn cloudy. A cataract is a cloudy change in the lens of the eye thought to be caused by protein molecules that become linked together. Cataracts can occur at any age, and some puppies are even born with them. They can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, poisons, inflammation in the eye, and elevated blood sugar (a side effect of diabetes).
Nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis) is a condition that occurs as the lens of a dogs eye hardens and becomes more compact with age, resulting in a hazy, bluish appearance. Nuclear sclerosis does not usually interfere with a dogs vision until it becomes quite pronounced in the late stages of life. Your veterinarian can examine your dogs eyes and tell you whether there is any cause for concern.
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Reprinted from Ask the Vet About Dogs, by Leslie Sincliar, DVM © 2003. Permission granted by BowTie Press.