Corgis are undeniably adorable, with their short legs and expressive faces. Those captivating eyes are a significant part of their charm, but they can also be prone to certain eye problems. As a responsible corgi owner, it’s essential to be informed about these issues to ensure your furry friend’s well-being. In this guide, we will explore the top 3 corgi eye problems, providing you with insights, prevention tips, and treatment options.
What Are The Top 3 Corgi Eye Problems?
Corgis, like many dog breeds, can experience various eye problems. Here are the top three that every corgi owner should be aware of:
1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a hereditary condition that affects corgis and many other breeds. It’s a degenerative disease that gradually leads to blindness. Here’s what you need to know:
- Symptoms: In the early stages, you may notice your corgi having difficulty seeing in low light. They might also become hesitant to navigate unfamiliar places.
- Prevention: Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent PRA. However, responsible breeding practices can help reduce the prevalence of this condition.
- Treatment: While there’s no cure for PRA, there are supportive measures you can take. Consult your vet for advice on managing your corgi’s blindness and maintaining their quality of life.
2. Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye issue in older corgis, although they can develop at any age. These cloudy areas in the eye’s lens can significantly impair your corgi’s vision:
1. Surgery:
Phacoemulsification: Surgery called phacoemulsification is the most popular and effective way to treat cataracts in corgis. In this process, ultrasound waves are used to carefully break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then taken out.
Most of the time, a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted to replace the natural lens and clear up the vision.
Intracapsular Lens Extraction: When a cataract is more advanced, the whole lens and the casing around it may need to be taken out.
Even though this method isn’t used as often, it may be important in some situations.
2. Evaluation before surgery:
Eye Health Assessment: Your corgi will have a thorough preoperative exam before surgery. This includes checking for eye diseases or infections that could affect how well the surgery goes.
3. Surgery and anesthesia:
General anesthesia: Your corgi needs general anesthesia for cataract surgery so that he or she stays still and comfortable during the process.
Steps of the surgery: During the surgery, a cut is made in the eye, and the cloudy lens is taken out. Then, the man-made intraocular lens is put into the eye.
4. Care after surgery:
Medication: Your corgi will get eye drops or ointments after surgery to keep his eyes from getting infected or swollen. You’ll need to give these the way your vet tells you to.
E-collar: Your corgi may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) while it heals so it doesn’t scratch or rub its eye.
Follow-up Appointments: It’s important to make regular appointments with your vet to check on your corgi’s health and make sure the eye is healing properly.
5. Problems that could arise:
Even though cataract surgery is usually safe and effective, there can be problems, such as an infection, the lens coming loose, or high eye pressure (glaucoma). It is very important to tell your vet right away about any strange signs.
6. Alternatives to surgery:
**Not all corgis with cataracts need surgery. In light cases where cataracts don’t affect your pet’s vision too much, your vet may suggest that you keep an eye on the condition and use eye drops to reduce inflammation and pain.
7. Supplements for nutrition:
Antioxidants: Some vets may recommend vitamin C and vitamin E as antioxidants in food supplements. Even though these supplements won’t stop cataracts from getting worse, they may slow their growth.
8. Steps to take to stop it:
Get your eyes checked regularly. Early diagnosis is the key. Your corgi’s eyes should be checked regularly, especially as they get older. Getting rid of cataracts can be done more effectively if they are found early on.
Maintain Overall Health: To reduce the chance of cataracts, make sure your corgi has a well-balanced diet, gets regular exercise, and gets general health care.
In conclusion, corgis with cataracts can be fixed successfully with surgery. Phacoemulsification is the most common and effective way to do this.
Evaluation before surgery, care after surgery, and keeping an eye out for possible problems are all important parts of the treatment process.
Cataracts in corgis can be treated and prevented in a number of ways that don’t involve surgery. This helps keep their eyes healthy and improves their general health. Talk to your vet to figure out the best way to treat your corgi’s illness.
3. Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a condition that affects the tear gland in your corgi’s third eyelid. This can lead to red, swollen tissue protruding from the corner of the eye:
- Symptoms: The most obvious sign is the red, cherry-like mass in the corner of the eye. Your corgi may also experience increased tear production.
1. Examination:
When you notice that your dog has cherry eye, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a vet. The doctor will verify the diagnosis and figure out how bad the problem is. A protruding tear gland in the eye’s corner is the cause of cherry eye. Therefore, it’s important to get a full exam.
2. Medication (options other than surgery):
Initial Treatment: If the cherry eye is caught early and isn’t too bad, your vet may suggest starting treatment with medicine.
Medication: This treatment usually includes eye drops or ointments. Your doctor will prescribe them to reduce inflammation and help the tear gland get back to its normal position.
Follow-up trips: There will need to be regular follow-up trips to see how the medicine is working. If the situation doesn’t get better, then your dog needs a surgery.
3. Intervention by a surgeon:
When Surgery Is Needed: If the cherry eye is detected early and isn’t too severe, your vet may recommend initiating medication.
Surgical Methods: There are different ways to treat cherry eye with surgery. Most of the time, the tear gland is moved and held back in place to stop it from falling out again.
Anesthesia: Your corgi will get anesthesia to feel relaxed and not feel any pain during surgery.
Steps of Surgery: The surgeon will make a cut near the affected eye. The next step is to carefully move the tear gland to its right place, and fix it there with sutures or glue.
Closure: Once the tear gland is in place, the wound will be closed with stitches, and the surgical area will be carefully watched for any signs of problems.
4. Care after surgery:
Medications: Your corgi will need medicine and post-surgery care after having surgery. This usually includes antibiotics to keep your corgi from getting sick and painkillers to keep your pet relaxed.
E-collar: Your corgi may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar). It will keep them from rubbing or scratching the area where they had surgery.
During the time he or she is healing, your corgi shouldn’t do anything too hard.
Visits to check-up: Regular follow-up trips to the vet are necessary to check on the surgery site, remove stitches if needed, and make sure the wound heals properly.
5. Recovery period:
Healing Time: The time it takes to get better after treatment can vary, but most corgis start to feel better after a week or two.
Removal of Stitches: If your vet used stitches that don’t dissolve, he or she will take them out at a follow-up visit.
Long-Term Monitoring: Even though most corgis totally recover from cherry eye surgery, they may still be a little more likely to get it in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Corgis have watery eyes?
We all agree that Corgis are adorable, but it’s not a breed-specific trait for them to have watery eyes. But, like all dogs, some corgis may have watery eyes or cry a lot. There are many possible reasons for this.
Dust or pollen in the air, eye diseases, allergies, and clogged tear ducts are some of these things. It’s important to remember that watery eyes in corgis could be a sign of a bigger problem, so don’t ignore them.
If your corgi’s eyes are always watery or he has other eye problems that worry you, you should take him to the vet to get a proper evaluation and treatment. Your corgi can also avoid dealing with watery eyes by getting regular eye care and living in a clean environment.
How to notice any Corgi eye problems?
Keeping a close eye on your corgi is the best way to spot any possible eye problems. Here’s how to tell if your dog might be having eye problems:
- Excessive Tearing: If your corgi’s eyes tear up a lot, this could be a sign of a bigger problem.
- Redness and Swelling: Look around your eyes for redness, swelling, or inflammation. These signs could mean that you have an itch or an infection. Eyes that are cloudy or hazy could be a sign of cataracts or other problems with the lens.
- Change in Eye Color: If the iris changes color or looks cloudy, it could be a sign of something dangerous like glaucoma.
- Blinking or squinting: If your corgi blinks a lot, squints, or seems sensitive to light, it could mean that his or her eyes are hurting.
- Rubbing or Pawing at Eyes: Rubbing or pawing at the eyes can often be a sign of pain or itching, which could be caused by allergies or foreign objects. If you can see the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) covering part of your corgi’s eye, it could be a sign of cherry eye or another disease that affects the tear gland.
- Changes in Behavior: Notice when your corgi’s temperament changes. If they get tired, confused, or don’t want to play, it could be because their eyes hurt.
- Excessive blinking or squinting: If you blink or squint a lot, it could mean that your eyes are uncomfortable or hurt.
Abnormalities in the size or shape of the pupils: Any changes in the size or shape of the pupils should be looked into right away because they can be signs of dangerous eye conditions.
If you notice any of these signs or anything else unusual about your corgi’s eyes, you should take him to the vet right away. Small eye problems usually don’t get worse if they are caught early and treated right away. This helps make sure that your corgi’s eyes stay healthy for the rest of its life.
What causes corgi eye problems?
Genetics, advancing age, and environmental factors are just a few of the potential causes of corgi eye issues. Some conditions, like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, have a strong genetic component.
Can we prevent corgi eye problems?
While some corgi eye problems are hereditary and difficult to prevent, you can take steps to minimize the risk. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining good eye hygiene are essential.
How can I tell if my corgi has an eye problem?
Watch for signs like cloudiness in the eye, redness, excessive tearing, or changes in behavior such as bumping into objects. If you suspect an issue, consult your vet.
Are corgi eye problems treatable?
Many corgi eye problems are treatable, especially when detected early. Treatment options may include medication or surgery, depending on the specific condition.
Can corgi eye problems lead to blindness?
Yes, some corgi eye problems, like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early detection and intervention are crucial.
Are corgis with blue eyes on a higher tendency to suffer from eye issues?
Blue-eyed Corgis are not more likely to have eye problems than Corgis with other eye colors. Corgis can have eye problems for many reasons, not just because of the color of their eyes. These include their genes, their general health, and their environment.
How can I care for my corgi’s eyes?
Caring for your corgi’s eyes involves regular cleaning, monitoring for any changes, and seeking prompt veterinary care if you notice any issues.
On the other hand, regular cleaning of the area around your dog’s eyes can also help. To prevent any tear stains around their eyes, we recommend you use a vet-approved tear stain remover. Try to find products that feature only natural ingredients and that suit the sensitive Corgi eyes.
Corgi eye problems: Conclusion
Corgis are beloved pets known for their distinctive appearance and loyal nature. To ensure a happy and healthy life for your corgi, it’s essential to be aware of potential eye problems. Remember that early detection and prompt veterinary care are key to managing and treating these issues effectively. By staying informed and proactive, you can help your corgi enjoy a lifetime of clear, bright eyes and joyful adventures.