These eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. Diagnosis: A simple test done by your veterinarian will determine This additional lid includes a gland that produces most of his tears. A cataract is a cloudy film that grows across the eye lens. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease The veterinarian will prescribe eye We strongly encourage owners to seek the advice of a veterinarian regarding any medical issues or concerns. It's best to keep leashes, especially rope leashes, away from your dogs eyes when going on your walks. You can tell if your dog has an ingrown eyelash as youll be able to see the offending hair. Carefully trimming long hair around your Shih Tzus eyes will help prevent these longer hairs from getting into your dogs eyes that cause the irritation. Diagnosis: Cataracts are visible to the veterinarian by There is no other prevention except to keep your dog Safe and natural flea and tick repellent for dogs. age, other retinal diseases, diabetes, and trauma. The most common symptoms of this is a redness or swelling around the Shih Tzu dog's eye or eyes, excess discharge and/or an aversion to bright lights. Probably the most common of all the health concerns is those Since After the surgery, some animals are prescribed antibiotic ointment to To perform this daily cleaning, you will want to use a soft wash cloth, moist with warm water. Diagnosis can be made by your veterinarian. If after taking all these precautions and you've washed your dogs face you still see signs of irritation, swelling and redness in your Shih Tzu eyes. Or, Read How We Use NuVet Vitamins at Miracle Shih Tzu. Some Shih Tzu eye problems have a genetic basis but others are the result of constant irritation and trauma. The large, exposed eyes are prone to many irritations and eye infections. The that can occur is long, but it does not mean that your Shih Tzu will develop It is usually seen in puppies less than 1 year of age. This is an extremely common Shih Tzu eye problem due to their anatomy. Other than this, Cherry Eye is usually not painful or damaging to the eye by itself, but it should still be dealt with by your vet. Any head trauma can result in the loss of an eye. First things first, never assume that any eye problem will just go away on its own. Traits and Personality, How To Clean a Shih Tzus Ears: How Often and What You'll Need. leave your home without a leash. They need special care to keep them healthy and clear. options can fall into two categories: If its not treated, it will cause swelling in the eye and even change the shape of the eyeball. Dogs whose eyes protrude more than others are not set in as This genetic disorder is when your dogs retina degenerates over time, eventually leading to loss of vision. Shih Tzu are prone to several eye issue because of how their eyes tend to stick out of their sockets. During surgery, a section of skin is removed from the eyelid and tacked back. by swelling and irritation. reduced amount of the aqueous tears is produced resulting in a dry cornea. which looks like a cherry. Shih Tzu Eye problems are usually never fatal and even blind dogs can live out a relatively normal life. There could be a lot of debris like dust, sand, and other foreign bodies blowing around in the wind, getting into your dogs eyes and could cause an infection. The cornea is the clear shiny membrane protecting the eye like a window. The only treatment for entropion is surgery. Many forms of We include it here in our list of Shih Tzu eye problems, but it can occur in any dog. Sometimes it is done when other surgeries are performed such as spays or neuters. one of my former show dog, Zoey to loose an eye in this way! But it has not been without problems. Long hair around your Shih Tzus eyes can cause irritation which causes them to rub their eyes which can lead to scratches and eventually an infection. Some can be treated by your local veterinarian, but many require the services of a veterinary specialist. You will notice a problem because the area beneath the eyes are always wet and in lighter colored Shih Tzu dogs, there will be reddish-brown staining, odor, and sometimes skin infections. Unlike If it is a more serious condition, speedier treatment can mean the difference between your pup losing his vision or retaining his sight. Getting its name from the fact that it seems to resemble a When your Shih Tzu has an eye infection, there are several things that can tip you off to his condition. It will scratch at the eyeball and eventually cause impaired vision as it damages the lens. blindness. From there, tears drain back into the nose and throat. Whatever the cause, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your Shih Tzus eyes and you should make a trip to the vet to figure out the cause so that it can be treated appropriately. eye or an overflow of tears or excessive tearing. FTC Disclosure:If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. However, cataracts can also be the result of an eye injury. While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. Shih Tzu dogs are considered to be a brachycephalic breed and are prone to certain conditions because of the flattened face and large eyes. In the normal healthy eye, a thin film of tears is produced that lubricates the eyes. Treatment: Artificial tears, surgery to reduce the eyelid opening and treatment to relieve other symptoms such as corneal ulcers might be needed. Repelling fleas and ticks before they bite is a better way of protecting your dog, this tag helps to keep your pets free from biting bugs, Lyme disease in dogs is a common infection carried by ticks. Epiphora is also referred to as "wet eye," or watery In Shih Tzu, Distichiasis occurs with reasonable frequency. Their tears cant always properly drain back into their nose and throat, and instead, stream down their face. Check them out and keep your pups vision healthy! onset, and Sudden acquired retinal degeneration. You will suspect that your Shih Tzu has this if they close their eyes often, keep an eye half open, or has excessive tear drops. Details will be discussed below with the most common Shih Tzu eye issues, however keep a look out for: Any swelling of the eye or around the dog's eye. 18 Holiday Gifts for Shih Tzu Lovers and Pet Parents, trimming long hair around your Shih Tzus eyes, Lyme Disease in Dogs | Symptoms and Treatment of Lyme, Shih Tzu Colors and Markings: Most Common, Most Rare, & Changes, 12 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu with Allergies, Do Shih Tzu Have A Good Temperament? Although most often seen in older dogs, a cataract (a cloudy film over the eye) can also result from an injury to the eye. some, but many have genetic origins. Now, we also had to deal with similar problems with her daughter, Dana, who also lost one eye. The main problem that unfolds is the lack of like others with more pronounced, protruding eyes in relation to the skull are people, dogs have a third eyelid or membrane that contains the glands that Left untreated, infections have the potential to lead to more serious complications, they can spread to the other eye, and they can even result in complete vision loss. These extra eye lashes are seen in many breeds, particularly the long haired breeds, but it can occur in any dog. The layers of the cornea rupture and the eyes fluids leak out. the cause of cherry eye is not well understood. Find out why. use of an ophthalmoscope. This breed Looking for signs of any eye health issues to catch anything while it is in the early stage. It can occur in one or Because the Shih Tzu has large eyes and shallow eye sockets, eyelid. type, but it also occurs if the third eyelid is removed (see Cherry Eye, below). Cryotherapy or chemical freezing, or electrolysis is used in this procedure. The eye of the Shih Tzu will literally become red or pink. that holds the glands in place. these issues. Make sure that you wipe your Shih Tzus eyes and face daily to wipe away any small food particles or bits of dirt, dust or pollen that could get into the eye and cause irritation as well as the regular eye discharge. of the surgeries to correct Cherry Eye are fast and have very few eyelids turn inwards, causing his eyelashes to irritate the eye itself. Breeds with short muzzles such as boxers, This condition can usually be treated with drops or ointments, and in rare cases, surgery. Zoey is lucky she survived her ordeal with the Bulldog. She eventually lost both eyes and was unable to function without vision. Cherry adequately for an unpredictable time before degenerating. including early onset slow progression, early onset rapid progression, late Called the Schirmer tear test, a paper strip is placed at the inner When genetic, this most commonly occurs with Shih Tzu from the age of 8 years. inadequate tears. If the eyelashes are just plucked out, they will grow back. Advertising onMiracle Shih Tzu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com This site receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. All rights reserved. adequate tear production to lubricate the eye, causing the dog to experience a Other causes could be bacterial and viral infections or other diseases. are very common in most small breed dogs, and those breeds that have prominent eyes such as seen in the Shih Tzu Breed. This can happen if the Tzu's eye is scratched by a foreign object. was. She was only 8 years old at the time. In some cases, you cannot prevent eye issues; but you can however notice signs early to help your dog receive care right away and thus begin treatment early. Sadly, that is not always possible as you will see below. Medical Foreign materials that fly While the information contained within this site is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this site is accurate, complete, and/ or up to date. Cataracts are mainly hereditary, but can also be associated with old You should be vigilant in looking out for common eye infections such as the following. The flat face also means that Shih Tzu tend to get their food all over their face when they eat. Did you know that your pup has a third eyelid? See: As you go about your daily eye cleaning with your dog, you will want to look for any signs of an eye issue. When the tissue that There are several types Usually it is held in place by a ligament, but if this breaks, the gland becomes mobile and visible as a pink lump at the inner eye corner. only symptom is the noticeable circular mass that protrudes from the side of They should not be allowed to hang their heads Sometimes you will be able to notice a The list of eye problems Approximately 40 percent of the With constant exposure, and less protection, leading to chronic discomfort and abrasions on the cornea. complications. gland pop is out and visible, it can become swollen and even become infected. Of course, there are other times when your Shih Tzus eye dilemma is much more obvious, such as swelling, discharge, or keeping his eye closed. It is not a specific disease, but is associated with other conditions. Because a lash can regrow, the most common treatment with the best results is electrolysis to remove the lash permanently. If you own a Shih Tzu, you should set aside a specific time each day to tend to your dog's eyes. eye is common in small dogs, especially young ones. Complete List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds. corner of the eye and left for one minute. Most Often, cataracts are a genetic issue for Shih Tzu and will start to appear as it ages, usually after 8 years old. be a congenital defect of the eyelids or be caused by injury or chronic The viral form is airborne and most commonly occurs during colder months with low humidity. When a Shih Tzus eyelids turn inwards, this is called entropion. Unfortunately the way cataracts are passed This does affect vision and without treatment, a dog can become blind. Sadly, one year later she got into a fight again, lost her eye and all vision. just as people do. (See Corneal Ulcers. According to Dr. Karen Becker, veterinarian may be able to manipulate the eye back into place, but not always. infections. The cause of the trichiasis needs to be treated, often with antibiotics. Your pup might even keep his eye closed, making him look like a puppy pirate. life. the tears is diminished, the mucus portion remains making it appear as if there There will also be extra discharge from the eye, some swelling and your Shih Tzu will show some discomfort with it. that leads to blindness. When my Shih Tzu dogs look me in the eyes, it almost feels as though they can see straight through to my soul. Its part of what makes them so cute, but its also a health hazard. Zoey's problems ended badly. Click here to learn more about caring for your Shih Tzu's eyes. Whats important for you to know is what signs to keep an eye out for (no pun intended) so that you can act quickly if and when a problem presents itself. Symptoms: Depending Possibly one of the scariest eye issues to witness, this condition is when a dogs eye comes out of the socket, usually from a head injury. problem. Sometimes the mass is accompanied interventions sometimes work if they are begun immediately after the gland pops Medication can usually resolve the issue within 3 to 5 days. ointments, but surgery can be done. I try to do everything possible to protect that gaze. This will be for: Cleaning - You'll want to wipe the eye area - whether it appears dirty or not - to remove tiny food particles, normal eye discharge and to properly clean the hairs that will have gotten wet from your Shih Tzu drinking water. proptosed eyes retain vision after being replaced in their globes. Simply plucking the lash wont work, it usually needs to be treated with antibiotics. If you notice any of these symptoms of an eye infection, contact your vet right away and have your dog examined: There are several different eye problems that can lead to infection, but infection can also be the cause of some conditions, which is why it is essential to have anything out of the ordinary addressed immediately. As you can see, many of the Shih Tzu eye problems relate to injury and irritation to the eyes. This is one Shih Tzu eye problem that will require surgical It can In Zoey's Playtime with another pet can lead to eye injuries, but that doesn't mean they can't play, just try to monitor it more closely and if it seems to be getting out of hand, separate them before it escalates into aggression. Come and learn about the most common and most rare Shih Tzu colors, Top picks for best dog food for allergies. Shih Tzu eye care is a very important element of keeping your dog happy and healthy. This is Dana, my one-eyed Shih Tzu. If your Shih Tzu has allergies to certain food, changing their diet may give them relief from itching and tear stains, My Shih Tzu, Lilli, really loved Little Caesar's but as I studied and learned more about canine nutrition I wanted a healthier option for her. As the name implies, this is a canine eye condition in which the cornea of the dog's eye will develop an ulcer. correction. The typical personality traits of the Shih Tzu breed and how their temperaments can be altered through its environment and natural aging, To clean your Shih Tzus ears you dont need fancy tools, but you do need to know how. The operation eliminates the possibility of the dog becoming blind; however some scarring may formand lead to a slight decrease in clear vision. Early detection is a must to help your dog recover as quickly as possible. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. parents free of a disease, an offspring can inherit the tendency later in Prognosis is good if the surgery is done before other problems such as corneal scaring happen. whether the dog is producing enough tears. The thing every Shih Tzu owner should know about Shih Tzu eye problems is that they are more common than you think due to their anatomy. Canine Obesity is a major cause cause other health problems and is at epidemic levels in this country. Clinical signs of Distichiasis include tearing (in varying amounts), redness of An eye condition that new owners should be aware of is Distichiasis. The dog is usually not affected until at AboutUs - Advertise with Us - Contact Us - Write for Us - Privacy policy. It can be a stand-alone issue or it can be caused by an infection in the eye. If nothing else is found, the vet will assume it is a blocked tear duct. the dogs eye. Even with both just tucked back into place. Only an experienced veterinarian will be able to tell you if the symptoms point to allergies, a bacterial or a virus infection. There This will start small but then spread to cover the whole eye, resulting in blurred vision and blindness. About the last thing I had on my mind about Shih Tzu eyes was for A cataract is an opaque cloudiness that affects the eye problem that needs to be fixed or simply a cosmetic issue causing the dog to Chronic irritation may change the cornea and cause decreased vision. Epiphora can be caused by an overproduction of tears or possibly a blocked tear duct. on the severity of the cataract, you may or may not notice any problems. Surgery If your dog goes outdoors they are at risk. bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers are more prone to developing this Red Eye is a term used to describe the colour change in the eye when the blood vessels enlarge and become visible in the whites. Although any dog can experience problems with their eyes, Shih Tzu are prone to quite a few issues thanks to their distinctive, protruding eyes. There is no cure for PRA, but there are tests that can be done on breeding stock so they can be certified and registered as being free of PRA and are considered at low risk for carrying and transmitting the gene. However, corneal ulcers can also result from ingrown eyelashes, injury, or viral and bacterial infections. The hair around the eyes should also be trimmed often to stop it irritating the eyes and to stop it trapping any other irritants, like dirt or pollen, near the eyes. Surgery is a last result if the medical treatment does not work. Sometimes medicine can help, but other times the affected eye is removed. Many times, the tear that happens is not visible. In this article, we will look at the many different problems that can occur in this breed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Shih Tzu Eye Problems can cause irritation, discomfort and even blindness to your sweet Tzu. assist in healing, and prevent infection. With the proper care and good breeding, your dog many never suffer from any of them. Gently wipe around each eye and be sure to dry each eye area afterward. It's actually difficult to see immediately that she doesn't have two eyes. This Shih Tzu eye problem is normally caused by trauma from rubbing eyes on the carpet or other surface, a cat scratch or chemical irritation from dips and shampoo. Medication may help, but if the vision is already gone, the best thing is often to remove the affected eye to stop the pain of it swelling up. problems. Because these symptoms can also be signs of other eye issues with the Shih Tzu, it is very important to have your dog's veterinarian make the final diagnosis. Those with the flattest, most squished in faces seem affected the most. Learn why and what you can do to reduce the pain and help cure the problem. KCS can lead to vision problems and blindness. Another sign is that your Shih Tzu will most likely be scratching at it a lot. Special care should be taken to keep hair and other debris from their eyes. Other times, the hair if not trimmed properly or pulled away from the eyes can also irritate and block the entrance to the tear ducts. Usually a specialist (veterinary ophthalmologist) performs these surgeries. The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, veterinary or other professional advice on any subject matter. Here is a look at the different eye conditions that can plague Shih Tzu (as well as other dogs): This condition usually results from a bacterial infection and can pass from one dog to another. More serious damage to the cornea may We sadly had to put her to sleep after the last bout with eye problems. by Janice Jones |Last Updated 05-05-2021. This is a genetic disorder and is irreversible, resulting in blindness. On the other hand, as a Shih Tzu owner, owner to be or even owner wannabe, a good understanding of the different problems that can plague your dog's eye can be enlightening. Distichiasis describes a condition in which eyelashes are It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that got into the eye through an allergen or object getting in there and can be spread between dogs. Although prolapse can reoccur, it is less common nowadays than it once Make an appointment with your vet to learn the exact problem so that the appropriate treatment can be started right away; many eye issues can be easily handled if caught quickly. Check Us Out at the Akron, Ohio Better Business Bureau, About Us | Site Map | Disclaimer | Privacy | Contact Me | Blog. Progressive retinal atrophy is the degradation over time of the retina. This may sound obvious, but injuries can happen anytime, especially with a Shih Tzu large, protruding eyes. Once taken to the veterinarian to have this diagnosed, most often treatment will be daily eye drops to lubricate the eye, decrease swelling and reduce pain until the tear is repaired naturally by the dog's body. All Puppies are Started on this Product. So, how do you tell if your Shih Tzu has an eye infection? around in the air can enter the area under his eyes, leading to inflammation Since 2013-2022 By Janice Jones Miracle Shih Tzu All Rights Reserved. gland, the dog may be susceptible to dry eye or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or play a huge part. Discover how it affects your dog and what you can do, Flea and tick treatment for a dog is vital to your dogs comfort and health. One of the most spectacular physical features of a Shih Tzu is his eyes--dark and round, and almost human-like. Usually the cause is trauma of some Treatment will vary, but will often include medication to reduce swelling and medication to fight off the bacteria infection. A dirty face can seep into your dogs eye area. case, it was the result of a nasty fight between her and our English The discharge they produce makes for a very accommodating environment for bacteria to breed. out. Since Shih Tzu have protruding eyes, they are more susceptible to ulcers since they can be caused by things like scratching the eye, rubbing it against furniture or on the rug, and even wind. If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Good eye care can prevent However, a dog may also develop a cataract from an eye injury. In many cases, you will actually be able to see the offending lash. eyes that come out of their sockets. This means that the gland in the eye that is responsible for producing much of the tear film has become dislodged from the eyelid. present. She never recovered and was put down in 2017. Renal Dysplasia in the Shih Tzu Breed: The Facts, Canine Obesity: What You can Do to Help Your Dog Loose a Pound or Two. Although some eye conditions are unavoidable, like inherited diseases and the natural aging process, there are ways to help keep your Shih Tzu eyes in tip top shape and maybe keep an infection from occurring. This is most often caused by some type of injury to the eye of the Shih Tzu. Dogs will hold their eyes closed or squint. Then they lose peripheral vision before gradually becoming blind. is done under general anesthesia. Surgery is often needed to correct the issue. It causes an increase in pressure within the eye, which is quite painful for your dog. Plucking the ingrown eyelash out will see it just grow back again in the same position. medical and surgical. She's survived with one eye now for seven years. The only way to avoid these problems is to breed dogs that do not have prominent eyes and exaggerated facial features, although most of these features are part of the standard. and infection. prone to many different problems. It looks like a swollen cherry stuck under the eyelid, hence the name Cherry Eye. The large eyes of the Shih Tzu make this dog breed more susceptible to certain eye issues. Our Zoey leads a perfectly normal life with only one eye. You know your pup better than anyone; for example, if all of a sudden he seems to be winking at you all of the time, its doubtful hes saying hello or flirting with the dog next door. Dry eye is simply a condition that occurs when there is a A Distichia is an eyelash that grows from an abnormal spot on the eyelid of a dog & Trichiasis is the term for ingrown eyelash on a dog. These ulcers occur when the cornea ruptures, causing fluid to leak out of the eye. Eye We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Renal Dysplasia: Difficult to diagnosis, even harder to treat and maybe more common than we thought. While many of these eye problems cannot be prevented, they can be prevented from becoming severe health issues.