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Microphthalmia in Dogs

Microphthalmia in Dogs

Microphthalmia

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Microphthalmia is a condition in which the eyeball is smaller than normal.
SEVERITY:
Moderate
  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    There is no cure or resolution
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian for some secondary issues, microphthalmia itself is not treatable
  • Prevention Icon
    There is no prevention for this condition.
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not possible between animals and not possible between animals and people
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical examination

Symptoms & Signs

In dogs with microphthalmia, the eyeball will appear smaller than normal for the breed. This disorder is due to a mutation in the RBP4 gene and genetic testing is available. Because the eye has failed to form normally, several other eye structures also fail to form which can cause secondary issues. Signs of visual impairment will also be noticed. Dogs may act blind in one or both eyes, have a small eyelid opening, have cloudy eyes or just have eyes that don’t appear normal. Some dogs may have visual impairment when they are born while others may develop issues over time due to the abnormal eye structure. Most dogs have one eye that is affected, but some dogs may have the condition in both eyes. Australian Shepherds, Great Danes, Beagles, Collies, Borzoi, Dobermans, Sealyham Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Shelties, Akitas, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are all breeds at greater risk of developing the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination of your dog. Your veterinarian will also take a history of what has been going on at home and will ask about the parents of your dog as well. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough ophthalmic exam and look for any eye structure issues. If your dog has a small eye, a diagnosis can be made.

Causation

The eyeball is comprised of several structures, including the cornea, iris, lens, anterior and posterior chambers, and the retina. The eyeball is located within the bony socket of the head and is partially protected by the three eyelids. Usually the internal structures of the eyeball are abnormal as well. Microphthalmia is an inherited, congenital trait. Microphthalmia can occur in newborns whose mothers received certain medications during pregnancy.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
None
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
If your dog is visually impaired, they will need help navigating around their home. Make sure stairways are blocked off. Also make sure that they can easily find food, water, bedding and the door outside.
icon MEDICATIONS
None
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
None
icon SPECIALISTS
A veterinary ophthalmologist may be consulted to help with treatment of secondary eye issues caused by microphthalmia.

Cost Of Treatment

There is no treatment for the condition itself. Secondary conditions may require treatment. Cost for these will depend on the specific condition being treated.

Recovery

Microphthalmia is a permanent condition.

Monitoring

Your veterinarian will discuss a recommended schedule to recheck your dog based on their findings and the severity of the condition.

Prevention

There is no prevention for this condition. Because it is an inherited trait, dogs with microphthalmia should not be used for breeding and should be spayed or neutered to ensure they do not pass this trait to others

Questions about Microphthalmia in Dogs

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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My puppy had parvo virus. If I bring a fully vaccinated dog here, can it infect the new dog? Is there still a risk?

If they new dog is a year old and you are completely sure that that it is 100 percent vaccinated there is a very minimal risk that it will be infected. However, that being said, vaccines are never 100 percent effective so there is always a 0.09 percent chance that the new dog could get the virus. But you should be safe bringing the new dog home. I would make sure that the home environment has been cleaned as thoroughly as possible (this means with bleach to all surfaces) and make sure that the outdoor surfaces have been cleaned as well. Parvo can live in the environment for an annoyingly long time (up to 6 months) so it wouldn't hurt to apply a safe mixture of bleach product to your yard as well. This is probably going completely overboard, but you know how scary parvo can be!

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Can I reapply flea treatment early? It’s been 2 weeks with no results.

A [flea](https://www.petcoach.co/article/fleas-life-cycle-anatomy-disease-transmission) infestation on your pet or in your home can be [difficult and frustrating](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-are-fleas-so-hard-to-kill) to deal with. Yes, if after two weeks the [flea preventive you applied isn't working](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-reasons-your-flea-prevention-isnt-working), you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach. If you are seeing fleas on Mia now, you can give her Capstar ([Nitenpyram](https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/nitenpyram)). It's a one time pill that starts killing adult fleas in 30 minutes and is safe to use with a topical treatment. Use a monthly preventive on all pets for at least 3 consecutive months to break the flea life cycle. Year round use is preferred. You will also have to [treat the environment](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-get-rid-of-fleas). Wash all bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. Discard of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately afterwards. Use a spray, such as Indoorex or Knockout ES, in the house and to prevent reinfestation.

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My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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My dog developed a red hairless bloody mass on her skull overnight. I don’t think she bumped her head on anything.

Poor Marley! Unfortunately there are a number of possible reasons for these raised nodules and a picture cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Itis not possible to distinguish between a wound from a bug bite, cyst, benign histiocytoma or even a tumour without a physical exam and possible testing by an aspirate taken by a needle during the exam or even removal and biopsy. I recommend you follow up with your regular vet, especially if it increases in size, is painful or persists.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.