If your Shih Tzu has developed cloudy eyes, it could be due to various medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, it is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your Shih Tzu’s eyes examined and treated as needed. Cloudy eyes in a Shih Tzu can cause discomfort, pain, stress, or anxiety if they are not familiar with what is happening to their vision.
Lenticular sclerosis and cataracts are common eye problems seen in Shih Tzus over 9 years old. Glaucoma can also be an issue and has many different causes, including a genetic component that may show early development in some breeds like the Shih Tzu.
Lenticular Sclerosis
Lenticular sclerosis occurs when a transparent blue/white haze develops within the lens of the eye in older Shih Tzus. This is a natural condition associated with the effects of aging, leading to white and cloudy eyes. Shih Tzus with lenticular sclerosis do not seem to have their vision significantly affected. The condition usually develops in both eyes and appears as a symmetrically rounded gray area in the center of the lens.
The following symptoms can be observed when your Shih Tzu develops lenticular sclerosis:
Cloudy color in the lens
Reduced vision
Poor distance and depth perception
Typically present in both eyes
The cloudiness that varies with lighting
When cloudy eyes occur in Shih Tzus due to lenticular sclerosis or cataracts, there are various causes for their development. In lenticular sclerosis, the lens becomes harder over time. As the central lens is compressed by new fibers deposited in the outer rings, this compression results in the hardening of the lens.
Cataracts
Another cause of white eyes in Shih Tzus is cataracts. Cataracts are characterized by a white, opaque appearance. They cloud the lens of the eye and can cause partial or total loss of vision. Cataracts develop due to an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye, preventing the retina from receiving light and creating an image for your Shih Tzu.
Untreated cataracts can lead to further eye inflammation, glaucoma, and blindness. Although cataracts are more likely to be seen in older dogs, they can occur at any age and in one or both eyes. Some signs to watch for include:
White/cloudy eyes
Discoloration of the eye
Changes in lighting
The most common cause of this condition is genetics. Certain dog breeds are prone to developing cataracts, such as Miniature and Standard Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Other causes of cataracts include diabetes and eye trauma.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can lead to blindness and is a painful condition. The pressure inside the eye causes pain and is due to too much fluid in the eye. The cornea can become cloudy, leading to vision loss. Other symptoms may include:
Squinting
Avoiding light
Redness of the eye
What to Do If Your Shih Tzu’s Eyes Are Turning White
To determine why your Shih Tzu has developed white eyes, it is essential that they be examined by your veterinarian. The vet will perform a series of tests to determine the cause of the condition. The vet will ask when the symptoms were first observed, any changes in health, and if there has been any recent trauma.
Your Shih Tzu will undergo an eye examination to determine if there has been vision loss and to detect the presence of cataracts. The vet may dilate your dog’s pupils to assess the structure of the eye. This examination will reveal the possibility of cataracts, glaucoma, or lenticular sclerosis. A full panel of blood tests and urinalysis may be offered to rule out the possibility of diabetes.
For lenticular sclerosis, the same tests will be conducted to rule out other medical conditions that may have gone unnoticed. If your Shih Tzu’s white eyes are due to lenticular sclerosis, there is no need for treatment. Treatment for glaucoma and cataracts may involve medication and surgery.
Prevention of White Eyes in Shih Tzus
Preventing white eyes in Shih Tzus depends on the medical condition and whether prevention is predictable. With lenticular sclerosis, prevention is not a realistic goal due to the progressive nature of the disease. Lenticular sclerosis occurs due to old age in dogs and happens naturally. It is not preventable and can be common in certain dog breeds.
If your dog is diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis, there is no treatment to cure the disease. Your vet can guide you on the best way to support your Shih Tzu. Due to their special needs, they may require help with stairs, climbing, and running. Lenticular sclerosis can progress to cataracts later in life. If this happens, continue monitoring any changes in your dog’s behavior and activity level.
It is recommended to maintain your Shih Tzu’s health by consulting your veterinarian regularly. Regular check-ups will allow the vet to detect potential abnormalities in your dog and treat them immediately. For cataracts, it is possible to prevent further eye damage by surgically removing the cataract. Removing the cataract can help restore impaired vision. Reducing eye pressure is necessary when treating glaucoma. The type of surgery chosen will be decided after assessing the severity of the condition.
Curiosities About Shih Tzu Eyes
Why Do Shih Tzu Eyes Glow in the Dark?
Shih Tzus have a nictitating membrane, a thin pinkish-white tissue that acts as a third eyelid and protects the eye. The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina; this structure is what makes a dog’s eyes glow eerily when light hits them.
Why Do Shih Tzu Eyes Glow at Night?
In the dark, dogs’ eyes react differently to light exposure because their eyes have a tapetum lucidum, essentially a light-reflecting surface. It helps your dog see better at night. Although all dogs’ eyes glow, not all glow the same color.
Why Do Shih Tzu Eyes Glow Red or Green?
Canine eyes react differently to light exposure than human eyes. The rods and cones in the eye use this diverse light to see better at night. This reflected light also triggers the “glow” we notice in the dark. A dog’s glowing eyes can appear in any shade, including green, blue, orange, yellow, and even red.
Why Do Shih Tzu Eyes Turn Green at Night?
This is due to a structure at the back of the eye called the tapetum lucidum. The color of the tapetum and its reflection can vary from green, blue, orange, or yellow. This color usually changes during the first three months of life. Some Shih Tzus, like humans, do not have a tapetum.
Do Your Shih Tzu’s Eyes Glow in the Dark?
Dogs have a nictitating membrane, a thin pinkish-white tissue that acts as a third eyelid and protects the eye. The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina; this is what causes a dog’s eyes to glow eerily when light hits them.
What Color Do Shih Tzu Eyes Glow?
In dogs, for example, most will have a yellow to green tapetum. Some breeds, especially Schnauzers, have a beautiful blue tapetum. Some breeds, like the Siberian Husky, do not have a tapetum and thus have red eyes.
Can a Shih Tzu Watch TV?
Shih Tzus can perceive images on the television similarly to us, and they are intelligent enough to recognize the images on the screen as they would in real life – even animals they have never seen before – and recognize dog sounds on TV, like barking.
Does a Blue Eye Mean a Shih Tzu Is Blind?
In some dog breeds, blue eyes can be an indicator of potential vision defects. However, this does not necessarily mean that a blue-eyed dog will end up blind. While Siberian Huskies and other breeds commonly have blue eyes, this eye color occurs in other breeds when two merle-colored dogs produce puppies.
Why Do Shih Tzu Eyes Glow Green?
The green reflection you see at the back of your Shih Tzu’s eye is called the tapetum lucidum. This is a normal part of the eye anatomy and is what causes the green reflection. If you take a picture of a dog, the reflection will usually be yellow or green.
Can Shih Tzus See in the Dark?
In the anatomical structure of the eye, the retina has light-sensitive cells called rods that help an animal or human see in dim light. Dogs have more of these rods than we do. Therefore, dogs can see better in the dark and in other low-light situations than humans.
What Colors Do Shih Tzus See?
Although we cannot ask dogs to read an eye chart or choose colors, behavioral tests suggest that dogs see in shades of yellow and blue and cannot see the spectrum of colors from green to red. In other words, dogs see the world’s colors basically as yellow, blue, and gray.
What Color Do Animals’ Eyes Glow at Night?
The eyes of coyotes, wolves, and dogs typically have a bright white glow. A bobcat’s eyes glow a whitish-yellow. Bear eyes will glow an orange color. The night glow is not displayed by just some mammals, but also by reptiles and amphibians.