Blindness

[kathy thacker]

Do you know if there is any toxins that would cause sudden blindness?

[Eric Dunayer]

There are some toxins that can sudden blindness. An antibiotic enrofloxacin (also known as Baytril) can cause blindness in cats. Most toxins that cause blindness, the blindness is usually temporary. In addition, the blindness is not the only signs. For instance, ivermectin can cause blindness but these animals also weak and unsteady on their feet. Isoniazid can also cause temporary blindness but the animals will have tremors and seizures. I don't know of any other toxin that cause blindness as its only signs.

[kathy thacker]

Well, thanks so much. I had his dog food analyzed or so the comapny said they did of course the results from the labs are not turned over to me. I think it had to do with his food. I feed Nutro Venison and Brown Rice ad Nutro high energy. I just got new food in two days before he started with his eyes.

[Eric Dunayer]

Kathy,

It is probably a coincidence. There is a disease that dogs get called sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD) that can cause sudden blindness and there is no known cause for it

[kathy thacker]

Yes, but the eye specialist does not know what has caused it and he does not think that is is SARDS.

Oh well, back t the drawing board.

[Kevin]

My cockerspaniel went blind permanetly and I have no clue what caused it. I have herd people say that it is common in these types of dogs go blind as they get older. Is this true??

[Eric Dunayer]

Kevin,

There are lots of reasons for blindness in dogs. Cocker spaniels are prone to glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and cataracts (whitening of the lens) -- both of which can cause blindness.

[Kevin]

So I know in the future, are these two problems fixable?