It’s natural to feel concerned when something seems off with your dog’s eyes, and rightly so. Retinal hemorrhage, or bleeding in the retina, is a serious condition that can impact your dog’s vision. The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains light-sensitive tissue essential for forming visual images.
Leaking blood can interfere with vision and may signal an underlying health issue that requires prompt veterinary attention. This guide will help you understand retinal bleeding—what it is, what causes it, the signs to watch for, and what steps to take.
What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Hemorrhage?
Retinal bleeding doesn't always have obvious early signs. Monitoring your dog’s behavior is key to detecting changes. Common symptoms include:
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Sudden or gradual loss of vision
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Bumping into walls or furniture
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Dilated pupils or cloudiness in the eyes
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Hesitation in unfamiliar spaces
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Visible blood in the pupils or whites of the eyes
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Twitching or unusual eye movements
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Squinting or signs of eye discomfort
These symptoms may be subtle, especially if only one eye is affected. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and contact your vet.
What Causes Retinal Hemorrhage in Dogs?
There is no single cause, many factors can contribute. These include:
Genetic Factors
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Inherited retinal diseases: Some dogs are genetically prone to retinal conditions.
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Breed predispositions: Breeds like Collies, Miniature Schnauzers, Chiweenies, and Labrador Retrievers are at higher risk.
Acquired Conditions
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Hypertension: Often caused by other illnesses like kidney or endocrine disorders.
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Trauma: Head injuries or falls can rupture blood vessels in the eye.
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Blood clotting disorders: These may be due to toxins (e.g., rat poison) or illness.
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Infections or inflammation: Systemic infections or autoimmune disease can affect the eyes.
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Diabetes or Cushing’s disease: Chronic conditions that strain the vascular system.
How Is Retinal Hemorrhage Diagnosed?
Veterinary diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and may include:
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Ophthalmological examination: Specialized tools are used to inspect the retina and blood vessels.
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Blood pressure measurement: To check for hypertension.
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Bloodwork: Screens for conditions like kidney disease, clotting disorders, or diabetes.
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Ultrasound or retinal imaging: Helps locate bleeding and assess surrounding tissue.
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Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist: For complex cases requiring advanced care.
Early diagnosis can prevent further vision loss and lead to more effective treatment of the underlying cause.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment depends on the cause of the hemorrhage. In most cases, the bleeding is a symptom, not the primary issue.
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Medications: To control blood pressure or reduce inflammation.
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Blood transfusions or clotting disorder treatments: If a bleeding issue is diagnosed.
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Surgery: Rare, but necessary for trauma or extreme pressure in the eye.
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Disease management: For underlying issues like diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or kidney problems.
Timely intervention improves the chances of saving your dog’s vision.
Living With and Supporting a Dog With Vision Loss
If your dog experiences partial or complete blindness, there’s still hope. Dogs are resilient and can live fulfilling lives with the right support. Tips for daily living include:
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Keep furniture in consistent locations to avoid confusion.
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Use scent markers or textured mats to mark important areas like food bowls or doorways.
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Avoid startling your dog—announce your presence with a sound or gentle touch.
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Offer extra verbal praise and encouragement.
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Train with voice commands to support daily routines.
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Be patient and provide plenty of affection.
Dogs rely heavily on scent, sound, and routine—much more than we often realize. With your help, they can adapt beautifully.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/c_dg_retinal_hemorrhage
