Diagnostic Procedures

I strongly recommend hunting down a Veterinary Opthomologist if the problem seems serious.  They have the proper equipment to look into the eye and make a correct diagnosis.   

• AVCO Canine Opthomologists by State

Sometimes a neurologist is needed for a proper diagnosis.

• Canine Neurologists

Your local veterinarian may also conduct specific tests to assess the dog’s visual capacity. Examination of the function of the cranial nerves is essential to a diagnosis of the possible causes of blindness. This includes assessing: \

1. the “menace response" (how the dog reacts to a hand or other object being moved rapidly towards its face)
2. the size and symmetry of the pupils
3. the pupillary light reflexes (PLRs)
4. the dazzle, palpebral and corneal reflexes
5. the vestibulo-ocular reflex
6. facial nerve function/facial sensation and
7. motor function of the muscles of the eyes and face.

Your veterinarian can provide you with the details of these various vision tests.

Another common test of vision is to observe the dog in a dark, familiar room in which the furniture has been rearranged. The same test can then be done with the lights on. A blind dog will react the same way in both situations, while a dog with some vision will react more normally when the lights are on.  

When the local veterinarian cannot determine the cause of blindness, she typically will refer the owner and patient to a specialized veterinary ophthalmologist for advanced testing. This might include:

1. electroretinography, to assess retinal function
2. a tap of the cerebrospinal fluid
3. vitreous centesis, with culture, titers and cytologic (cellular) assessment of the sample
4. evaluation of visual-evoked potentials
5. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or 6) computed tomography (CT scan).

A diagnosis of vision impairment or loss should not be taken as a catastrophe or a death sentence. Most dogs normally rely more on their senses of smell and hearing than they do on their sense of sight. As vision fails, a dog’s hearing and smell become even more acute, which usually helps the dog navigate familiar rooms and areas.

I also highly recommend the aide called Muffin's Halo....it lets your dog safely navigate without bumping into things and hurting himself.  Probably one of the best inventions out there for blind dogs! 

Halo for Blind Dogs is a device to help blind dogs transition. This blind dog product offers head protection and is highly recommended by Animal Opthalmologists and Veterinarians worldwide. For Blind Dogs affected by cataracts, SARDS, glaucoma, trauma and diabetes

DT Works Harness & Leash is handcrafted using double-ply nylon, durable and weatherproof. Our Padded Puppy Light dog leashes are perfect for long hikes with your dog.

BLIND DOG White Color Coded Alert Warning
S-M L-XL Buckle Dog Collars (None/Limited Sight) prevent accidents by warning others of your dog's disability in advance.

Primarily used to help blind dogs from getting lost and reduce anxiety. Helps minimize the frequency and severity of collisions. Helps blind dogs regain confidence and to assist in developing a mental map of their environment. Contains proven scents that dogs are best at detecting. 5cc's of path scent oil only. For places where standard Tracerz markers cant be used

BLIND DOG ID TAG
Strong and durable double sided customizable pet ID tags. This product comes with up to 4 lines of personalized text on the back with a max of 20 characters on each line (we can also accommodate addresses and medical information). Each  tag comes with a  ring to attach your tag to your pet's collar.

BLIND DOG leash
Warn others your dog has limited/no sight. 15 Year Guarantee. All products feature durable nylon, anti-corrosion triggers and 'D' rings, and embroidered wording.