Seeing blood in your dog’s eye can be alarming! The technical term for this condition is hyphaema and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Let’s explore hyphaema in more detail, including the causes, treatment options and prognosis.
Table of contents
What is hyphaema?
Hyphaema is the term used to describe the blood collection in the front-most part of the eye, as well as any associated inflammation. This region is known as the anterior chamber and is the space between the iris (the coloured area around the pupil) and the cornea (the clear external surface of the eye). The eye will appear to be cloudy/opaque and red in colour. You may also notice small clots too. It may affect just one eye or both.
Your dog may be displaying other clinical symptoms too such as –
- Squinting
- Blindness
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Depressed demeanour
What causes hyphaema?
There are a variety of different reasons why your dog may have hyphaema. These may include –
- Trauma to the eye or head
- Blood clotting issues, leading to spontaneous bleeds in the body (this can occur due to a primary problem with the dog’s clotting mechanisms or due to a toxin such as some rat poisons)
- Cancer in the eye
- Retinal detachment (the back of the eye detaches from underlying support structures)
- Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyeball)
- Uveitis (inflammation of the middle section of the eye, including the iris and ciliary body)
- High blood pressure
- Infectious diseases including leptospirosis
- Tick-borne diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichiosis (this may depend on your dog’s travel history)
- Congenital eye disorders in certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Bedlington Terriers, Springer Spaniels and Border Collies
How is hyphaema diagnosed?
Hyphaema itself is obvious from examination. However, there are a variety of reasons why it may have occurred, so your vet will need to perform a few different tests to gather as much information as possible. In many instances, not all of these tests will be required. Your vet will select the ones that they deem to be most appropriate for your pet and discuss this with you.
Physical examination
Your vet will start by examining your dog to look for clues. For example, if your dog’s gums are pale or bruised this could indicate a clotting issue, or a high temperature could indicate infectious disease. The vet needs to build an overall picture of your dog’s health.
Ocular (eye) examination
An ophthalmoscope (a torch-like tool with an adjustable magnification lens) will be used to examine your pet’s eyes. Your vet may also measure the pressure in your dog’s eye using a tonometer. Other tests could induce a Schirmer tear test (measuring your pet’s tear production) and fluorescein staining (applying a dye to the surface of your dog’s eye to highlight any scratches or ulcers).
Diagnostic imaging
If trauma is suspected then your vet may recommend diagnostic imaging such as radiographs (X-rays) or CT (computed tomography) scan. Ultrasound can also be used to assess the eye itself, looking for tumours or other abnormalities within the globe.
Blood tests
Basic blood tests will usually be performed first, such as biochemistry (organ function, blood sugar etc.), electrolytes and haematology (red and white blood cell numbers). More specific tests such as a clotting profile can be run to check your dog’s blood clotting ability. Blood tests can also be performed for infectious and tick-borne diseases.
Urinalysis
Urine can be screened for things like increased protein levels, which can be an indication of underlying disease.
Blood pressure measurements
Measuring your dog’s blood pressure can check for hypertension.
Your vet may not be able to perform all these tests themselves. They may need to refer your pet to a specialist for a detailed investigation.
How is hyphaema treated?
Treatment for this condition very much depends on what the underlying cause is.
In mild disease processes that are treated promptly, the signs of hyphaema may be reversible. However, in some cases, where the eye has been severely damaged or if the underlying disease is severe, this is not possible. In these cases, enucleation may be required, especially if the eye is painful, non-visual (blind) or has an invasive tumour.
Other treatments for hyphaema could include –
- Ocular medications such as topical steroids to help control inflammation, or treatments specific for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma cases.
- Patients with clotting issues could require transfusion to help increase platelet numbers and clotting factors.
- Systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may be required in cases of trauma or infectious disease.
- Medications to counteract high blood pressure could be needed if hypertension is diagnosed as the underlying cause of the problem.
Will my dog be ok?
Prompt intervention is key. As with all things, the sooner your dog is seen by the vet the sooner the issue can be diagnosed and treated. This will limit damage to the eye and increase the chances of the hyphaema being reversed. Some underlying health conditions are more easily treated than others, however. Your vet will be able to talk you through all of this in more detail depending on their findings.
Summary
Hyphaema is the technical term for blood within the eyeball. This blood is seen to varying degrees in the front of the eye, making it appear red. There are many different underlying reasons why a dog can experience bleeding in their eye, so your vet may need to perform various tests to get to the bottom of it. Early intervention is important, so if you notice that your dog’s eye doesn’t look quite right, then get them checked out straight away.
Further Reading
- Hyphema: Considerations in the Small Animal Patient – PMC
- The Anterior Uvea in Animals – MSD Veterinary Manual
- What is entropion in dogs?
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