My dog's eye has a blue film. Is it cataracts or another issue?

Question

I think Siggy is developing cataracts, he seems to have a bit of film on one eye that looks blue in the light. Is this a sign or cataracts and is there any treatment? Pet's info: Dog | American Eskimo Dog | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 1 month old | 31 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Cataracts normally appear as cloudiness of the pupil only - this is the black part of the eye in the center, inside the iris. So the surface of the eye should look normal, but the black part may look cloudy. What you are describing - a bluish "film" on the surface of the entire eye - sounds more like some type of problem affecting the cornea. This can be a sign of glaucoma, or some other problem such as corneal dystrophy. Cataracts can be treated surgically if this ends up being the problem, just as in humans. Glaucoma can be treated medically with eye drops in some cases, while other affected dogs may need surgery for this problem as well. I would recommend taking Siggy to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - your vet should be able to narrow down the possibilities based on the appearance of the eye, and can also do some testing if needed to make a definite diagnosis and see what can be done to treat the problem.

My dog's eye has a blue film. Is it cataracts or another issue?

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