My Shih Tzu has pannus and is blind. Can surgery restore her vision?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed
My daughter's 10yr old Shih tzu has been diagnosed with acute pannus by a PDSA vet. Apparently they were told it was too far advanced and the dog was practically blind. Is there any surgery that can be performed to improve the dogs eyesight? We do have an insurance policy for her. Many thanks
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 13th, 2016
The good news about pannus is that it's not painful, but as you've unfortunately discovered, they can lose significant vision, and most of the time the loss is irreversible. Using prednisolone acetate eye drops will hopefully help to keep it from progressing, but there's unfortunately no surgical cure for the disease. Protecting the eyes when outside with Doggles (dog goggles) will help as well. You might consider referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss the disease indepth.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 8th, 2017
Pannus is typically an immune mediated disease in shepherds. You have to suppress the immune system and make sure there are no secodnary bacterial infections. Often times this can take long term medicines to keep it under control. If your current eye drops are helping you can talk to your vet about adding oral medicine to help or adding steriods eye drops in addition to the opt immune ointment. It usually does not require surgery to keep under control
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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