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My dog's eye has white discharge. Is it a cataract or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 10 years and 2 months old | 20 lbs

what is wrong with my dog's eye? Is it a cataract, nuclear sclerosis, or glaucoma? It doesn't seem to bother him but I'm still concerned. If it's glaucoma the eye should probably be removed. it appears to be some kind of goo that won't come off with drops.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 4th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spatsie! From your pictures, the affected area is either with in the anterior chamber or the corneal surface of the eye. It is not the lens so it is likely not nuclear sclerosis or a cataract. With glaucoma the eye is very red, enlarged, and painful. From your picture the sclera (white part of the eye) doens't apear red. Glaucomoa is diagnosed based on measuring the intra-ocular pressure of the eye with a tonopen or other device. My worry is that the white substance is white blood cells (hypopyon) with in the anterior chamber (which can lead to glaucoma). Corneal ulcers, corneal abscesses, uveitis, and systemic illnesses commonly cause hypopyon. The other possibility is a severe corneal ulcer. Spatsie needs to have his eye examined by a Veterinarian. I hope this helps and I wish you and Spatsie the best!

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 5th, 2018

    It would be helpful if you could provide pictures but I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmic specialist in order to examine both the surface and inside the eye with magnification. Eye injuries and infections are common but similar signs can also arise due to glaucoma and internal inflammation or tumours

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