Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog pannus: Are eye drops & sunglasses good? When will eyes improve?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | 6 years and 2 months old

Good day, I own a German shepherd dog and she has a disease called "pannus". Her eyes are in a bad shape. We started a treatment with corticosteroid eye drops four days ago and we bought her uv protective sunglasses. I would like to ask if it is a good choice of treatment and when will be the first positive changes. Thank you.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2018

These are good treatments for pannus and it definitely looks like Sora is afflicted with this condition. Unfortunately, pannus is quite difficult to treat and the eyedrops and sunglasses will help to keep it from getting worse, but may not help it get much better. I have seen a few dogs that responded very well to treatment though and had significant improvement. I would not expect it to ever be completely normal again unless surgery was done to remove the black part. Below is a link to an article that has some more helpful information about this condition. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pannus-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Sora.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2017

    I'm sorry your dog has been diagnosed with pannus! The majority of pannus cases respond well to the topical medications. If more aggressive treatment is needed, your dog may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Should her case turn out to be severe, she may need surgery to remove the scar tissues associated pannus to improve her vision.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2017

    The majority of pannus cases respond well to the topical medications. If more aggressive treatment is needed, your dog may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Should her case turn out to be severe, she may need surgery to remove the scar tissues associated pannus to improve her vision.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on March 26th, 2017

    Hi, Immunosuppressive therapy with topical prednisone and cyclosporine are the mainstays of therapy. Ultraviolet radiation and high altitude increase the severity of the disease; therefore, dogs living at high altitudes and very sunny areas are often more severely affected with the disease that is more difficult to control. Doggie goggles may help prevent worsening of disease. Corneal pannus is also responsive to radiation therapy with Sr-90 (Strontium-90). Discuss this option with your veterinarian.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored