A common misconception is that it is normal for old dogs to go blind. This is not true. A blind dog has eye disease! If you suspect your dog has eye disease, prompt veterinary attention is vital.

How can I tell if my dog has Eye Disease.

A healthy eye is open, bright and shiny. But a dog with eye disease will show one or more of the following signs:

* Watery eyes - increased wetness in the eye

* Discharge from the eye - especially if yellow, greenish or bloodstained (a small amount of clear jelly-like mucus at the corner of the eye is usually normal.)

* The dog holds one or both eyes closed or partially closed.

* The dog rubs the eye with it's paw or rubs the eye on the ground.

* The dog bumps into things.

* A change of colour of the eye.

* A change of size of the eye.

* Obvious red veins over the white of the eye.

* Swollen eye lids.

* Hair loss around the eye.

* Crying, biting.

What to do

Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Don't try to treat it yourself. What may look like a simple infection to you may be vision threatening. Leaving it for a few days may be too late.