Strabismus in Dogs: Causes, Breeds & Treatment Guide

If you have ever seen a cross-eyed dog, or a dog whose eyes appear to be looking in two different directions at once, the correct term for this condition is strabismus. It is more common in certain breeds and can be either congenital or acquired.

While strabismus typically isn’t painful and usually does not severely affect the dog’s visual acuity, it changes how they perceive their surroundings, impacting depth perception, distance judgement, and their ability to focus sharply. Early identification and veterinary diagnosis improve management, especially if the cause is injury rather than inherited.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore strabismus in dogs, including causes, breeds at risk, signs to watch for, and available treatment options to help responsible pet owners care for affected dogs.

What Is Strabismus?

Strabismus refers to an abnormal alignment of one or both eyes, commonly called being "cross-eyed." When the eyes point inward towards the nose, this is known as convergent strabismus. When one or both eyes point outward, it is termed divergent strabismus.

The condition involves the eyes deviating from normal coordinated movement. This can be due to muscle imbalance, where one eye muscle is longer, shorter, or weaker, causing misalignment. Sometimes the eyes may even move independently.

Causes of Strabismus in Dogs

Strabismus is often hereditary, passed down when a dog inherits a congenital defect affecting eye muscles or nerves. Dogs with parents exhibiting strabismus are at higher risk, though not all have visibly affected ancestors.

Other causes include:

• Neurological disease such as brain tumours, infections, or hydrocephalus that affect nerve control of eye muscles.
• Injuries or trauma to the head, eye, or muscles controlling eye movement.
• Toxins that cause nerve paralysis, like tick paralysis or botulism.
• Vestibular disease, an inner ear disorder that can disrupt eye coordination for balance.

Breeds Most Likely to Have Strabismus

Although any dog can develop strabismus due to injury or illness, several breeds have a genetic predisposition to congenital strabismus. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce this condition in the gene pool.

Breeds known to be more prone include:

• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Irish Wolfhounds
• Shar Peis
• Akitas
• Golden Retrievers

Dogs showing strabismus or those with affected close relatives should not be bred from to help prevent further inherited cases.

How to Identify Strabismus in Your Dog

Strabismus can range from obvious to subtle. Observing your dog’s eyes regularly will help you notice any changes affecting appearance or eye alignment. Signs include:

• One or both eyes visibly turned inward or outward, appearing uneven.
• Eyes seem to look at different directions simultaneously.
• Difficulty focusing directly on objects.
• Problems with depth perception, bumping into objects, especially in dim light.
• Occasional squinting or eye discomfort, though pain is uncommon.

Diagnosis by Your Vet

If you suspect strabismus, or if it develops suddenly, consult your vet promptly. Diagnosis involves a thorough ophthalmic and neurological examination to determine the cause and rule out other conditions.

Additional tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for infections, toxins, or systemic illnesses.
• Imaging such as X-rays or MRI to examine head or brain abnormalities.

Treatment and Management Options

Hereditary strabismus in dogs is mostly a cosmetic condition with minimal impact on their quality of life, so treatment is often unnecessary. Surgery or other corrections are rarely performed unless there is an underlying cause requiring it.

For acquired strabismus due to injury, neurological disease or infection, treating the underlying problem may resolve the eye misalignment. Treatment plans vary but may include:

• Medication to manage infections, inflammation, or neurological conditions.
• Supportive care and physical therapy for neurological recovery.
• Rarely, surgical intervention for realigning muscles if safe and beneficial.

Where treatment isn’t possible, modifying the dog’s environment to reduce injury risks is important. Ensure there are no sharp corners, low obstacles, or hazardous spots where a dog with poor depth perception could hurt themselves.

Responsible Pet Ownership and Breeding Considerations

If you own a breed prone to strabismus or are a breeder, prioritise your pet’s welfare by avoiding breeding dogs with known eye alignment problems. This helps reduce inherited strabismus and improves overall breed health.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention in eye or neurological health issues can dramatically improve outcomes for affected dogs.

What Is the Prognosis for Dogs with Strabismus?

Most dogs adapt well to congenital strabismus and live happy, healthy lives with normal vision. Acquired strabismus prognosis depends on the underlying cause and response to treatment. Prompt veterinary care improves chances of recovery or effective management.

FAQs About Strabismus in Dogs

Can strabismus cause pain for my dog?

No, strabismus itself is usually painless. However, if it results from injury or neurological disease, associated pain or discomfort may be present, and veterinary assessment is crucial.

Is strabismus correctable surgery recommended?

Typically, surgery is not needed for hereditary strabismus. Surgical correction may be considered in rare cases with trauma where realignment benefits the dog’s function and comfort.

How can I prevent strabismus in my dog?

Responsible breeding to avoid using dogs with strabismus or relatives with the condition is the best prevention. Protect your dog from head injuries and seek prompt vet care if neurological symptoms appear.

Are cross-eyed dogs at a disadvantage?

Dogs with strabismus may have some challenges with depth perception but usually compensate well, especially if the condition is present from birth.

What should I do if my dog suddenly develops strabismus?

Sudden onset strabismus could signal injury or serious health issues. Contact your vet immediately for urgent evaluation and treatment.

In summary, understanding strabismus in dogs helps pet owners provide compassionate care and make responsible breeding choices. Veterinary diagnosis is essential for detecting treatable causes, ensuring the best outcome for your dog’s eye health and quality of life.