Look deep into your Pug's big eyes for any problems on the rise. Learn about uncommon eye conditions in Pugs!

If you are already a Pug parent or are thinking of becoming one there are some important known health issues you should know about .

This section does not replace the veterinary care and you should always seek the advice of a qualified professional.

Please do not let the topics discused here put you of becoming a parent, all breeds have known health issues. Owning a Pug can be one of the most rewarding experiences there can be.

Eyes
The adorable big eyes of the Pug can also be a curse, Pugs are prone to so many eye problems it is almost worthy of a section all by itself! Any Pug worth his salt will stick his face into anything that interest them, unfortunately this means putting there vulnerable eyes in harms way. Running into obstacles as a puppy can be a problem but even in adult hood

Cataracts are Chracterised by Opacities in the lens of the eye. They can be treated by surgery, left untreated they can lead to glaucoma, retinal degeneration or detachment.

Distichiasis, This is a where eyelashes grow from a part of the eyelid which would normally not produce hairs. The extra lashes can rub on the surface of the eye and cause irritation. This condition can cause corneal ulcers or erosions where the hairs touch the surface of the eye and Pigmentary keratitis.

Entropion, An abnormal inward rolling of the eyelid, commonly location in the lower corner of the bottom lid closest to the nose. This condition is thought to be genetic or because of a large heavy overnose wrinkle pushing on the eye lid.

Exposure keratopathy syndrome is the inability to close the eyelids when puggy sleeps.This causes a stripe of pigmentation across the centre of the eye. This condition is also thought to be hereditory or just a breed problem caused by the anatomy of the Pug eye.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry eye), This is caused by insufficient tear production and is characterised by red and painful eye with some discharge.

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is the degeneration of the vessels around the retina. It usually begins with night blindness in younger dogs, their vision progressively deteriorates eventually leading to blindness.

Pannus, is an immunologic eye disease, signs are bood vessels and scar tissue invading the cornea giving the effect of fleshy growth on cornea. Causes are thought to be ultraviolet light an altitude.

Pigmentary Keratitis affects the white surface area of the eyes, it is the result of many factors that irritate or inflame the cornea. Characterised by brown pigmentation spots on the surface of the eye.

Corneal Ulcer is basically a wound on the surface of the eye. Things to watch for is squinting or a bluish cloud on eye. Main causes are injuries, infections, low or no tear production, eyelashes that grow back on them self's to irritate the surface of the eye and i am sure many others but these are the main causes.

I have never heard of a lot of these eye conditions in Pugs. It's great to know what to look out for so you can make sure your Pug is comfortable and able to see at all times!

For more information on Pug eye conditions, visit Pug World.