Hyphema (Blood in the Front of the Eye) in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

(Photo: Kateryna Kukota/Getty Images)

Hyphema in dogs is a medical condition in which blood makes its way into the anterior chamber of the eye. The condition appears with a number of symptoms, including a generalized redness of the eye area and visible blood clots in the eye.

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Blood in the front of the eye can also indicate a debilitating underlying condition.

If you see any signs of blood in your dog’s eye or eyes, then you should consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of hyphema in dogs.

Symptoms Of Hyphema In Dogs

Hyphema in dogs can show a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Visible blood in the eye
• The eye becomes red or cloudy
• Increased eye pressure
• Lesions on the cornea
• Persistent squinting or closing of the affected eye

Causes of Hyphema in Dogs

There are a number of possible causes of hyphema in dogs. Some of the most common causes are:

Additionally, blood in your dog’s eye could indicate a serious underlying, life-threatening condition, so it’s always important to see your vet if you see any of the aforementioned symptoms in your dog.

Veterinary Treatments

If you suspect your dog is developing hyphema, your vet will want to perform a complete physical exam. They send blood tests to a lab for analysis and may recommend X-rays and ultrasounds.

Your vet will also ask about your dog’s medical history and other symptoms that may indicate a secondary or underlying condition.

When it comes to treatment, it’s important to try to reduce any inflammation in the eye area and address any underlying causes of the condition. Vets may use different types of eye drops — including eye drops containing atropine and corticosteroids — as part of the treatment process.

In general, vets often recommend that dogs undergoing treatment limit the amount of exercise they take. This is in case blood clots are present. In addition, you may need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from further irritating the affected area around the eyes.

Has your dog ever suffered from hyphema? How did your vet help your dog recover? Tell us all about it in the comments below.