What is Hyphema?
These sudden types of hyphema may be caused by many things such as glaucoma, retinal tears, or uveitis. There are several different ways this disorder may present itself such as tiny blood clots in the eye, a redness of the entire eye, or several layers of recurrent hyphema which shows as purple and bright red areas. Hyphema may be just an annoyance or a severe debilitating condition, depending on the cause and severity. Some of the secondary complications are adhesions, permanent blurred vision, and blindness.
Even if your dog’s eye is only a little bit red and does not seem to be painful or affecting vision, it could be a sign of an underlying disorder. For example, your pet may have high blood pressure or a clotting disease such as Von Willebrand’s Disease, hemophilia, or thrombocytopenia. If your dog has blood or discoloration in the eye, you should see a veterinary professional as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.
Hyphema is a hemorrhage in the eye between the cornea and the iris that causes the area to fill with blood. This condition usually occurs because of an injury but may happen spontaneously.
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Symptoms of Hyphema in Dogs
The symptoms of hyphema are varied, depending on the cause. However, some of the most common are:
- Redness in the eye
- Cloudiness of the eye
- Pool of blood in the iris or cornea
- Squinting (blepharospasm)
- Eye pain
- Keeping eye closed
- Vision loss (bumping into objects)
Types
- Traumatic hyphema is a condition caused by an injury to the head or eye
- Secondary hyphema may be caused by many different diseases and disorders
Causes of Hyphema in Dogs
- Trauma
- Uveitis (inflammation of the eye)
- Intraocular neoplasia (tumor)
- Retinal detachments or tears
- Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Coagulation factor abnormalities
- Platelet disorders such as leukemia, anemia, lymphoma, and blood loss.
- Hyperviscosity
- Congenital ocular anomalies
- Anterior segment neovascularization
- Glaucoma
- Lungworm
- Rat poison ingestion
Diagnosis of Hyphema in Dogs
It is important to have your pet checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect hyphema because it could be a sign of a secondary condition that may be serious. In fact, it may be an early symptom of an illness that could be life threatening, so it is best to get it checked out. The veterinarian will need to discuss your dog’s medical history and recent vaccination records. Be sure to let the veterinarian know if you have given your pet any medication or supplements of late because some products can mimic or mask symptoms and affect the treatment plan.
A comprehensive physical examination will be done including checking your dog's reflexes, pupil reaction time, mucous membrane color, blood pressure, respirations, and breath sounds. In addition, the veterinarian will do a detailed optical assessment and run some diagnostic tests. Some of these tests will include a fluorescein stain test, tonometry, ocular ultrasound, Schirmer tear testing, cytology, x-rays, and slit lamp examination. Laboratory tests may include a urinalysis, fungal and bacterial cultures, and additional blood marker evaluation to investigate secondary causes.
Treatment of Hyphema in Dogs
The treatment depends on what is causing the hyphema and how severe it is. For example, if your dog had an eye injury and there are no other complications, there may be no need to treat the eye because it will go away on its own. For other causes of hyphema, the underlying problem has to be treated.
Ulceration
Treatment usually includes antibiotic drops, topical atropine, and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Your dog may need to wear a cone to prevent rubbing. If there is an underlying cause of the ulceration, such as Dry Eye, this will need to be treated as well.
Glaucoma
To treat glaucoma, prostaglandin, mannitol, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor may be prescribed. Surgical options include laser cyclophotocoagulation, anterior shunts, evisceration, or enucleation.
Uveitis
Topical atropine, prednisone drops, NSAIDs, or systemic steroid cream may be used.
Intraocular Neoplasia (tumor)
In this case, the tumor will need to be removed, which typically means enucleation of the eye. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may be used in some situations.
Systemic Hypertension
If your dog is found to have high blood pressure, beta blockers or ACE inhibitors may be prescribed. The veterinarian will also want to look into the cause of the hypertension.
Other Causes
Other causes of hyphema will require further examination and possibly a visit to a specialist. Your veterinarian will refer you to who you need to see.
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Recovery of Hyphema in Dogs
After treatment, you may need to keep your pet in a crate or a small room to prevent accidents. Exercise will be limited; each case will be individually assessed as to when to return to normal activity. In some instances, eye drops or medicated ointment will be required on a daily basis during the recovery period or longer. Return for follow up must always be adhered to, per the veterinary team’s recommendations.
Hyphema Average Cost
From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$750
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Hyphema Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
snowy
6 Years
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I have a six year old lab who use to be really active and loved running and playing fetch.
About four weeks back he was hurt in his right eye while playing ball. Two days after that he started bumping into things after which, we rushed him to a nearest vet where he was diagnosed with corneal opacity and was treated for the same for next three weeks but during this time his condition continued to worsen since by now his eyes started to appear first marble like and then red, also now he didn't want to move at all and preferred to sleep al the time.
After that we changed the vet, where we were told that he's got Hyphema and was prescribed Xalacom and further asked to get his blood test, urine culture, head X-ray, CT scan and stomach and chest ultrasound done. Which we did and found out that he had tic fever, enlarged liver, 5.5 HB and platelet count at 61k. Upon further questioning by the vet we realised our pet had been on the slump side of his energy levels since many months before he got injured, though his food intake had not been yet affected. Further we were told that he had a dormant Tic virus in his blood and because of the trauma of eye injury it may have triggered haemorrhaging in his eyes.
As of now we are giving him medication for tic fever and to boost liver besides supplements to improve his HB. His platelet count has come up 260K and he is 30% back to his active self. He is due for next round of blood test and LPT in another ten days when we'll know the state of Tic fever and his liver.
But as of now the major concern for us remains his eyes since he still hasn't recovered his vision back. The CT scan report stated- 'No intracranial lesion seen. Note is made of hyperattenuating areas in the posterior chamber of both eyes(? Retinal detachment)'. The vet has asked us to continue with Xalocom eye drop and also start with Genteal eye drop for as many months as possible.
Please advise if there is any other course of treatment for his eyes to recover complete or partial vision And if not then how long before we can expect results with the on going treatment.
Sept. 5, 2017
0 Recommendations
Eye injuries can be unpredictable and many problems may occur secondary to a primary condition. Injuries to the eye may result in retinal detachment, lens luxation, glaucoma among other problems which would need to be assessed regularly with an examination; it is encouraging to see platelet counts increase and for Snowy to be improving, however I cannot give you any assurances that Snowy will regain his sight especially as I haven’t examined him. Long-term vision loss may becomes permanent depending on the underlying primary cause regardless of whether a CT scan is clear; I would advise you speak with an Ophthalmologist for a better evaluation. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 5, 2017
Thank you, will refer to an ophthalmologist.
Sept. 5, 2017
snowy's Owner
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Cockapoo
Junior
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyphema
Redness,
my dog went to the groomers and he came back with "Hyphema" the groomers claim that it was because of stress; I have researched it and there is no where that it says its "stressed"induced. He is more subdue, and is defensive when we go touch him.
Aug. 30, 2017
0 Recommendations
Hyphema is hemorrhaging of blood behind the cornea and may be attributable to many causes including trauma, uveitis (inflammation of iris), glaucoma, clotting disorders, increased blood pressure among other causes. I do not want to use the word trauma because I wasn’t there, but the symptom coupled with behaviour would be indicative of that. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
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Hyphema Average Cost
From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,500
Average Cost
$750
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