It is quite disturbing to see your dog’s eyes rolling back. Maybe they are in a calm position; however, you suddenly notice that 1 of the eyes is whirling. and it does not always mean that they are at risk. However, it can be something serious as well. Only your vet can investigate to get a correct treatment
Entropion or Eyelid Rolling in Dogs could be due to various reasons that include Seizures, third eyelids, injuries, Nystagmus, cheery eyes, Strabismus, Pain, Vestibular disease, strokes, Post effects or Medications and even genetics we will further explain them in detail in the article.
10 Reasons For Dogs Eyes Rolling Back
1) Seizures
A seizure happens because of an abnormality in your dog’s brain. This disturbance many times causes involuntary muscle movement. If your canine is getting frequent seizures, it is known as epilepsy.
During the seizure episode, the canine can show various symptoms like eye rolling back. Other symptoms include aimless staring, shaking, lack of mental awareness, drooling, etc.
It is very difficult to trace a particular cause of the seizure, however, some of the most common causes include toxins, abnormal brain growth, kidney disease, and hereditary disorders.
2) Third eyelid
Most canine owners don’t know this until they see it. You will find a nictitating membrane when you lift your canine’s eyelid while he sleeps. It is white but the colour can change with the breed. This membrane is called the third eyelid. There are many problems that are related to the third eyelid.
Basically, the third eyelid is a shield for your canine’s eye. It protects the eye from mucus, and debris, and helps to fight eye infections. Its gland produces 40% of the tears your canine’s eye produces. The third eyelid is more prone to diseases, infections, and inflammation. This can cause your dog’s eyes to roll back.
3) Eye Injury
Your canine’s eye may roll back because of any eye injury. In most cases, you can blame the third eyelid for the eye to roll back. Any eye injury can cause the third eyelid to show. Eye injuries include scratches or conjunctivitis.
4) Cherry Eye
Cherry eyes can cause your dog’s eyes to roll back. It causes the third eyelid to become cherry red. However, it is more common in pups below 2 years of age. Aged dogs with a specific breed can develop a cherry eye. These breeds include Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles.
5) Nystagmus
It is a condition that causes uncontrolled eye movements. It is a problem associated with the sensory system. There are two types of Nystagmus.
- Pendular Nystagmus – It is a condition where the eyes oscillate back and forth at the same speed and small movement.
- Jerk Nystagmus – It is a condition where the eyes move in 1 direction before a sudden jerk.
6) Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease is caused by an infection in the inner or middle canal of the ear. It causes your canine to lose its balance and move involuntarily up or down. Vestibular disease is caused by various factors like eye infection, any previous injury, metabolic issues, etc.
7) Stroke
Stroke is very rare in dogs. However, it is better to take your canine to the vet immediately when this happens. A stroke happens when the blood supply is stopped in the brain. It is not fatal, but the quicker the dog gets vet care, the better it is.
Some of the most common symptoms canine experiences in stroke include:
- Head movement
- Unusual eye movement
- Weakness
- Loss of body control
8) Medications and Post effects
If your canine is taking tranquillisers or painkillers and you find his third eyelid showing up or eyes rolling back, there is no need to worry. There are many medicines that have strong effects like extreme relaxation or lethargy and your canine should be fine. However, it is essential to note the side effects before giving any medication to your dog.
Your vet will tell you the possible consequences and provide you with the best medications for your canine based on medical history and health condition.
9) Pain or Discomfort
Pain can also cause a dog’s eye to roll back. This pain can be due to injury or pain in internal organs. However, it is difficult to find the exact cause of the pain. After eye rolling back, if you find the following symptoms, then take your canine to the vet.
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Drooling
- Whining
- Weight loss
- Pacing back and forth
10) Strabismus
Strabismus is one of the common causes of your dog’s eyes rolling back. It is similar to strabismus in humans. This causes the canine’s eyes to go in various directions. This is because the eye muscles can’t work together because the brain not being able to take control properly.
Why are my dog’s eyes acting weird?
It is caused by trauma, allergy, or infection. The most common symptoms for these causes include redness of the eyes, discharge, and squinting.
Moreover, your canine may also show other signs like irritation and pain. For instance, conjunctivitis can cause your dog’s eye to act weird. You can treat Conjunctivitis with medicated eye drops that contain anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
What does a dog stroke look like?
Here are some most common signs of stroke in canines-
- Circling
- Unusual eye movements
- Loss of balance
- Head tilt
If you find your canine having a stroke, just take him immediately to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
What does a dog seizure look like?
In some dogs, a seizure looks like your dog is having dazed eyes or is unsteady on its feet.
Canines can also hide, stare off into space, or get confused. Even if you are noticing continuously, you may not catch any uncommon thing before your canine gets a seizure.
What causes rapid eye movement in dogs?
One of the most common causes of rapid eye movement in dogs is Nystagmus.
It is caused when there is a problem in the brain or ear called vestibular disease.
What are the signs of a stroke in dogs?
The most common symptoms of a stroke in dogs
- Seizures
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Unusual eye movements
- Loss of body control
- Moving in circle
What does a seizure look like in a dog?
Seizures in dogs look like this-
- Stiffening
- Drooling
- Foaming
- Tongue chewing
- Jerking
- Chomping
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle twitching
- Collapsing
Canines can fall and make paddling motions. Moreover, sometimes they pee or poop during the seizure. Also, they are not aware of their surroundings.
What causes a dog’s eyes to roll back in its head?
Eyelid rolling in canines happens because of genetics. Moreover, it can also happen when the dog gets old or if the dog has an existing eye problem.
Why do my dog twitch and my eyes roll back when sleeping?
This is because of dreams. There are 3 stages of dreams in dogs.
- NREM – Non-rapid eye movement
- REM – rapid eye movement
- SWS – short-wave sleep
During the REM phase, many canines twitch, paddle, bark, or shake in sleep.
Final words
In conclusion, I would say that dogs eyes rolling back is a scary-looking condition. There are many medical issues that can cause eyes rolling back in your dog. The most possible causes include low blood sugar levels, seizures, toxins, low blood pressure, vestibular diseases, stroke, and cardiovascular issues.
It is best to ask the vet for help as soon as possible. Proper treatment can help your dog’s eyes to get normal.
I hope you enjoyed the article. I will be back soon with more important and interesting pieces of writing. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.
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