Dog's sudden vision loss: what causes them if tests are normal?

An MRI is useful to determine if Smodge is having seizures caused by a primary issue with the brain. This would be caused by a number of considtions for example a mass, or fluid changes within the brain. These conditions would be visible on the MRI scan. MRI scans are rarely if ever stopped, as the animals underlying the MRI are sedated so they do not move and interrupt he process. As well as to protect them from stress. If you do not wish to have the MRI performed you can ask your vet to try medical treatment for the seizures. If you take this route you won't know the precise cause of the seizures, but Smudge will still be receiving care. Some seizures are cause by idiopathic epilepsy and this would not be visible on an MRI, but it is a diagnosis reached when no other cause of the seizures can be found. If the MRI comes back clear, idiopathic epilepsy would be the most likely diagnosis. Medical treatment would then be started. I hope that is helpful information. Happy to help more in a consult or if you want to post any further questions in the forum.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss of Bert! It's always very hard to lose a pet, especially due to an unknown illness. Unfortunately, it's impossible to say what might have happened as these are very vague symptoms that could be caused by many different things. He may have had some type of serious systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, a neurologic problem of some kind, or may have ingested something toxic. The only way to know for sure what caused his death would be to have an autopsy done, called a necropsy in animals - but if he passed last week, it's likely too late to have this done now. If he was treated by a veterinarian before he passed away, you could ask him/her if they have any idea what might have been wrong based on his physical exam and any testing that was done. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Should the eye ointment not make a difference in his loss of vision, I suggest you take Izzy back to the vet for a recheck. there are quite a few causes of blindness possible. Ask your vet about testing for tick diseases. we do sometimes see dogs with an ehrlichia canis infection that temporarily go blind. It also may be that she was slowly going blind over the past few years and now finally is totally blind and you just did not notice it before. THis is difficult, but dogs are great. They can get used to being blind easily, and have a few more senses with which they can "see".

I am so sorry to hear that Lady bug is still not well despite numerous tests and x-rays. Some pets have underlying disease that evades detection with preliminary tests like CBC/Chemistry/Electrolyte analysis and Radiographs; which is why we have more advanced imaging tests available such as MRI/CT scan and an gastroesophageal scope. You mentioned that the vet recommended scoping your poor baby to help determine the underlying cause. The scope is highly effective at detecting injury to the mucosal linining of the esophagus, stomach and intestines (when rectal scoping done). If that is what is recommended based on your complete history and lab findings through your vet, then I would say it is worth considering. Feel free to request a private consultation with either myself or another expert here if you wish to discuss Lady Bug's case in detail. I am sure there are lots more information that you can relay to us so that we both have a better understanding of what is all going on with her. Even normal lab findings can rule out certain disease processes, so it is best to review her entire case history when making any further recommendations on her care moving forward.

It sounds like Smudge is having issues with her vision. I would recommend that she be checked out by a vet to test this and see what could be the cause. There are many, many potential causes, including high blood pressure, tick disease or other infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, cataracts, among others. A vet will do a thorough physical exam, medical history review, and ocular exam. They may need to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who may be better equipped to asses Smudge’s vision.

Dogs can develop blindness secondary to disease of the brain (central), eye (peripheral) or secondary to systemic disease such as elevated blood pressure or Cushing's disease. If she is able to see now, she may not have been truly blind before or just had trouble seeing at night. A full examination would be needed to help to determine the underlying cause. In the meantime, observe her closely and make notes including changes in behavior, bumping into things, changes in eyes, changes in urination or defecation, appetite and take this information with you to your veterinary appointment.

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that Riley is having this problem. I suggest you take him for a second opinion with a board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist. An MRI is not a bad idea but I think there are other less expensive tests that may be more applicable to run first like more extensive bloodwork to check for endocrine diseases, tick borne diseases, etc. Also, if he only had plain film X-rays, a contrast study might be a good idea. I suggest you ask your vet for a referral to a specialist in your area. Hope this helps. Best wishes.