Strabismus in Dogs

Strabismus is an eye condition in which the eyes point in the wrong direction, rather than having both eyes pointed forward and parallel to the nose. An inward turning of the eyes is referred to as esotropia, or what most people call cross eyed. An outward turning of the eye is referred to as  exotropia, or walleyed. It is only the direction of the eye that is affected; the position of the eye within the socket remains normal.

Strabismus can be caused by abnormalities in the development of the eye or the muscles of the eye, toxic nerve paralysis, inflammation in the brain, trauma to the eye or the eye muscles, cancer of the brain or the nerves that lead to the eye, or congenital (inherited). In Boston Terriers, strabismus is generally congenital and present at birth.

Strabismus is fairly easy to diagnose but it is not so easy to diagnose the cause. Treatment for strabismus is generally aimed at correcting the underlying cause of the problem. There is unfortunately no way to prevent the condition from developing, but most causes for the disease are not life-threatening.

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