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A German Shepherd Puppy With Crossed Eyes and Poor Vision

by A reader


Reader Question
So, I recently adopted the cutest german shepherd puppy, who the breeder wanted to find a good home for - instead of euthanising which some people recommended! However, I am questioning the complete blindness of my pup. He is 3 and a half months old, was the runt of the litter... His eyes are crossed outwards, and he seems to try to off set the balance in his eyes with his head (shaking side to side in a rythm fashion) and I am wondering if it is possible, he has double vision. He can't follow your hand movement, but he can detect movement, and can see better close up (REALLY close up). Is it possible, our little guy could have double vision?

And if so, is there a surgery that can help? If not, that's okay of course... I mean day two, we have him going up the stairs by himself, partially potty trained, and walking on a leash! :)

He is the cutest fella - very happy go lucky. I was appalled someone said to euthanise him! If a person is blind, do we eithanise them? No, that isn't humane... How is it humane to a dog, who's other senses make up for the lack of another? I intend to find him a big fenced yard, get him a halter (avoid damaging his neck with a collar!) and perhaps a stiff lead leash, because I know blind or not, he can lead a very good life.


Answer from Our Team

Thank you for giving him a home. Eyes that point outward, a rhythmic side-to-side head movement and poor vision in a young puppy can be signs of a developmental problem of the eyes or brain, such as underdeveloped optic nerves, a retinal problem, or fluid on the brain. The head movement often goes with rhythmic eye movement (nystagmus).

Dogs don't describe double vision, so it's hard to know, but most likely his brain is adapting to blurry or limited vision rather than seeing double. Seeing better very close up suggests he does have some vision. A veterinary ophthalmologist can examine the retina and optic nerve and tell you what to expect. Surgery to straighten the eyes isn't usually done in dogs and rarely improves vision.

Your plan sounds great. A harness, a fenced yard, consistent furniture placement, and using sounds and scents work very well for dogs with poor vision. Many live long, happy lives.

See dog eye problems.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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