A Visible Blood Vessel in a Chinese Crested Puppy's Eyes

A single small blood vessel running across the white of the eye toward the iris is often normal, especially in dogs with lighter eye tissue, and the same vessel in both eyes points that way too. It sits in the conjunctiva or sclera on the surface, not in the vitreous, which is the clear gel inside the eye.

In young puppies, a leftover blood vessel inside the eye from development (persistent pupillary membrane or hyaloid remnant) is another possibility. These are usually seen through the pupil rather than over the white, and many cause no problems.

If the vessel grows, more appear, the eye looks red, cloudy or sore, or she squints, have your vet look. Otherwise, mention it at her next puppy visit so it can be checked with an ophthalmoscope.

See dog eye anatomy.

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