Blood in Both Eyes in a Jack Russell With Lymphoma
by A reader
Recently, I notice he appeared to have little to no vision. A visit to the vet revealed blood in both eyes probably related to lymphoma.
The question I have is what can we do to try to resolve the blood issue. Sometimes he can see and at other times no.
I'm sorry about his diagnosis. Lymphoma can affect the eyes directly, with cancer cells inside the eye causing inflammation (uveitis) and bleeding, and it can also lower platelets or thicken the blood, which leads to bleeding in the eyes. Either can make vision come and go as the blood moves or settles.
The bleeding usually only settles if the lymphoma itself is brought under control, together with anti-inflammatory eye drops to calm the eye. Please ask your vet to measure the pressure inside his eyes, because blood and inflammation can cause glaucoma, which is painful and can permanently take sight. A blood test for platelet count is also worth asking about.
Lymphoma usually responds best to chemotherapy, and many dogs handle it well, with good quality of life. If you haven't already, a consultation with a veterinary oncologist can explain the options and what to expect. Watch for squinting, a cloudy or bulging eye, or pawing at the eyes, and get him seen quickly if they appear.
See lymphoma in dogs and red eyes and blood in the eye.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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