How to Support Your Dog with Advanced Pannus

Supporting a dog with Pannus requires a proactive and informed approach. Pannus is an autoimmune condition where inflammatory cells from the immune system accumulate on the cornea, forming small, raised bumps along with blood vessels. While commonly seen in breeds like German Shepherds and Greyhounds, Pannus can affect any dog and may lead to vision impairment if not carefully managed. In advanced stages, treatment focuses on slowing progression, maintaining comfort, and supporting any loss of vision. Here are several steps you can take to help your dog maintain the best quality of life while managing advanced Pannus.

Consult Your Veterinarian Regularly

Advanced Pannus requires close veterinary supervision to monitor eye health and adjust treatment as needed. Regular vet check-ups are essential for evaluating changes in the cornea, assessing inflammation, and updating the treatment plan if required. Your vet might suggest regular ophthalmic exams to identify new complications early.

If your regular vet doesn’t have access to advanced eye care resources, consider consulting a veterinary ophthalmologist. Specialists in veterinary ophthalmology have specific expertise in managing conditions like Pannus, particularly in advanced cases.

Follow a Consistent Medication Regimen

Medication is crucial in slowing the progression of Pannus. Since advanced Pannus involves chronic inflammation, veterinarians often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, typically steroid or cyclosporine eye drops. These medications reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune response targeting the eye, helping to prevent further damage to the cornea.

For advanced Pannus, your vet may recommend a frequent dosing schedule, which can initially feel challenging to maintain. Setting reminders or establishing a routine can aid consistency, which is key in controlling inflammation. Avoid discontinuing or altering your dog’s medication schedule without veterinary guidance, as Pannus can worsen quickly without proper management.

Protect Your Dog’s Eyes from UV Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) light worsens Pannus symptoms and can accelerate progression. Minimising your dog’s UV exposure is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make. Use UV-blocking dog goggles during outdoor walks or play to provide additional eye protection. Look for options that fit comfortably and allow your dog to see clearly without glare.

Consider walking your dog during times of naturally lower UV exposure, such as early mornings or late afternoons, and avoid direct sunlight at midday when UV levels are highest. This reduces strain on your dog’s eyes and may slow Pannus progression.

Prioritise Regular Eye Cleaning and Monitoring

With advanced Pannus, eye discharge and debris build-up are common and may cause additional discomfort if left unattended. Gently clean your dog’s eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any debris and reduce irritation. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward to avoid pushing particles back toward the eye, and use a separate cloth for each eye to prevent the spread of bacteria or irritants.

During cleaning, take a few seconds to observe any changes in your dog’s eye condition. If you notice increased redness, changes in the colour or size of the cloudy patches, or signs of discomfort, alert your veterinarian as these may indicate a need for treatment adjustments.

Accommodate Vision Loss

Advanced Pannus often leads to partial or complete vision loss. To help your dog navigate safely, make small adjustments around your home, such as:

• Avoid moving furniture frequently as a consistent environment helps your dog learn a mental map of the space.
• Place non-slip rugs if your dog has difficulty seeing floors, as these can provide traction and security.
• Use scents and textured objects to mark key areas, such as near food and water bowls or bedding.
• Train your dog with voice commands, which can help guide a visually impaired dog through new spaces or alert them to potential hazards.

Keep Stress Levels Low

A calm, predictable environment can greatly help a dog with vision impairments feel secure. Try to limit new or overwhelming situations. If visitors are expected, guide them in how to approach your dog, ideally allowing them to speak softly to avoid startling the dog.

If you have other pets, supervise their interactions with your dog, especially if the dog has become more cautious or protective of their space due to vision limitations.

Encourage a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A balanced diet that supports your dog’s overall health may also benefit in managing advanced Pannus. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce systemic inflammation, potentially supporting eye health. Antioxidants, found in green vegetables, berries, and some supplements, can also help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic health issues.

Consult your veterinarian before adding supplements or making significant diet changes, as they can help determine the best options based on your dog’s age, weight, and health.

Keep Activity Levels Moderate

Although vision impairment may reduce your dog’s activity, regular low-impact exercise remains beneficial. Walks, gentle play, and mental enrichment activities, like food puzzles, support both physical and mental well-being without straining the eyes. Stick to familiar walking routes to help your dog feel more confident, and keep them on a lead to reduce the risk of accidents and UV exposure. 

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Managing advanced Pannus can be challenging, but maintaining a calm, positive attitude can help your dog adapt to the changes. Dogs are intuitive and often pick up on stress, so providing gentle reassurance can help them feel at ease. Celebrate small victories and continue creating moments of joy and normalcy in your dog’s life to keep them connected with you and the world around them.

When to Call Your Vet

While you’ll monitor your dog’s eyes closely, contact your vet if you observe any of the following:

• Sudden changes in eye appearance, like increased cloudiness or pigmentation
• Signs of pain, such as excessive tearing, pawing at the eyes, or sensitivity to touch
• Behavioural changes, especially if your dog seems more disoriented or struggles with vision changes

These signs can indicate a flare-up or complication that may require prompt attention.

Final Thoughts

Managing advanced Pannus in dogs requires a blend of medical care, environmental adaptations, and emotional support to ensure a comfortable life. Although it can be a difficult condition to manage, especially as vision declines, a well-rounded approach allows your dog to thrive. Staying in close contact with your vet, managing inflammation through medication and lifestyle adjustments, and fostering a calm, supportive environment can make a significant difference in your dog’s quality of life.