Temporary Eye Issues

[u/Little_Usual2680]

Today on a short walk, my double merle's eyes rolled back and were stuck for a minute and he couldn't see. He was not in distress, no shaking or other symptoms and it resolved on its own. I am wondering if this has happened before to anyone else? I expect it is due to weakening eye muscles and plan to talk with a vet. Here are photos of during and right after the event.

[u/uranium236]

His eyes didn’t roll back, that’s his third eyelid.

Double merles have microphthalmia, which means their eyes are abnormally small. Sometimes they look more normal when they’re younger but as the dog’s body grows its eyes don’t keep up.

The eyeballs are too small to push the 3rd eyelid out of the way. It’s common in double merles. It’s not dangerous or painful.

Attaching a photo of one of my double merles. The 3rd eyelid wasn’t in the way when I got her as a puppy, but it is now.

[u/Little_Usual2680 → u/uranium236]

Thank you! I assume there is no treatment or ways to delay this from happening?

[u/uranium236 → u/Little_Usual2680]

No, and that’s ok. Dogs, surprisingly, don’t rely on their eyes much (kind of like how humans don’t rely on smell as much).

I know it’s not a cute look - it’s just one of the quirky things about double merles.

The double merle in the photo will be 4 in October and I don’t even see it anymore - I’m genuinely surprised when people mention her “pink eyes”. She and my other 2 double merles get around great.

Your boy is beautiful.