Boston Terriers are part of a group of dogs called brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds have shorter noses and bulging eyes that are not sunken into the face like many non-brachycephalic breeds. Due to the structure of their eyes, Boston Terriers are prone to many eye problems, including infections, ulcers, and cataracts, among others.
As for the organs, the eye is very complicated. To create an accurate view, its components must work together seamlessly. Vision is based on the reception of light. The eye’s lens focuses light signals and transmits them to the retina, which in turn interprets those lights and sends the information to the brain to create a visual image. The lens of the eye is perfectly clear when it is healthy and it must be to function properly. When an eye develops a cataract, part of the lens will cloud over and stop some or all light signals from getting in, depending on the severity of the cataract. Cataracts occur in the lens when the amounts of protein and water become unbalanced.
Cataracts are as unpleasant to see as they are to have. You have probably seen a dog or a person with cataracts. Usually the pupil will look cloudy. Cataracts vary in degree of severity. Some smaller cataracts don’t necessarily interfere with vision, but they can develop and disrupt or ruin the eye’s ability to see. Cataracts can only be treated surgically, which can be extremely expensive. The cataract is removed with an emulsification process, and an artificial lens is usually placed in place of the original, which is also removed. This surgery is difficult to perform, and while its effects are quite good, it may be something you and your pet can’t afford. This is an important thing to consider when choosing an at-risk breed for a new pet.
Corneal ulcers are another problem that Boston Terriers and other brachycephalic dogs are prone to. Corneal ulcers affect only the outer layers, and the cornea is often inflamed. Corneal ulcers can be painful and destructive. The actual ulcer is created when there is a buildup of fluid on the cornea. This fluid will make it impossible to see through the cornea and the outermost layer will eventually peel off. Less severe ulcers can be treated with nothing more than pain control and antibiotics. The most severe cases, like cataracts, will end up in expensive and invasive surgery. Catching a corneal ulcer early is the only way to avoid these costly and depressing scenarios.
Many breeds are prone to inheriting corneal dystrophy, the disorder that causes corneal ulcers. However, brachycephalic dogs are more prone to this than others. Corneal dystrophy can accelerate the development of eye problems such as ulcers and cataracts, eventually leading to blindness. While prompt and early treatment is the best weapon against eye problems, corneal dystrophy is incurable, and ulcers can grow back even after surgery.