TL;DR: Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, is a serious medical emergency in dogs indicating potential liver failure or toxin ingestion that requires immediate veterinary attention.
What causes jaundice and yellowing of the eyes in dogs?
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, medically known as icterus or jaundice, occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver cannot process it, the gallbladder is obstructed, or red blood cells are being destroyed too quickly, the pigment leaks into the tissues, causing a visible yellow tint in the eyes, gums, and skin.
Should I take my dog to the vet immediately if their eyes look yellow?
- Urgency Level: High. Yellowing of the eyes is a significant clinical sign that requires immediate veterinary intervention.
- This condition cannot be treated at home or monitored for improvement.
- Jaundice often signals life-threatening issues such as liver failure, toxin ingestion, or severe infectious diseases.
- Because these conditions can progress rapidly, you should contact an emergency animal hospital immediately.
How does taking a photo of my dog's eyes help the veterinary triage process?
- Providing a high-quality photograph of your dog's eyes in clear, natural lighting is a vital tool for the triage team.
- A photo allows medical staff to visualize the intensity of the yellowing and prioritize your dog's case based on severity.
- This visual data ensures the clinic is prepared for your arrival and can expedite life-saving diagnostics.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the whites of the eyes, can result from hyperbilirubinemia in dogs. Common causes of hyperbilirubinemia include increased hemoprotein liberation (e.g., hemolytic anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, body cavity hemorrhage), bile duct occlusion, or ruptured biliary tract. Extrahepatic infection and sepsis can also cause cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia, with increases in serum bilirubin ranging from moderate to marked, while increases in liver enzyme activity remain modest; this has been seen in dogs with leptospirosis and sepsis. Bilirubinuria can be detected in healthy dogs due to their ability to conjugate bilirubin in renal tubules; however, bilirubinuria in cats is always abnormal and should be investigated.
Chapter: Infectious Disease
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 455)