Maltese Eye Conditions (PRA and Corneal Ulcers)

Eye HealthBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Maltese dogs are prone to tear staining, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). If your dog frequently scratches at its eyes or if the eyes appear cloudy, an immediate veterinary ophthalmic examination is necessary.

Why Are Maltese Dogs Prone to Eye Conditions?

A veterinarian examining a Maltese puppy's eyes

Maltese dogs are a small breed that requires particular attention to eye health due to their long facial hair that can cover the eyes and their relatively exposed corneal structure. The cornea is easily damaged by irritants such as eyelashes or hair curling inward, trauma, or abnormalities in the tear film. Additionally, genetic conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), in which the retina’s photoreceptors gradually degenerate, should also be monitored. The key to care is early detection. If your dog frequently rubs its eyes or experiences a sudden increase in eye discharge, it is safest to seek veterinary ophthalmic care as soon as possible.

Top 4 Eye Conditions Maltese Dogs Should Be Cautious About

These are the key eye conditions every Maltese owner should know about.

Corneal Ulcer: A condition where the corneal surface is damaged due to irritation from eyelid hairs or eyelashes touching the eye, or from physical trauma.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary disease in which the light-sensitive cells of the retina gradually degenerate and disappear, leading to vision loss that typically begins with night blindness.

Tear Staining: A condition where tears overflow onto the facial fur, leaving brownish stains. This is often related to structural issues affecting tear drainage.

Entropion: A structural abnormality where the eyelid margin rolls inward, causing eyelid hairs and eyelashes to rub against and irritate the cornea.

Eye Abnormality Signs to Check at Home

If you notice any of the following signs, your pet needs to see a veterinarian for an eye exam.

Frequent eye rubbing or scratching: This can be an early sign of corneal ulcers or a sensation of foreign bodies in the eye.

Squinting with only one eye: This indicates pain and should be treated as an emergency.

Redness and swelling of the sclera (white part of the eye): This may suggest conjunctivitis or uveitis.

Changes in the color of eye discharge: Yellow or green discharge is a sign of bacterial infection.

Bumping into objects in dim light: This can be an early symptom of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

Cloudy appearance of the cornea: This may indicate that a corneal ulcer has deepened.

A guardian gently wiping a Maltese puppy's eyes.

Emergency Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Attention

Maltese dogs are prone to rapid progression of corneal ulcers into corneal perforation (a hole in the cornea) when bacterial infection or persistent self-trauma is involved. If your dog refuses to open one eye at all, if you notice white spots on the cornea, or if there is blood mixed in the tears, seek immediate care at a 24-hour veterinary clinic. In particular, rubbing the face against the floor is a sign of severe pain; ignoring it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Learn More About Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disorder in which the light-sensitive cells of the retina gradually degenerate. According to veterinary ophthalmology research, the genetic forms of PRA in dogs vary widely among breeds and even within the same breed. In Maltese dogs, the specific inheritance pattern and age of onset have not yet been clearly established. The condition typically begins with decreased night vision and may progressively affect daytime vision as well. Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis is possible through genetic testing, and pre-breeding genetic screening is the most effective way to reduce the transmission of this disease across generations.

How Is Corneal Ulcer Treatment Conducted?

Treatment for corneal ulcers varies depending on their depth. Superficial ulcers typically improve within 5 to 7 days with antibiotic eye drops and pain management; during this period, we use fluorescein staining to recheck and ensure proper healing. Deep ulcers take 2 to 4 weeks to heal and require weekly rechecks to monitor for complications or delayed healing. For moderate to severe cases, adjunctive treatments such as systemic anti-inflammatory analgesics and mydriatics (pupil-dilating agents) are often used alongside antimicrobial therapy. Surgical intervention, such as a conjunctival flap procedure, may be necessary for deep ulcers or those on the verge of perforation. To prevent recurrence, it is essential to keep an Elizabethan collar on at all times during treatment and to administer prescribed eye drops at the exact intervals directed.

Daily Care Points for Maintaining Eye Health

A Maltese’s eye health is shaped by small, daily habits.

Trim the hair around the eyes: Trim the hair around the eyes short every two weeks to reduce corneal irritation.

Wipe away eye discharge with lukewarm water: Sterile saline solution for pets is the safest option.

Check the floor where your dog rubs its face: Rough carpets or concrete can increase the risk of injury.

Annual eye exams: After age 7, we recommend having an eye exam every six months.

Genetic testing consultation: If you're concerned about hereditary conditions like PRA, talk to your veterinarian about genetic screening before breeding.

Be Sure to Have Regular Exams for Maltese Hereditary Diseases

Maltese dogs are prone to various eye conditions, including hereditary retinal diseases like PRA, as well as cataracts and glaucoma. When adopting a Maltese, check the eye examination records of the parents. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your dog undergo a basic eye exam (slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure test, and fundus examination) at a veterinary ophthalmology clinic when they turn three years old. These records will serve as a baseline for comparison if any changes occur later, greatly aiding in early diagnosis.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tear stains in Maltese dogs a sign of illness?

In most cases, this isn’t a disease but rather a structural issue where the tear ducts are simply narrow. However, if the eye discharge is yellow or green and has a foul odor, it could indicate a bacterial infection, so a veterinary examination is necessary.

Can PRA in Maltese dogs be prevented?

While genetic diseases can’t be completely prevented, early diagnosis is possible through genetic testing. The most reliable prevention method currently supported by veterinary ophthalmology textbooks is to conduct genetic screening before breeding to determine whether an animal is a carrier.

Can I use eye drops on a Maltese?

Never use human eye drops. Always use only veterinarian-prescribed eye drops, and even if the symptoms are the same, do not reuse previously prescribed medications. Different underlying causes can lead to worsening of the condition.

Can Maltese corneal ulcers recur?

Yes, Maltese dogs are structurally prone to a high risk of recurrence. Even after full recovery, you’ll need to continue trimming the hair around their eyes and scheduling regular check-ups. Any eye that has developed an ulcer once will require careful monitoring for the rest of the dog’s life.

At what age should a Maltese start having regular eye exams?

We recommend annual basic health checkups starting at age 3, and every six months for pets over 7 years old. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet’s eyes, seek a veterinary examination immediately, regardless of age.