Expert: Jannie Balliett - 3/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a five week old white male boxer. His eyes are blue and are parting to the outside.  Is this normal for his age.  thanks, jamye

ANSWER: I believe that might be a sign of going blind.

White Boxers can be born deaf or go deaf a little later on.

White Boxers can be born blind or go blind a little later on.

White Boxers can be born with no defects and never have defects.

But the odds are greater for deafness.

I would definitely take the little fellow to your vet immediately for an eye checkup.  He is so precious, and if this is the problem, he will need special attention.

Please let me know with a follow-up question-- or email me please.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am following up on the eye of my 3 week old boxer.  I took him to the vet and he said he never seen anything like it.  But he said he is not going blind.  The eyes should correct themselves. I hope so.  He seems to be doing fine.  Thanks for your help.
     Jamye

Answer
Thank you for the follow-up news.

Sometimes, we have weak eye muscles that allow the eye ball to move in unusual positions-- people get glasses to strengthen the eye muscles which eventually correct it.

Boxers can't.

I suppose nature will help correct it for him.

Is your vet a Boxer-savvy vet?

Let me know when it begins correcting itself. I am always interested in our Boxers and their families that ask me questions.