What does strabismus indicate in dogs?

Strabismus refers to a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In dogs, this abnormal positioning can manifest as one eye turning inward, outward, upward, or downward, which signifies that the ocular muscles controlling eye movement are not functioning normally. This misalignment can result from various underlying issues, including neurological disorders, injuries, or congenital defects.

Understanding that strabismus specifically indicates an abnormal positioning of the eye helps differentiate it from other ocular conditions. For instance, a widened or narrowed pupil reflects different anatomical responses, often related to light conditions or neurological function but does not denote misalignment of the eyes. Similarly, variations in pupil size are characteristics of certain medical phenomena like anisocoria but again do not correlate with eye positioning. Thus, identifying strabismus clearly emphasizes the importance of assessing the alignment and coordination of the eyes in canine patients.