Why do some animals have different colored eyes?

Animals with different colored eyes, also known as heterochromia, is a condition that occurs due to the variation in pigmentation in the iris of the eye. It is not very common among animals and is more prevalent in certain species such as dogs, cats, horses, and cows.

There are different types of heterochromia based on the pattern of discoloration. Complete heterochromia is when an animal has two completely different colored eyes, while partial heterochromia is when only a part of the iris is a different color.

The reason behind heterochromia is due to the amount of melanin, a pigment responsible for the color of the iris. Animals with blue eyes have less melanin in their iris, while animals with brown eyes have more. This means that if an animal has one blue eye and one brown eye, it is likely that the eye with the blue iris has less melanin than the other.

Although heterochromia is generally harmless and has no impact on an animal's vision or health, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as inflammation, injury, or genetic disorders. In these cases, it is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.