Cataract in Dog"Cataract in dog is most often an inherited condition that causes cloudiness to form on a lens in the eye. This reduces the eyes ability to focus light and see. The only viable treatment option is surgery." In this condition the inner lens of the eye becomes cloudy partially or completely blocks light from getting to the retina. Cataracts can appear in small spots, a haze across the lens or white streaks. It can cover a small area and then spread over a larger surface. The disease appears to progress faster in younger dogs. How fast it spreads is unpredictable. Cataract in dog can start in only one eye or impact both. The condition is either inherited (see breeds below), from diabetes, due to injury to the eye or from inflammation. There is also evidence that artificial puppy milk might play a role. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. The disease can also trigger glaucoma and scarring in the eye (from allergy to the cataracts). Picture of Cataract in Dog Eye
Diagnosis of Dog Eye CataractsCanine Cataract diagnosis starts with a complete eye examination to determine if treatment will help the eye. If it would, then surgery is used to remove the cataract and restore vision. Post operative treatment involves continuous use of eye drops (multiple times daily for 6 weeks). 90% of dogs that undergo cataract surgery have a successful outcome.Breeds With High Incidence of Dog CataractsCocker SpanielPoodle, Husky Schnauzer Golden Retrivers Labrador Retrivers Terriers Treatment of Dog CataractsThe primary method of treatment is surgery in one or both eyes designed to remove the cataract since there is no other known treatment option.Surgery for Dog Cataract SurgeryOnce blindness sets in to one eye and if it starts in the other eye, then surgery in both eyes is called for. It has been performed successfully on dogs between the ages of 6 months ot 18 years (assuming your dog is in good health).After surgery, you will have to administer eye drops into your dogs eyes for several weeks. During the first 6 weeks drops need to be given multiple times per day. Dog Medicine for CataractsIn the case of diabetes, drops called aldose reductase inhibitors have shown some success in slowing the progression of the disease if caught early enough.There is some controversy around eye drops called Oculvet which claim to treat canine cataracts. This treatment is expensive ($91 per bottle) and the scientific evidence that it works is still under debate. SourcesKetring, Kerry DVM, Veterinary OphthalmologistACVO From Cataract in Dog to more information on Dog Eye Problems and Health |
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