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Cataracts in Dogs
Cataracts are the most common diseases that affect the eyes of dog. There are several different types, signs or symptoms and causes of cataract formation. Almost all breeds and ages of dogs suffer with cataract and some types get cataract more commonly.
Cataract means breaking down or disruption of usual arrangement of lens fibers or capsule. It results in loss of transparency and consequent loss of vision. Cataracts generally appear to get white or blurred appearance found in the lens of eye. Cataract is a usual lens is clear and conducts and focuses light on the retina towards the back of the eye. Cataract in the lens can obstruct the transmission of light on the retina. Cataract may develop fast in just few weeks or gradually in many years, in either one or both eyes.
What are the causes for my pet to get cataracts?
There are many causes of cataracts. Some of them are mentioned here-
- Genetic or inherited types, when the age of onset and severeness differs as per the different breeds of dogs. Breeds like, Cocker Spaniel, Husky, Poodle, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzer and terriers are mostly affected.
- After trauma to eye, in relation with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, nutritional disorders, or other secondary eye diseases
- In old age with nuclear or lenticular sclerosis
- Exposure to some drugs, concentrated microwaves, toxins, radiation, electrocution Varying levels of vision impairment leading to blindness
- With age often after 8 years of life
- Dogs with diabetes mellitus
- In orphan puppies with artificial milk replacer diet
- Trauma
- Inflammation
Signs and symptoms
- White, bluish, gray or color alteration in the eye
- Inclination to bash things
- Hesitation to climb stairs or jump on the objects
- Confusion in unfamiliar environments
- Signs of blindness
- Redness or Inflammation
- Pain and squinting
Treatment
- There is, as such, no medical treatment that is available to reversal cataracts in order to prevent cataracts or shrink cataracts. The cataracts that your dog has inherited or are not made complex by other eye diseases, they can be treated with surgery. Cataracts linked with other eye diseases, for instance inflammation or uveitis cannot be removed. The inflammation is worked under control.
- A veterinary ophthalmologist is the best person to decide if a dog is the right candidate for cataract surgery.
- Treatment has to be brought for the underlying causes, such as diabetes etc.
Home prevention and care
- The dog owner must be attentive enough to have their dogs examined with cataracts early in the course of disease. They must find out whether the cataract is inherited or secondary to the conditions of disease.
- It is crucial to make out whether cataract affects the eye, such as causing redness or glaucoma.
- Early or timely evaluation by a veterinary ophthalmologist makes for the perfect therapy.