3/15/2013

If your canine companion has developed diabetes in dogs, he faces the threat of going blind. Cataracts in dogs are an unfortunate side effect for dogs with diabetes. Is there anything you can do to help him?



Why Are Cataracts In Dogs A Problem for Canine Diabetics?



This is only one of many problems that happen when glucose levels in your pet's blood become too high. In a nutshell, this is what happens. The lens of your pet's eye is a hard, clear structure that's normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of his body. Your pet's body is 98 percent water, but the lens of his eye has a moisture level of only 66 percent.



When blood glucose levels get too high, there's also excess sugar in the fluid inside your pet's eyeball. Since the lens receives all its nutrients from this fluid, this means the sugar levels in the lens go up, as well. The lens absorbs more moisture to try to balance these levels.



Unfortunately, as the lens absorbs extra moisture, it becomes cloudy and opaque, so your pet is no longer able to see through it. When this happens, your pet will go blind.



This can happen very quickly, often in a matter of weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.



Is There Any Hope?



After your pet's blood sugar levels are stabilized, surgery can be performed on your pet's eyes. Usually it takes about three months before the operation can be done. Cataract surgery in canines usually has a good outcome, as over three-quarters of dogs operated on regain their sight.



This operation is quite expensive, though, and not everyone is able to afford it. It's awful to realize that your beloved pet is blind, but don't despair, as blind dogs adjust quickly. Usually the owner is more upset over it than the pet is. A blind dog can live happily for many years, although your vet will have to monitor his eyes to be sure no more complications develop.



Can Natural Remedies For Dogs Protect Your Pet's Vision?



Pet owners often want to know if bilberry can protect their pet's eyes. Bilberry has a reputation in folk medicine as an herb that can prevent the formation of cataracts. Some herbalists go so far as to say that bilberry not only slows down the progression of cataracts, but can reverse them as well.



Studies have shown than bilberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that damage the eyes. Bilberries are a close relative of blueberries, and they're perfectly safe for your pet.



A natural pet remedy is now available that contains bilberry, combined with the herbs goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium. This remedy can help to regulate glucose levels in dogs with diabetes while protecting their eyes at the same time.



Now that you know how natural remedies for dogs can be used to treat canine diabetes, you'll want to learn more right away, so you can keep your pet healthy and maybe even preserve his vision as well.
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