Because cataracts in dogs are a common problem, let's take a look at several types of cataracts, their causes, and what you can do about them.
What Are Cataracts?
The lens in your dog's eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of his eye, allowing him to see clearly. Cataracts occur when the normally transparent lens becomes cloudy.
Simply put, any spot on the lens that's opaque (meaning you can't see through it), regardless of size, is a cataract. It can affect one or both eyes, causing partial or complete blindness, and it can develop in a matter of days, months or years.
The most noticeable cataract symptom is a white or cloudy look to a dog's eye, sometimes with what's described as a "crushed ice" appearance. You may be able to actually see the spot, or it may only be visible with an ophthalmoscope.
Types of Cataracts in Dogs
Canine cataracts are generally classified as one of four types:
* Congenital cataracts (present at birth) make up the majority of cases. Symptoms can appear in puppies as young as 5 weeks old. The cataracts may develop quickly in just weeks, or slowly over years, and can occur in one or both eyes.
* Developmental cataracts are those that develop early in life. They can either be inherited or caused by problems such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, toxins or infection.
* Senile cataracts are found in dogs over six years of age, though they actually occur much less frequently in older dogs than in older humans.
* Traumatic cataracts develop as the result of an automobile accident, or penetration of a thorn, shotgun pellet, or any other object that damages the lens.
Treating Canine Cataracts
Different types of cataracts require different types of treatment. A small cataract that doesn't affect your dog's vision may not pose a threat, at least for now. But a more mature cataract may require aggressive treatment. Discuss the situation and your options with your vet, who may refer you to a canine ophthalmologist.
When cataracts are caused by diabetes, they can often be treated successfully with eye drops. But most other cases require surgery.
The good news is that cataract surgery for dogs is almost always successful, though it can be rather costly. That's because the procedure and equipment used for your dog are very similar to those used for cataract surgery in people.
Most dogs experience little or no pain after surgery, and can usually go home the same day. You'll need to follow all caregiving instructions carefully in order to ensure your pooch's full recovery.
Various complications can arise following surgery: inflammation, excessive scar tissue, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or bleeding. Your vet will discuss the details with you, and explain what to watch for to minimize such occurrences.
How Will Cataracts Affect My Dog?
It's important to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, having a cataract doesn't automatically mean surgery is required. Don't panic--talk to your vet.
Secondly, even when cataracts in dogs result in complete blindness despite all efforts, animals are able to adapt much better than people. Your dog can still have a good quality of life. And he'll learn to navigate through your house quite easily--as long as you don't rearrange the furniture too often!
What Are Cataracts?
The lens in your dog's eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of his eye, allowing him to see clearly. Cataracts occur when the normally transparent lens becomes cloudy.
Simply put, any spot on the lens that's opaque (meaning you can't see through it), regardless of size, is a cataract. It can affect one or both eyes, causing partial or complete blindness, and it can develop in a matter of days, months or years.
The most noticeable cataract symptom is a white or cloudy look to a dog's eye, sometimes with what's described as a "crushed ice" appearance. You may be able to actually see the spot, or it may only be visible with an ophthalmoscope.
Types of Cataracts in Dogs
Canine cataracts are generally classified as one of four types:
* Congenital cataracts (present at birth) make up the majority of cases. Symptoms can appear in puppies as young as 5 weeks old. The cataracts may develop quickly in just weeks, or slowly over years, and can occur in one or both eyes.
* Developmental cataracts are those that develop early in life. They can either be inherited or caused by problems such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, toxins or infection.
* Senile cataracts are found in dogs over six years of age, though they actually occur much less frequently in older dogs than in older humans.
* Traumatic cataracts develop as the result of an automobile accident, or penetration of a thorn, shotgun pellet, or any other object that damages the lens.
Treating Canine Cataracts
Different types of cataracts require different types of treatment. A small cataract that doesn't affect your dog's vision may not pose a threat, at least for now. But a more mature cataract may require aggressive treatment. Discuss the situation and your options with your vet, who may refer you to a canine ophthalmologist.
When cataracts are caused by diabetes, they can often be treated successfully with eye drops. But most other cases require surgery.
The good news is that cataract surgery for dogs is almost always successful, though it can be rather costly. That's because the procedure and equipment used for your dog are very similar to those used for cataract surgery in people.
Most dogs experience little or no pain after surgery, and can usually go home the same day. You'll need to follow all caregiving instructions carefully in order to ensure your pooch's full recovery.
Various complications can arise following surgery: inflammation, excessive scar tissue, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or bleeding. Your vet will discuss the details with you, and explain what to watch for to minimize such occurrences.
How Will Cataracts Affect My Dog?
It's important to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, having a cataract doesn't automatically mean surgery is required. Don't panic--talk to your vet.
Secondly, even when cataracts in dogs result in complete blindness despite all efforts, animals are able to adapt much better than people. Your dog can still have a good quality of life. And he'll learn to navigate through your house quite easily--as long as you don't rearrange the furniture too often!
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