Cat Eye Care - Diagnosing Cataracts As Part Of Your Cat Eye Care Program

A solid cat eye care program includes understanding the impact of some cat eye disorders on your cat's eyesight. Cataract problems are relatively rare in cats and are usually related to complications from diabetes. Some breeds inherit a tendency for developing cataracts: Birmans, Himalayans, Persians and British Shorthairs. The incidence is low and the cataract tends to remain small, often small enough to be ignored.



Of those cataracts that do cause or threaten blindness, many are treated with surgery. If blindness does result from an inoperable cataract, your feline should live a safe life if she is kept indoors. The cataract itself is not painful.



Recognizing Problems



It pays to catch the problem early. A long-term cataract is denser and harder to remove with longer surgeries tending to involve more complications. A cat owner should suspect a problem and seek veterinary attention whenever the eye appears different than it usually does.



Don't just think your cat's eyes are getting older when you notice a distinct disparity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size. These changes indicate a real problem.



Causes



Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in cats. The second most common cause is an inflammatory disease, like uveitis. You can readily recognize the signs of uveitis: the eye color changes, the surface of the eye is roughened and the pupil becomes smaller. This condition is painful to your cat. He may squint, have watery eyes, and eyelid spasms.



The most common causes of uveitis are the feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, or feline immunodeficiency virus. Early treatment of the cause can prevent a cataract or minimize the effect of one that has already formed.



Another cause of cataracts is an eye trauma. If your cat's eye is punctured in a cat fight or other incident and the outer layer of the lens is damaged, your veterinarian may talk with you about removing the lens. This is because damaged lenses tend to develop cancer in cats. Removing the lens negates the chance of cancer.



Treatment



Cataracts that go untreated can lead to glaucoma, which is a painful disease. If your cat's eyes look cloudy, watery, squinty or just don't look normal, it's time for a visit to your veterinarian. If uveitis is suspected, your veterinarian might run tests for the underlying causes and prescribe a medicated eye drop to bring the inflammation under control. If a cataract is formed or there has been eye trauma, you will probably be referred to an eye specialist, a veterinary ophthalmologist.



Surgery



Just because a cataract is present, it does not necessarily mean surgery. The size and location of the cataract are factors in treatment. If the cataract is large or very dense, then complications can be controlled with medications.



It is completely reasonable to expect your cat to have a good life even if he becomes blind. Keeping him indoors helps protect him as well as keeping things in the same place so he can learn the paths to his toys, litter box, food and favorite areas. Keep the lights dim helps him see better with what eyesight he has left.



A puncture to the eye lens or larger congenital cataracts are more likely candidates for surgery. Some cat owners forego cataract surgery that is caused by uveitis. Uveitis already causes inflammation to the eye, so surgery can just lead to more inflammation, complications and pain.



Other Considerations



The pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups run from $1,500 to $3,000. Then there is the post-op medication. Opting for a small monthly cat health care insurance program helps with the financial burden. It certainly reduces the necessity of a cat eye care decision based upon limited financial resources.



Cataracts in cats are rare. As part of your cat eye care program, take a few minutes to check out your felines eyes. If you notice cloudiness, watery eyes, squinting or a significant change in your cat's eyes or navigation, look to your veterinarian for cat eye care guidance. Not all cataracts warrant surgery. A blind cat can lead a normal, happy life indoors and with proper eye medications.

Canine Cataracts - Understanding Cataracts in Dogs

Canine cataracts are one of the most commonly occurring eye conditions in dogs. Cataract is a condition that refers to the opacity or blurriness of the lens in the eye. Cataracts can affect a part or the whole lens. It is a progressive condition that starts as incipient cataract which is a mild condition, and if untreated it gradually advances to immature and mature cataract which is a severe case of this condition. Cataracts in dogs can result in total loss of vision if it is not treated properly and in time.



All dogs are susceptible to cataracts regardless of their age, gender and breed. Cataracts in dogs advances gradually, affecting their abilities right from the instant they develop this condition. There are no known vaccinations yet for canine cataracts and can only be treated once it develops.



Causes



Causes for cataracts in dogs can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cataracts are genetic in nature and usually affect both eyes. While this condition can be present at birth in some breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, in others it can develop anytime during the first few weeks of their lives. Old age can also cause cataracts and is referred as senile cataracts. It usually develops in dogs that are six years or older.



Causes for acquired cataracts include diabetes, previous injury, trauma, imbalance in the metabolism of the lens in the eye and nutritional deficiencies. Cataracts caused by trauma often affect only one eye, while other forms of the condition can affect both eyes.



Symptoms



The most prominent symptom of canine cataracts is white or cloudy eyes. Other symptoms include swelling, redness and pain around the eyes, squinting, reluctance to explore new territories, marked hesitance to climbing stairs, constant bumping into things and decrease in activities like jumping.



Treatment



The most effective treatment for cataracts in dogs is surgery, especially if the condition is severe. The procedure has to be done only by a licensed pet surgeon as it requires anesthesia and incisions. However, even surgery cannot always guarantee complete restoration of vision.



Cataracts surgery is called phacoemulsification and involves removal of the opaque or affected lens and substituting it with an artificial lens. In some cases, sutures might be needed to support the inserted lens. Depending on various factors the recuperation time can be anywhere from a few days to more than six weeks.



However, to undergo this surgery, dogs have to be fit and healthy. Dogs with other conditions like unregulated diabetes are not considered as suitable candidates for surgery. Unfortunately, there are no other known treatments that are as effective for cataracts. While surgery cannot restore vision in all cases, it can definitely help to improve it.



Fortunately, cataract surgery is most often 90 to 95% successful. In some cases the procedures do not give the desired results because the cataracts are so severe that pet surgeons are not able to do much to reverse the condition.



It is important for you to understand that cataracts in dogs are a gradually advancing disease that can be reversed if diagnosed in early stages. Regular eyes exams can help in early detection and if diagnosed make sure that appropriate treatment is given to reverse the condition.

Canine Diabetes and Cataracts in Dogs - Can You Stop Your Dog From Going Blind?

It just doesn't seems fair. Your doggie companion has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, and now he's having trouble with his sight. Unfortunately, cataracts in dogs are extremely common in dogs with diabetes. In fact, most canine diabetics will develop cataracts within a year of being diagnosed with this disease.



Basics Of Cataracts



A cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. Since it's no longer transparent, the person or animal affected can no longer see through it. The result is blindness.



Cataracts are common is dogs. They can occur at any age, and in any breed, although most often they're seen in older dogs and in dogs with diabetes.



Why do Diabetic Dogs get Cataracts?



All cataracts develop in the same way, whether the pet has diabetes or not. The lens in your pet's eye is normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of the body. There is a delicate balance between water and protein, which ensures that the lens remains clear.



If this balance is upset, more water is absorbed into the lens, which causes it to become cloudy and opaque. When diabetes strikes, the blood sugar levels rise all over the body. Glucose in the eyeball is absorbed into the lens. In turn, this causes the lens to absorb more water, which causes the cloudiness and vision loss in cataracts.



This can happen very quickly, even in as short a time as a few weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.



How Are Cataracts In Dogs Treated?



Cataracts are treated with surgery. Most canines who have cataract surgery regain their vision. If you decide not to have the surgery, your pet will become blind.



Believe it or not, blind dogs do very well. It's usually more of a problem for the owner than it is for the pet. Blind dogs adjust quickly, and can live long, happy lives. You will need to have your vet monitor your pet's eyes to prevent any other complications.



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



Bilberry has a long history in folk medicine an an herb that can stop, or even reverse, the formation of cataracts. Scientific studies show that bilberries, a close relative of blueberries, contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging the eyes.



Would a remedy that contains bilberries help prevent blindness from cataracts in dogs? It just might. In any case, it wouldn't hurt to try it, especially if bilberry is combined with goat's rue, astragalus, fenugreek, and chromium, which have been proven to lower blood glucose levels in pets.



It's essential to purchase a remedy made by a company that formulates only the safest and most effective natural pet remedies. You'll want to know your companion is receiving the right combination of herbs that will naturally regulate his blood glucose while protecting his eyes at the same time.



Don't wait any longer. While it's still fresh on your mind, learn more about how natural remedies for dogs can protect your diabetic pet's eyes.

Canine Diabetes - Will Your Dog Go Blind From Cataracts in Dogs?

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.

Cataracts in Dogs - Signs, Symptoms and Solutions

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!