Causes of Cataracts:
Cataracts in dogs may develop for different reasons with most cases been inherited. Other causes are listed below.
- 75% of dogs with Diabetes will develop cataracts within months.
- Ocular diseases (eye diseases) may cause a toxic reaction in the eye’s lens resulting in gradual cataracts. Drugs can create the same effect on the eye.
- Trauma to the eye, which has left the lens raptured, may cause cataracts.
- Aging may also cause this condition. Age related cataracts are generally less severe and should not affect the dog’s vision to much.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
-Cloudy pupils are the most visible symptom.
- If the cataracts are caused by Diabetes the dog may drink more regularly and there will be an increased frequency of urinating.
- Trouble navigating (walking into objects, tripping, falling and hesitating to walk)
- Not being able to recognize “familiar” people.
- A less common symptom is vomiting due to dizziness.
Treatment of Cataracts:
There are two main treatments for cataracts in dogs.
The fastest method is through surgery, the cataracts are removed by laser treatment. This helps improve the dog’s vision very quickly but may cause loss in vision later in life due to scaring on the eye.
The second method is to apply eye-drops. You can get non-prescription eye-drops from your vet.
It may take several weeks for the eye to clear but in the long term there is less damage done compared to laser treatment.
Many have had great results using the eye-drops
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