Mary Allen
Cataracts in dogs refer to the clouding of the eye lens, which massively restricts the dog’s vision. Here you will find all information about causes, symptoms, and treatment.
SOS: Cataract First Aid Tips – What can I do myself and when do I need to go to the vet?
If you suspect cataracts in your dog, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The first sign is a slight clouding of the lens. As the disease progresses, the dog’s vision gets worse and worse. The sooner the vet gets your dog treated, the better his chances of continuing to see.
Illnesses such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) can also lead to cataracts in dogs. If the dog shows symptoms such as excessive drinking and frequent urination, you should have it checked out by a veterinarian.
What are cataracts in dogs?
Cataracts in dogs are abnormal changes in the lens of the dog’s eye. The lens gradually becomes cloudy. The light or the information can no longer be displayed on the retina and the dog’s eyes appear increasingly grey. As a result, the dog can see less well or even go completely blind. The disease can be congenital or develop with increasing age.
Cataracts in dogs: causes – how does the disease come about?
Cataracts in dogs can have various causes. The disease can be genetic (hereditary cataract). Some dog breeds are more frequently affected by cataracts. Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Husky, Schnauzer, and Afghan Hound are particularly likely to fall ill. However, clouding of the eyes can also occur as a result of a disease (secondary cataracts) such as diabetes mellitus. Inflammation, metabolic disorders, and injuries to the eye can also cause cataracts in dogs. Likewise, the occurrence of the disease is age-related (primary cataracts) possible.
Cataracts in dogs: Symptoms – How do cataracts become noticeable?
The most important symptom of cataracts is the clouding of the lens of the dog’s eye. This is easy to recognize, especially in the advanced stage of the disease, and is reflected in changes in the color of the lens. The lens then appears increasingly bluish-white in color. In the early stages, there are often changes in behavior and orientation difficulties in cats with cataracts. Affected dogs see less in the dark or in poor lighting conditions and will bump into objects.
Cataracts in dogs: Diagnosis – How can cataracts be detected?
The veterinarian can see a cloudy lens in a dog with the naked eye. In order to decide whether it is a pathological change and thus cataracts or whether it is a harmless, age-related change in the lens, the veterinarian examines the eye with a slit lamp (ophthalmological examination).
If the diagnosis is cataracts, the veterinarian will clarify the cause in the next step. So he looks for signs of other diseases that can lead to cataracts and diagnoses them with a blood test.
Cataracts in dogs: history – how dangerous are cataracts in dogs?
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs. Ultimately, only surgery can bring healing. This should be done as early as possible by a specialized veterinarian. Under no circumstances should the diseased eye remain untreated, otherwise cataracts can become extremely painful for the dog.
Cataracts in dogs: treatment – when will my dog feel better?
How can the vet help my dog?
Cataracts in dogs cannot be treated effectively with medication. Surgery is required to restore vision to the eye. However, not every cataract is operable. The eye specialist must examine the affected dog closely and decide whether an operation on the lens is possible and sensible. If, for example, the retina is damaged, an operation would be pointless because the vision could no longer be improved.
If nothing speaks against an operation, the affected dog is first given general anesthesia. The vet then makes a small incision in the eye, smashing up the cloudy lens and suctioning it out. Then he inserts an artificial lens in the dog’s eye, which enables him to see better again. After the operation, treatment with tablets, eye ointments, and drops is necessary, which pet owners can then carry out themselves at home. In addition, regular check-ups at the veterinarian are essential for successful therapy.
How can I help my dog? – These home remedies help with cataracts
There are no home remedies that can alleviate or cure cataracts in dogs. The only option is surgery to replace the affected lens with an artificial lens. There are precautions that can be taken to protect the four-legged friend’s eye lenses:
- Dogs that are often out and about in light snow in the mountains should wear special dog sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV radiation.
- Cigarette smoke is harmful to the dog’s eyes. So do not smoke near your four-legged friend.
- Make sure you have a balanced intake of vitamins so that the dog’s eyes are optimally cared for.
Homeopathy for cataracts
There are no homeopathic remedies that can be used to successfully treat cataracts in dogs. At most, homeopathy can be used immediately before and after the operation to support conventional therapy. The treating veterinarian alone can decide which remedies are recommended for this purpose.
Veterinary costs for cataracts
Unfortunately, cataract surgery is associated with high costs. If both eyes are affected by the disease, you have to reckon with around 4000 euros. If only one eye is affected, it costs around 2,000 euros. After the operation, most patients have to be treated with eye drops for a long time and have to go to the vet for follow-up care. This in turn comes at a cost.
Prevent cataracts in dogs
Since cataracts are age-related and hereditary, there are few preventive measures. One possibility is to keep the risk of developing diabetes mellitus as low as possible. This disease can be prevented by eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.
FAQs about cataracts in dogs
How fast do cataracts progress in dogs?
Age-related cataracts in dogs usually affect both eyes and are caused by wear and tear on the lens of the eye. The disease progresses slowly. This can drag on for several months and years. Age-related cataracts most commonly appear in dogs over the age of seven.
Do eye drops help with cataracts in dogs?
If the affected dog cannot undergo surgery, it will need to be treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops for life. Otherwise, the disease can be extremely painful for the four-legged friend. The diseased eye should not be left untreated under any circumstances.
How does a dog with cataracts see?
Cataracts in dogs mean that the four-legged friend’s vision becomes increasingly blurred as the lens opacity increases. As the disease progresses, the dog sees less and less and, in the worst case, can go blind.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
An operation against cataracts costs around 2,000 euros per eye. After the operation, most patients have to be treated with eye drops for a long time and have to go to the vet for follow-up care. This in turn comes at a cost.
All statements are without guarantee.