“Learn how to recognize and treat cataracts in your canine companion. Our comprehensive guide covers the symptoms of cataracts in dogs, the importance of early detection, and effective treatment options.”
What are Canine Cataracts?
As they age, dogs develop cataracts just like humans do. A cloudy film forms on the lens of the eye and blocks light from entering.
“Your dog’s eyes contain water and protein. Cataracts form when proteins begin to clump together and form a cloudy substance in the lens of the eye.”
More and more protein accumulates, eventually clouding the entire lens. Cataracts can start small and grow large, or they can appear overnight and completely blind your dog.
What Causes Cataracts in Dogs?
Cataract development is one of the most common eye problems affecting dogs. Although any dog can be affected, age is a huge factor, as well as breed. In fact, most cases are inherited. The following breeds are particularly susceptible to hereditary causes:
- American Cocker Spaniel
- The Boston Terrier
- The Golden Retriever
- Miniature Poodle
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Siberian husky
In addition, the following risk factors increase a dog’s chance of developing cataracts:
- old age
- Congenital cataracts, or being born with cataracts
- Secondary to other eye diseases such as glaucoma
- Diabetes mellitus
- electric shock
- Exposure to radiation or toxins
- Hypocalcemia, or very low levels of calcium in the blood
- Inflammation of the eye
- Malnutrition
- Trauma, or eye injury
What Reasons for Cataracts in Dogs?
A variety of factors can contribute to the development of cataracts in dogs. Some of the most common reasons are:
Diabetes: Diabetic cataracts, possibly caused by blood sugar abnormalities, are the leading cause of blindness in both humans and dogs. Diabetic dogs have a 75% chance of developing cataracts, and 75% will lose their vision within 6-12 months if left untreated.
“In terms of time, the majority of diabetic dogs have cataracts within six months of diagnosis, and 80% do so within 16 months. Because cataracts can develop rapidly in diabetic dogs, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent eye damage and vision loss.”
Aging: As dogs get older, vision problems, such as cataracts, can naturally occur. Certain age-related diseases can also put a dog at greater risk.
Nutritional imbalances: Cataracts from nutritional imbalances usually appear in the first few weeks of a dog’s life and result in loss of transparency in the lens. Dietary cataracts have a good chance of getting better with age, and they usually won’t interfere with vision.
Trauma: For active pups who like to run and play, especially outdoors, there is a risk of possible trauma to the eyes. The lens of the eye can rupture, causing swelling and leakage from the lens into the surrounding area. If you suspect your dog has eye trauma, see your veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosing Cataracts in Dogs:
Cataracts can only be detected by looking into a dog’s eyes, but a veterinary ophthalmologist can make an accurate diagnosis. This may include physical examination to determine walking abilities, ability to focus on objects, and external changes in the eye, including foreign particles that may cause damage.
Other tests may include:
- Eye pressure test
- Internal examination of the lens of the eye
- Complete blood count test
- Electroretinography.
- Eye ultrasounds
- Four Stages of Cataracts in Dogs
Every cataract is unique. Some cataracts develop more slowly than others, and not all follow the four stages.
Primary: Also known as an immature cataract, a primary cataract is a small cloud or opaque pocket in a dog’s eye that does not require surgery. Because it is small, an early cataract has minimal impact on vision and can be managed with routine care and follow-up visits with a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Immature: At this stage, the dog may require surgery due to some clouding of the lens. This condition affects 15% to 99% of lens coverage. Depending on the severity, visual effects can range from minimal to near blindness.
Adult: This advanced stage of cataract affects the entire lens with complete or nearly complete clouding. The eye is severely damaged, and surgery is not always an option. Surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis because of the potential complications that can arise after surgery.
Hypermature: The eye is in the most advanced and final stage of degeneration, and surgery is not possible. As the cataract progresses from adult to hypermacular (which can take months or even years), it wrinkles the lens, and the material hardens and shrinks. Vision loss is common in this late stage. Although the affected eye may be completely cloudy, there may also be clear spots, which will allow some degree of vision.
“Immature, mature, and hypermature cataracts can only be removed with surgery (if your dog is a candidate); However, not all dogs with cataracts will need to go the surgical route. Some dogs may have cataracts in only one eye, and these dogs can often avoid surgery.”
Together: Other dogs with cataracts can get around fine until the cataracts fully obstruct vision.
But here are some things to consider if your pup has cataracts:
Watch for injuries: Be on the lookout for changes that appear out of the ordinary. No matter how minor the injury may be, consult your veterinarian before it leads to a full-blown emergency.
Routine care: Just like humans who visit their primary doctor for regular check-ups, it’s important for pets to follow the same regimen. When it comes to cataracts, reversing them in an advanced stage is not only difficult, it can also be painful and expensive.
Home care: A nutritionally balanced diet can help keep your pet healthy in general—and that includes his eyes.
Surgery: Surgery is one of the most common treatments for cataracts. The first two weeks after surgery are the most critical time for healing; Dogs need to wear a cone collar to prevent scratching and irritating the eye. Drops may also be required to prevent infection.
Corrective surgery is typically a very successful way to remove cataracts and restore vision.
What happens when cataracts in dogs go untreated?
When a cataract is left untreated in a dog, they may go blind as the cataract completely blocks light from entering the eye. A cataract may still be treatable with surgery in the early stages after a dog loses their sight. If the cataract remains untreated after the dog becomes blind, it can eventually develop into glaucoma.
“Glaucoma is a condition where the eye receives too much pressure, which leads to damage to the optic nerve. At this point, your dog will become permanently blind in that eye.”
Other conditions that can be caused by leaving cataracts untreated are lens luxation and cataract dissolution. Lens luxation is a condition where your dog’s lens can float out of place. Cataract dissolution is a condition where your dog’s cataracts dissolve on their own but cause deep inflammation inside the eye, which can then result in uveitis (painful inflammation of the part of the eye known as the uvea) or glaucoma.
“Luckily, not all cases of cataracts lead to blindness, glaucoma, or other medical conditions. However, in all cases it’s important to see your veterinarian for a full assessment of your dog’s condition and prognosis.”
Are cataracts in dogs contagious for humans or other pets?
Cataracts are not contagious for other dogs, animals, or humans.
What is the cost of treating cataracts in dogs?
The cost of surgery depends on the veterinary ophthalmologist you choose, your geographic location, and the complexity of the situation. On average, the cost can run to several thousand dollars, but could be less. Talk to more than one specialist for a quote.
Additional costs for follow-up care may include pills to relieve discomfort, eye drops, ointment, and veterinary visits to ensure that surgery was a success and the eye is healing correctly.
Recovery and Management of Cataracts in Dogs:
A dog’s first two weeks after surgery are the most critical, and the recovery process can take some time. There will be some swelling and discomfort; you will need to manage this inflammation with eye drops several times a day, and the dog will need to wear a cone or Elizabethan collar to protect the eyes. Walks will need to be kept to a minimum. Active dogs will have a hard time staying calm; When going for a walk, use a harness instead of a leash to minimize pressure on the neck. Ensure you follow your veterinarian’s post-care instructions, and schedule follow-up visits as needed.
How to prevent cataracts in dogs?
Cataracts can be managed but not completely prevented. However, some basic precautions will help keep your dog healthy:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and body weight in accordance with your dog’s breed and age.
- Incorporate supplements with antioxidants that support healthy eye function.
- Keep your dog active with daily exercise, which helps prevent eye diseases.
- Schedule annual eye exams, especially as your dog ages.
- If your dog suffers any trauma to the eye area, have it checked out immediately.
It’s important to stay alert to potential injuries and illnesses that can affect the eye and to feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that promote healthy vision. If you own a breed that’s prone to developing cataracts, be sure to have their eyes checked regularly by your veterinarian.