Learn how to handle cataracts in your dog’s eyes
Cataracts occur when the lens of your dog’s eye begins to go opaque. You will notice the opaqueness through the appearance of whiteness on your dog’s eye. Cataracts occur in stages, and it is essential to catch and treat them as soon as possible. The first cataracts are known as incipient. The incipient cataracts do not effect your dog’s eye sight and are the smallest of all cataracts. The next stage of cataracts is immature. Immature cataracts are larger than incipient and begin to compromise your dog’s vision. Mature cataracts are the last and most serious stage of cataracts. Mature cataracts effect the entire lens on your dog’s eye and cause the entire loss of vision. If you notice any whiteness on your dog’s eyes or it appears as though your dog cannot see as well as he used to, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cataracts are most often treated with surgery. Your veterinarian will conduct an exam to see if surgery is appropriate for your pet. Sometimes pets with compromised systems or pets of an elderly age will not go through surgery, due to the risks it entails. The surgery is often expensive and potentially leads to further complications. In the surgery, your dog goes under anesthesia and the veterinarian replaces the eye lens with an artificial lens. Most of the time, your dog’s eye sight is greatly improved. However, sometimes the anesthesia alone causes problems. Other times, the surgery leaves further infection, scar tissue or leads to a detached retina or glaucoma.
If surgery is not appropriate for your pet, your veterinarian will prescribe a medical treatment, usually consisting of eye drops and anti-inflammatory medication. The cataracts will lead to inflammation of the eye and you will need to control the inflammation if the lens is not replaced.
Cataracts are often genetic, however they are also caused by old age, other diseases and malnourishment. Maintain a regular veterinary schedule for your dog and pay close attention to your dog’s eyes, especially as he grows into old age. Take care of cataracts as soon as possible for the best results and decreased risk of blindness.
