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Cataracts in Dogs
Cataracts in dogs is a very upsetting condition that can cause blindness...
Conseqently, on this page we have provided a complete guide to the causes, types, symptoms & treatment including a quick guide to cataract surgery for dogs, it's side effects and the recovery time...
So
let's get started...
Cataracts in Dogs
Signs
and Symptoms...
Cataracts in dogs is a
very upsetting and debilitating eye disease that can attack all breeds.
The disease is often seen in older dogs and can develop over a period
of weeks, months and even years.
The signs and symptoms
of the disease include a milky cloud or white covering that appears on
the surface of the eye. This cloudy substance stops your dog from being
able to see light. Over time the cloudy substance will cover the whole
eye causing complete blindness.
Older dogs that
develop the disease will nearly always develop it in both eyes at the
same time.
Cataracts
in Dogs
The
Stages
Cataracts
in dogs normally appears in the following stages...
Incipient
Cataracts - This is the start
of the disease - your dog will still be able to to see as the disease
is in it's early stages.
Immature
Cataracts - This is the
stage when the disease will cause blurred vision as the cloudy covering
is starting to cover more of the eye.
Mature
Cataracts - This is when your
dog's eye is completely covered and your dog has lost complete vision.
Causes...
Although all dogs are susceptible to the disease, the following breeds
seem more prone to developing it including the...
Springer Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Afghan
Old English Sheepdog
West Highland Terrier
Poodle
Labrador
Husky
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Schnauzer
The disease can occur
from birth too when the developing puppy has not been given the proper
nutrients.
Diabetes can cause the
disease - due to the high levels of glucose occurring in the aye ball
fluid this will then cause the eye lens to absorb more water to try and
dilute the excess sugar - this excess water can cause the eye to cloud
over.
Cataracts in dogs can
also occur after an injury or accident to the eye - this will then
cause the disease to only affect one eye as opposed to both.
The disease can also
occur in very young puppies who have been orphaned and then given
artificial milk.
A lack of amino acids
in young puppies can also cause the disease.
Free radicals can also
cause the disease as they cause oxidizing in your dogs body - which
then cause the eye to be damaged.
Treatment
and Prevention...
A good diet can be
very successful in helping to protect your dog's eyes including...
Kale
Carrots
Green vegetables
Vegetables rich in
antioxidants help to fight against the free radicals mentioned earlier.
Bilberry and vitamin E
given in 50 mgs has been shown to stop the cloudy build up by as much
as 97% in people and has been offered to dogs too.
Beta-Carotene is also
great for your dogs eyes as it is easily converted to vitamin A which
is great for a dog's overall eye health care.
A herb that has been
excellent helping to clear the cataract and comes in drops is cineraria.
Surgery,
Side effects and Cost...
Surgery can be offered
as it will remove the cataracts. Surgery used to be offered as a last
resort when vision had been completely lost. However, things have now
changed and vets now like to perform surgery as early as possible.
Surgery involves your dog's infected or diseased eye lens being
completely removed and then your vet replacing the lens with an
artificial lens.
Side effects of
cataracts surgery in dogs is increased when the disease is more
advance. The main reason for this is that if the disease has really
taken hold then the eye lens may have become calcified which will make
surgery more complicated and increase the side effects, risk and
recovery time.
The cost of cataracts
surgery is allot and can vary from $1500 up to $3000 per eye and will
involve
your dog spending two days at the vet's. Pet insurance is very
important but it depends on your policy.
