Symptoms of a Canine Cataract
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by: dogvision
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Canine cataracts are one a common eye condition in dogs. The age of the dog is not a factor in the development of a cataract in their eyes. The breed does not matter either because all breeds are susceptible for this common eye condition. When a canine cataract develops it will give an opacity or blurriness to the lens of the eye. Only a part of the lens can be affected by a cataract or the whole lens can be affected. When the cataract begins it can progress from a mild condition to a full blown cataract. When a dog develops a cataract it can lead to a total loss of vision if it is not treated. There is no way to prevent them from developing and the dog can not be treated for a cataract until one begins to form.
A canine cataract is either an acquired condition or it can be cause by genetics. Sometimes a puppy will be born with one. Still others will develop them a week or two after they are born. When an old dog develops one it is called a senile cataract. Certain breeds are more prone to canine cataracts than others. A common cause for an acquired canine cataract is diabetes. Sometimes a trauma to the eye can cause a canine cataract to develop.
One obvious symptom of a canine cataract is a white or cloudy eye. Sometimes the area around the eye will be swollen and red. The dog may be sensitive to pain around the affected eye as well. A dog may squint and begin moving around less when a canine cataract develops. You may notice the dog bumping into things which is a signal that they are not seeing very well. If a dog develops a severe cataract the standard treatment is surgery. There is no guarantee that the sight in that eye will be completed restored though. Canine cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification. It involves removing the affected part of the lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The surgery should only be done by a veterinarian who is licensed to perform surgery. It can take up to six weeks for recovery. Canine cataract surgery is 90 to 95% successful.
However the dog must be treated for the canine cataract early for treatment to be successful. It is important to take your pet to the vet for regular eye exams so a canine cataract can be detected as soon as possible. It is possible for a canine cataract to be reversed if it is caught early enough.
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Find more info on dog vision problems, see ocuglo.com.
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