Dog Cataracts - what you need to know

Because dogs cannot describe their visual problems in words, many owners don't realize their pet has formed cataracts until the problem is quite severe. By developing a good understanding of dog cataracts, pet owners have a better chance of offering their dogs a happy life but spotting the signs early.

Causes of Dog Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. The eye takes on a milky or marbled appearance, as if there were a thin film covering the eyeball. Canine cataracts may be caused by a number of things, including eye infection, diabetes, poor nutrition and age. Some dog cataracts develop overnight, while others take years to form. The most common cause of dog cataracts is old age, with typical onset occurring between ages six and eight.

Surgery for Dog Cataracts
Surgery is the only curative option for dogs with cataracts. To effectively improve the vision, the cataract is removed and replaced with a new lens. Most canine cataract surgeries are successful, although complications may occasionally arise, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, and blindness.
Surgery is an expensive option, and not the right choice for every dog. Because the other senses are so keen, dogs with minor cataracts often function quite well with no surgical intervention at all. Surgical treatment of dog cataracts is often thought of as a “quality of life” procedure because it improves a dog’s eyesight but does not necessarily prolong life.

Prevention of Dog cataracts
Some cataracts cannot be prevented as they are a natural result of the canine aging process. The progression of canine cataracts may be slowed by nutritional supplements containing vitamins E and C. These antioxidants, though not curative, may help protect the eye from age-related degeneration. Other preventive measures include shielding dogs from bright light and protecting them from dangerous situations that could result in eye infection or injury.