Categorized | Dog Health

Cataracts in Dogs and Dog Vision Problems

Posted on29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, Cataracts in Dogs, Cataracts in Dogs and Dog Vision Problems, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, dog cataracts, Dog Collar, Dog Grooming, Dog Health, Dog Vision Problems, doggy, dogs, owner, tips, Tips and Advice

Cataracts are one of the more common vision problems that occur in dogs, humans and many other animals. Dog health issues such as cataracts and other vision issues can be corrected through a variety of treatments including drug therapies, surgery and genetic testing to prevent dogs with the hereditary condition from reproducing or being used in breeding programs. Since veterinary ophthalmology and general research into cataracts and vision problems in dogs continues to be high priority, this condition is one of the best understood vision problems within the canine population.

What Are Dog Cataracts?

Cataracts are the gradual clouding over or development of an opaque rather than clear lens in the eye. Cataracts can develop in one eye or both and they can range from small areas of the lens to the complete lens, which is the form that results in blindness. Small areas of opacity on the lens typically do not cause blindness and may or may not continue to expand to include the whole lens.

Often dogs, humans or other animals with cataracts will have a silver sheen to their eyes, which is different than a slightly gray coloration to the lens of a senior dog. As the dog matures the lens will slightly thicken and harden, resulting in the grayish tinge. This does not impede vision and is not an issue of concern.

What Dogs Can Develop Cataracts?

Cataracts can develop in any type of dog and includes both purebreds and hybrids. Some of the breeds where cataracts are prevalent include:

•   Smooth Fox Terrier
•   Bichon Frise
•   Boston Terriers
•   Miniature and Toy Poodles
•   American Cocker Spaniels
•   Miniature Schnauzers

However any dog over the age of approximately 8 years old can develop cataracts based on genetics. Approximately sixteen percent of all dogs between the ages of seven to fifteen years will have some form of cataracts. Dogs that have inherited the genetic condition for cataracts and also have diabetes or puppies that were not fed by the mother but rather on formula are some of the highest risk groups for developing cataracts.

Treatment of Dog Cataracts

As with most dog health issues the earlier the condition is diagnosed the better the long-term prognosis of saving the dog's vision. The cataract cannot be cleared off the lens except by surgery, which actually removes the old cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. This surgery can be very successful however there is always a risk of scar tissue or other vision problems occurring after the surgery. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drug therapies are used in the recovery period.

Treating cataracts and other vision problems successfully requires a specialized vet to assist in making decisions about both the procedures as well as overall dog health concerns, especially in senior dogs.