Just like humans, dogs can develop cataracts in their eyes and it is one of the leading causes of vision loss in canines. Here, top veterinary ophthalmologist, Gary Lewin from Veterinary Vision reveals all you need to know about the eye condition.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is simply an opacity of the lens, and the term cataract literally means 'waterfall'.
How long do cataracts take to form?
Cataracts can progress at various rates. Some, such as congenital cataracts (present from birth), may progress very slowly or not at all, while others, such as diabetic or traumatic cataracts, can progress within days or even hours.
Why do dogs get cataracts?
Cataracts may be caused by anything that adversely affects the lens – diabetes, trauma, inflammation, genetic disease or developmental abnormalities.
Are there any breeds that are more susceptible?
Yes, some breeds may develop genetic cataracts, while other breeds may be more prone to diseases, such as diabetes, which may then cause cataracts.
Dog breeds at a high risk of developing cataracts, according to the veterinary charity PDSA, include Golden Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White Terriers and Old English Sheepdogs, however this is not a complete list - and the charity recommends always researching your breed.
Can you operate on and remove cataracts in dogs?
The only treatment for a cataract is surgical removal. Once a cataract has developed there is no medical treatment to cure it.
The audited success rate for this surgery at Veterinary Vision has been 90-92% at 12 months post-operatively.
The costs can vary depending on the size of the dog, the presence of any other ocular disease and the degree of post-operative medication required.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery in dogs is less straightforward than in humans. Dogs' eyes are less tolerant of surgery than our own, their lenses are larger, the surgery to remove them is more prolonged, and they are more prone to developing inflammation post-operatively.
The post-operative risks include uveitis (inflammation in the eye), glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and retinal detachment.
Can cataracts come back after the operation?
Generally, the cataract does not return once the lens has been removed. Some lens cells may regrow in the eye, but they usually die off over a period of months. Some opacity can develop behind the artificial lens that is implanted, but this is rarely significant.
Can you prevent cataracts or slow the cataract development?
If the cataract is due to an underlying disease, such as diabetes, controlling this disease may reduce the risk of a cataract developing or progressing but, once a cataract has started to develop, medication is unlikely to slow its progression.
If you are worried about your pet's eyesight, like with any animal medical condition, always consult a veterinary professional
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Veterinary surgeon Gary Lewin graduated from Liverpool in 1987 and has a wealth of experience. He began his career in a mixed practice in Yorkshire and received his CertVOphthal in Birmingham in 1991. In 1994, he relocated to Cumbria and earned his CertSAS in 2001. Gary has also completed training in microvascular reconstructive surgery.
Gary established Veterinary Vision in 2012 and now provides an ophthalmology service across a number of animal hospitals.